Christmas Eve New Moon In Capricorn

Symbiosis by Ciaran Shaman

 When the serpent awakens, there's no going back...

It's quite interesting really, the fact that so many lunations have occurred around a major holiday or seasonal transition--particularly this year. We had a solar eclipse on Thanksgiving, and now a New Moon on Christmas eve. Just last year, a Lunar eclipse occurred the day before winter solstice--featuring a truly spectacular formation of planets, igniting the "cardinal climax". A part of me feels this is an important symbolism--indicating a shift occurring that is fermented by the archetype of these holidays. Christmas is the most profitable of western celebrations--raking in the cash like nobody's business. On a mundane level, could this indicate that the way we "celebrate" these traditions is about to change? Could it foreshadow another economic shift coming soon? I suppose we'll have to wait and see. On the more energetic plane, it's obvious these lunations are somehow "reconfiguring" consciousness on a much deeper level than we are presently aware of. Some say this is a reprogramming of human DNA--and certainly if you believe much of the "channeled" material from the Pleadians and the like, then this seems a perfectly valid reality--but I can't say that I really know for sure.

It is perfectly plausible that we are mutating as a species--perhaps our dimension, as an isolated entity, is changing form. Due to the holographic nature of the universe, each part reflects the whole--we are but the cells of the earth, and thus, as she changes, so do we. Prior to the lunar eclipse of December 21, 2010--another eclipse occurred just days after the summer solstice on June 26, 2010--containing once again, an incredibly dynamic configuration, with the lunar eclipse conjoined Pluto at the head of the cardinal climax alignment. I wrote about these synchronicities, however optimistically, last year in Cracking The Cosmic Egg. For me, this was what seemingly fueled my experimentation as an astrology blogger--something I am just now really connecting with, while simultaneously struggling to find my "authentic" writing style, moving past various blockages--and learning to bridge hemispheres within my mind. It this this bridging of hemispheres, I find so fascinating.

If you divide the zodiac into two segments, using the summer and winter solstice points, tropical Cancer and Capricorn respectively[1]--we have this symbol of eastern and western--literally the self and the "other". I feel my own process is mirroring the very shift we are experiencing on a global level. I've been involved in a relatively powerful "healing crisis" for many years, peaking this past year, and everything has involved this experience of complete surrender combined with my own research and study in an attempt to "figure out" what's "wrong" with me. I've come to realize that nothing is wrong, I'm perfect, I'm whole, and complete--but why am I in pain, why do I often suffer?

Through this experience, I've found immense empowerment from walking that thin line between the rational and the irrational--the intuitive and the logical aspects of my mind, and each has served me in the process of healing and "figuring it out". I''ve come to realize that pain and suffering are not bad, it is only our judgements of the experience which make it so. Contrary to what many choose to believe, pain can be a healing reaction--it means that the body is attempting to heal from some imbalance.Our suffering is our attachment and judgement of pain--when we become victims of pain as opposed to allies, instead of seeing it as a teacher and guide.

When we are sick, we feel "bad" because our body is communicating to us that it needs to correct something, it needs to reach homeostasis. Perhaps we could modify our language a bit. Instead of simplistic value judgements such as "good" or "bad", we simply say functional or dysfunctional. What does this mean? Functional means that something is operating according to its design and intention. Dysfunctional means that a particular system is being used against this original programming--and thus, imbalance occurs.

This imbalance is an indication that we are not conscious of the needs of that system--that we are, however unintentionally--working against the very life of that entity; but, is this necessarily bad or negative? I suppose such a statement is completely relative to one's perception, and each experience--whether functional or dysfunctional, is valuable and provides growth and evolution for a much deeper part of the psyche....the soul.
The experience of pain holds the potential to bring to light, the true nature of ourselves--it can redirect the ego to an awareness of the needs of the body. While we are in pain, we actually have an opportunity to see clearly--lucidly really, the power of dysfunction and ultimately, the beauty of functionality. As we deviate from the plan, the original intention, we become aware of its genius--its true nature and purpose--and as a result, we come to find reverence and appreciation for the system the way that it is.

Despair by Alex Grey

You see, we suffer because of our ideas about what we think is right or wrong. We are conditioned to be victims of life--not responsible co-creators. Many give their minds freely to the consensus--to mold, to shape, and to dictate their reality for them. We are told that when we get sick, that we are a victim, that something is trying to get at us--usually this perception lends the blame toward some pernicious natural organism, such as when we "catch a cold".

The western world wholeheartedly accepted germ theory[2] without question--how logical it is, that there are organisms, parasites, predators--just like "out there" in the real world, which seek our destruction--which seek to annihilate us. But, what if that predator was not "out there" as we are led to believe--what if it lied within each of us, within our very minds and cells, as potential? When I say the world is perfect, i mean it--it is, it's beautiful and it functions.A counter argument to that statement might go something like, "What? Don't you see the chaos of the world? Don't you see all the problems we're faced with, socially, economically, politically? Don't you see how fucked up everything is? Yes, I see it, although--recently, I don't look for it unless it's put into my face. Those problems "out there" in our supposedly "civilized" world are not the by products of natural intention--they are the result of a collective ideal, fueled by the mind and ultimately by the ego. They are the result of an ideology about how things should be, based on assumptions and mental speculation.

Gaia by Thompson Carey

It is ideas which move the world, they provide the spark, the fuel for social change. Individuals who partake in such collective rituals are acting upon an impulse, an emotional stimulus ignited by ideology--they are moved by an idea, an archetype, which resonates with some aspect of their identity. It is ideas and archetypes, which provide the motivation for change which results into action. Of course this could all be boiled down to the conundrum of the chicken and the egg. My answer is neither, because for me, the idea had to exist first--the template, the system, the design had to be put into place before it could be constructed. Such ideas bring to mind the theory of Morphogenesis, but whatever we choose to label it--it is the very foundation of something which is required prior to the completion of the entire structure. The structure has a design, it has an intention--and there is a natural plan embedded within that being which informs us of its functional use.

So, for me, I am in pain, I am experiencing this healing crisis, because I was unconscious of the needs of my body--and then I embraced an idea, a theory, about how to "fix" my pain and suffering--which led me to....of course, more suffering.  Never did I consider to ask, "What does my body actually need?", "How was it designed to operate in the first place?" "Can it correct this imbalance on its own, with the right tools?". Put simply, If I fill my car up with, say, mud, how far would I get? What if I used olive oil instead of car oil? What would happen? Probably dysfunction. I was conditioned by a culture which concerns itself more with what people are putting into their cars, then their own bodies. If we are that unconscious about what we're putting in our bodies, what about what we allow into our minds? Wow, that explains a lot--but is there something wrong with being unconscious? Only if we judge it--both consciousness and unconsciousness are relevant, each provide the chiaroscuro of life--the depth provided by the interrelationship of light and dark.

"Enlightenment is not about imagining figures of light, but making the darkness conscious"
-Carl Gustav Jung

People suffer from disease because their bodies have begun a mutation, because it is not properly nourished according to its original design and intention. That's right, nature is so intelligent that it can readily adapt to any situation--it can completely transform itself from one thing to another as a means of adaptation. Our minds can change, our bodies, our personality, our very cells--change and mutate based on the environment in which it is enmeshed. Everything is in constant change, endless mutation. Yet, amongst this mutation and adaptation--there appears, from our perspective, to be a solid template--a system put into place which provides the foundation, the root of all forms. If you eat synthetic foods and drugs on a constant and repetitive basis--it's likely to result in a  dysfunctional reaction within a perfectly functional and natural organism. I'm not saying that drugs, fast-food, and microwave ovens are "bad"--but based on the result--they're dysfunctional forms of nourishment.

"Well, what do I eat then?". Well, the real question should be, "How can I functionally nourish my body?". Do we ever consider the notion of nourishment and what it means? When we eat food, what is our intention? "I'm hungry". Well that's perfectly reasonable....but why are you hungry? We're "hungry" because our body is sending us a message, it needs nourishment! We mistake such feelings as something which has to do with "us", our egos, and our minds. We are satisfying our minds, we are fulfilling a desire--an urge, and an idea based on our conditioning. Many of us are conditioned to believe that nourishment comes from a happy meal, or that "reward" comes from ice cream and cookies. We never stop and consider the reward of a fully functional, and fully nourished body and mind. Again, I'm not saying that Ice cream and cookies are "bad"--if we are fully nourished, then occasional splurges are likely to have little to no harm on the body--because it can adequately adapt.

"That is why, on all accounts, we have so little time for philosophy. Worst of all, if we do obtain any leisure from the body's claims and turn to some line of inquiry, the body intrudes once more into our investigations, interrupting, disturbing, distracting, and preventing us from getting a glimpse of the truth. We are in fact convinced that if we are ever to have pure knowledge of anything, we must get rid of the body and contemplate things by themselves with the soul by itself."
-Plato, The Last Days of Socrates.

Now, you might be thinking, "What does this have to do with astrology?". Well it seems that this is the very foundation of the theme we are dealing with on a global level, it is the nature of the beast which confronts humanity. When you look out at our apparently dysfunctional civilization, consider that we are simply unconscious of our needs, and the needs of the planet herself. With all the "choas" and problems we experience, consider them signals, a form of communication from nature to us. When humanity experiences pain, much like an individual, it is because something is trying to reach homeostasis--it's trying to heal from imbalance. We can learn a lot through this experience--through our collective pain, if we are open to it. Systems evolve through time--which is governed by the planet Saturn--who is Kronos= time. Time sets up the structure, the template, through repetition and consistency. How did humans evolve into being? What have we done, consistiently, through time, to our bodies so that it functions properly?

Trees Got Soul by Chris Dyer

For physical nourishment, we ate food--real organic whole food, we got real sunlight, we breathed air, and drank fresh, clean water. Think about how simple that is--if it was invented in the past 200 years or so--invented by an idea, then it likely didn't evolve through time, with us, our bodies--there was no consistency with that substance throughout our evolutionary process. When we introduce such a substance--like putting mud in the gas tank--there's likely to be some malfunction, something dysfunctional eventually results. I doubt the car feels any pain, but it experiences something similar, albeit a bit more primitive.Our creations and our technology have consumed us--we have allowed ourselves, as a collective, to forget the original intention. Our creations are not "bad" or "evil" in themselves--but it is prudent that we learn to balance the creations of the mind, with the creations of the natural world-- the synthetic and the organic.

Yet, for whatever reason, humanity needed to awaken this "new" aspect of the mind, it needed to stimulate its potential into being. This "higher mind" is represented by Uranus, who is Prometheus--the great awakener, and.....trickster. This archetype is embodied in the serpent, the kundalini, the electrical energy which fully stimulates human potential and awakening. Consumed by the magnificence and power that this potential ignited within us, enveloped by hubris--we embraced it without question, we allowed the archetype to take over, and we slipped into unconscious passivity to the god of intellect and technology--we embraced the idea that our power to co-create, to alter nature, meant that we had dominion, that we had power over it.

This pattern of unconsciousness continues, with each new archetype that emerges--we are swept away and captivated, we loose all sense of boundaries. The question is this, how long can we go on as an unconscious species? How long can we last holding complete disregard for the needs of our bodies, minds, the planet, and all her share her domain? My guess, not too long. It seems, fortunately however, that  nature is far ahead of us--and astrology is map to this divine plan and great unfolding. It seems we have a choice now, we are at the cusp of a major shift in our perception--we can choose the path of life or the path of destruction. To live consciously, or to slip further into unconscious passivity to collective hubris.

This month's new moon falls within the sign of Capricorn, in the wake and shadow of Pluto--God of the underworld. It occurs less than 2 degrees of conjunction with the Lunar Eclipse of June 26, 2010--which contained a new template, a new design, for consciousness. This template has received several activations over the past year or so, and it appears this new moon symbolizes the awakening of this potential within us....our entry into the year 2012--which looms as this inescapable beacon of change. Is this the anticipated "enlightenment" and "liberation" of mankind? I don't know, but I do feel that it is indeed the point in which our world will begin its climb toward global homeostasis--the collective consciousness must balance out and equalize. This process can be appear "painful" for some, and can lead to suffering, because pain is a message, it brings awareness--it is a healing reaction. I invite us to not fear this notion--I invite us to instead embrace our inner genius and potential, to get conscious of our needs and the needs of nature, and to begin to nourish as opposed to destroy the systems we have chosen to evolve within.

Disease does not destroy the body, it is lack of proper nourishment which mutates the body--transforms it from this world into another, the inorganic realms. Only the mind and the ego choose the path of destruction--nature chooses assimilation. However, we have a choice, and we can--not of our own volition--but of our conscious surrender--embrace a different ideology, the ideology of nature. It starts by waking up to our needs, and taking steps toward the support, nourishment, and sustainment of those needs. We can choose to support the needs of the earth mother, Gaia, and the needs of other sentient beings. But, how can we nourish others without nourishing ourselves? How can see clearly through eyes which are disillusioned, distorted, and mutated? The universe is offering us a new perception, it is assisting us in opening our true eyes, our true vision--and embracing our role as the responsible caretakers of planet earth.

The sabian symbol for the new moon reads: The human soul receptive to growth and understanding.

Here we stand, at this gateway on Christmas Eve, the collective soul of humanity, the authentic over-soul, awaiting its true incarnation--to jump in and to grow and understand. Growth occurs through tension, through challenge--which allows evolution to progress from one state to the next. According to Blain Bovee[3]:

"Receptivity is deeper than mere inquisitiveness; it addresses something primal in human beings, touching what it means to be human: openness
--Receptivity, however, is not passive. It is the openess of human exploration, like that of an arctic explorer transversing a vast, open landscape".

The challenges of the world do not demand that we fight "what's wrong" or that we aggressively stamp out disease and dysfunction--they invite us to step up with openness and receptivity to await the experience and message encapsulated within the divine unfolding of time. If we experience pain, it is our bodies way of telling us something--it is attempting to reach homeostasis. How can we hear the pain and message of the earth, of humanity, if we are blinded by our own ideas--if we are consumed by a fabricated and synthetic ideology?

The western Christmas celebration began as an extended ritual ignited by the Winter Solstice. Our "holiday" traditions and customs originate from the northern latitudes, specifically the region of Siberia. In these extreme northern regions, the Sun literally disappears for three days. To these ancient peoples, this was quite a statement, as living without electricity, the Sun was the primary source of light, heat, growth, and nourishment. On Christmas morning, the Sun would remerge, and the promise of Spring, of new life, was made. From that point onward, the Sun would no longer descend, but would continue to rise forth, and the days would get longer. There's a whole shamanic custom and celebration which evolved from this phenomena--it is the root of all Judeo-Christian interpretations of Christmas[4]. Many of these customs involved the sacred consumption of the Psychedellic mushroom known as Amanita Muscaria,  the "red and white" spotted shroom.

I can't speak from experience (with this particular entheogen), but from my own studies it is apparent that the experience, when properly prepared for, provided a complete "death" and assimilation of the mind, the ego--and a rebirth of self.  The sacraments were collected on winter solstice, hung to dry--often upon the pine trees they symbiotically grew beneath. On Christmas eve they were distributed by the shaman, accompanied by reindeer and a sleigh. The shaman would descend, like the sun, down the chimney of a yurt--a small house or hut, as the door would be blocked in by the snow. The shaman would guide individuals through this experience, and upon waking, or perhaps, coming to normal consciousness on Christmas morning--the Sun would return, and the light would emerge once more.

The Resurrection of Santa Claus by Jimmy B

The winter solstice is the gateway to death and the potential of new life, to Time, to Saturn and Kronos. Our creations, our intentions set at the Spring Equinox, have manifest fully into time, into form--they have crystallized. It is here that we can see clearly, we have the claryvoiance to percieve the bigger picture and our place within it--and we go within, we reach ourselves--we seek the light within. Just like the ego, the soul is bound in time and in form--it is, in a way, encapsulated by Saturn to carry out its intention.

To quote Bovee once more: "The sense of one's identity, the ego structure, is described in Buddhist psychology as being made up of heaps or bundles from the Sanskrit skandha, bound together, forming a containment vessel through which the sense of existence is created. In other words, the soul can grow and understand only through the bundled vessel of the self.".

This brings to mind the succession of planets, each a gateway----an organ of consciousness and of perception through which the soul is bound while in incarnation upon the earth plane. Indeed, the earth itself is bound in time to the solar system. We expand into the full experience of life, within the proper boundaries of the vessel, the vehicle of the soul. No component is more relevant than the other, and nothing is truly seperate from the whole--even though each fragment appears to be isolate, each piece works together, and each needs nourishment just the same. The root archetype of the holiday tradition is the resetting of form, of structure, of the system, of the body, and of the vessel which carries us through the illusion of time. Our bodies are vessels, and so is the earth--all are systems we must nourish, support, and sustain as each is connected holographically, each a piece of the whole.

Peeling Bodies by Chris Dyer

The new moon squares Uranus, now recently direct in motion sitting on the Aries point--we can see more clearly how we can break out the dysfunctional pattern and follow the original intention--set at the big bang, the first degree of Aries, the spring equinox point. The new moon trines Jupiter in Taurus, expanding our connection to the natural world--in wide opposition to Saturn, who sextiles the new moon--asking us to commit to our relationship to the other, to solidify that connection deeply within ourselves. Mercury conjoins the North Node in Sagittarius, square Mars in Virgo--we are invited to embrace the vision, to follow our authentic voice within, and to put it in motion in order to assimilate all the fragments into the whole. This new moon and winter season is about changing form, it's about conscious mutation--which we can do if we trust the tickster, Uranus, as he guides us toward the activation of human potential--but we must follow with consciousness and unconditional love--not judgement.

This is a time in which we must embrace fully the experience, we must consciously surrender through complete receptivity to the great unfolding of time. On Christmas morning, the Sun rises from darkness--the light returns to permeate the world with the promise of new life. Synchronistically, Jupiter turns direct this Christmas--just after the new Moon--at zero degrees of Taurus. Jupiter invites us, toward forward benevolence and expansion--to embrace with open arms, the process which awaits us. There is no rush, no urgency, no fear--there is only the moment, there is only the great unfolding . There is a much greater system than the ones we play with in our civilized world--there is the earth matrix. This system works, it's been tried and tested for billions of years, and we can trust it. Every system, simply reflects, the greater the system of the earth--and the universe just the same.

The more we heal, nourish, support, and sustain these organic systems--the more balance, equilibrium, and integration will come to our man-made systems rooted in ideology. But, can we surrender our hubris, can we let go of our minds, so that we hear the message--to allow the light to pour in and permeate our very cells? This is up to our own freewill. The system works, it's ready--all we need to do is show up and be receptive. As the sun returns, and Jupiter fully expands into the moment--we simultaneously open up, we let in the light--we embrace the conscious mutation of planet earth. Look around at the beauty and magic of the world, allow your inner child to awaken, that part of you which always saw the world with wonder. It is through these eyes, these eyes of receptive curiosity, through which we can see clearly, how to truly change.

Happy Holidays.

Notes & References

[1] In my article, Cracking The Cosmic Egg, I noted how the winter/summer solstice axis was symbolic of the spinal column within the human body--and compared this symbolism to the the backbone of the DNA double helix structure. The eclipses, lunations, and planetary alignments have directly pointed to this structure as the being significant--placing immense emhpasis upon the cardinal degrees of the zodiac. Regardless of our speculations--these alignments most definitely foretell of a major shift occuring on a global scale, effecting everything within our matrix.

[2] It might be a shock, or perhaps a slight trigger, for some to hear the notion that Germ theory is a theory, not a proven fact. It is a most logical and rational explanation for why we get sick, however, deeper study into this matter reveals many flaws within the theory itself, as well as an alternative perception, more logical in my opinion, which emerged from the work of notable, yet undervalued scientists Antoine Bechamp, a professor of physics, chemistry, medical chemistry, biochemistry, and toxicology-- and Gaston Naessens, a French-Canadian biologist. Louis Pastuer, who is credited with the "discovery" of germ theory, has been revealed to be a fraud in many ways, and is documented having denounced the entire theory upon his own death bed. The truth behind sickness, disease, viral, and bacterial infections lies within the concept of Pleomorphism--which is an organisms ability to change and mutate based on the external environment it is enmeshed with. From an occult or astrological perspective, this is precisely the nature of archetypes themselves--each is inherently multivalent, holding the ability to change and transform, and containing a multitude of symbolic meanings. Needless to say, Germ theory is rather profitable for the modern allopathic healthcare paradigm--as the fear of "catching disease" keeps the populace returning to consume the latest drugs and weapons which will protect them from illness. For more information see the following links for further references:
http://www.hbci.com/~wenonah/new/naessen.htm
http://www.ralphmoss.com/naessens1.html
http://www.healingnaturallybybee.com/articles/germ12.php
Video of Somatids: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Py-hutc5ZNM&feature=related

[3] The Sabian Symbols  & Astrological Analysis: The Original Symbols Fully Revealed, Blain Bovee, 2004.

[4] See, The Sacred Mushroom and The Cross by John Allegro and Astrotheology and Shamanism: Unveiling The Law of Duality in Christianity and Other Religions by Jan Irvin and Andrew Rutajit.

Mars Retrograde in Virgo 2012

Mars Disarmed by Venus and Three Graces by Jacques Louis David, 1824.

Mars Retrograde in Virgo
January 23, 2011-April 14, 2012

Unlike Mercury retrograde, Mars retrograde is more subtle in its collective influence, correlating with a longer range process--impacting us on a physical and emotional, rather than mental and cerebral level. With that said, however, Mars retrograde is an important cycle to acknowledge, especially if you are considering the launch of a major project, business, or enterprise. Where Mercury deals with the mind and communication, Mars governs the initiation of physical action (Aries), catalyzed by deep emotional desire and impulses (Scorpio). Retrogrades often bring us "back" to things from the past--back to certain people, places, and situations. Perhaps this "going back" allows us to complete some karmic loop--tying up loose ends, completing unfinished business. More often, however, these retrograde cycles (especially among the inner or "personal" planets) redirect our attention to a specific area of our lives, so that we can make some adjustments and improvements--which, once the planet goes direct, we are able to implement and make use of.

It is often said that when Mercury is retrograde, that we should hold off from "moving forward" with important projects, plans, or business. In my experience, this has held true, because whatever you are moving forward with is inherently incomplete--it is a natural cycle in which the universe supports revision on all levels. Does this same principle apply to Mars retrograde as well? Somewhat, but not entirely. Whatever is initiated during Mars retrograde will likely dissipate energetically at some point in the future, after the retrograde is complete--it may not completely fail, but it is likely that things will not turn out as you expected, or initially intended--and this can sometimes lead to the explosion of repressed and unresolved anger due to attachment to a specific outcome. New ventures are often plagued with irritating setbacks and annoyances--it is generally advised to wait until Mars is strong and direct before implementing something entirely new. Used constructively, Mars retrograde allows us a process to strengthen or reinforce a preexisting structure we have already set into motion--whatever begins under this cycle will likely not be long lasting, but that doesn't mean it wont be rewarding. We may feel more compulsive/impulsive under this influence--but it is a conscious and objective analysis of these feelings that will provide the edifice for healing and integration at this time.

The inversion of the outward and penetrating influence of Mars provides us an opportunity to understand more deeply, what's really at the root or heart of our desires and impulses. We are all evolving and growing throughout the life experience, and as we go throughout our day, we are acting upon desires which emanate deeply from within the psyche. Normally, we are not conscious of why we feel compelled to do this or that--but while Mars is retrograde, we are provided an opportunity to go more inward and to allow ourselves time to stop and access the deeper motivations for why we do what we do. A specific understanding of what is being reinforced will come through an analysis of the house position(s) that Mars will retrograde through in the natal horoscope, or birth chart.

Be mindful of eruptions of anger due to frustration--it is very common that people find themselves pushing forward completely with something, doing everything they can, until they somewhat implode. This can be an excellent time to consciously express anger, to deal with it, and find therapeutic outlets for it. Anger is an extreme manifestation of self-assertion--which is a mechanism 
within the psyche that allows one to establish boundaries. Anger often results because we are not actively asserting our territory and boundaries directly, letting things slide until the frustration builds to a boiling point, and we lash out. Mars retrograde is a cycle which equally allows us to reinforce boundaries, particularly involving the themes inherent to the house it is currently transiting in the horoscope.

It's important to understand that Mars retrograde is not an omen urging us to completely hold off from moving forward, or that we should avoid taking action--it simply means that whatever you begin, especially an entirely new venture, will not last as long as you think or believe it will--so simply take that into consideration, however it applies to your situation. For example, I once started a massage school while Mars was retrograde, and I had signed up for a full 1000 hour program. I never finished the entire program, because the school ended up going out of business that same year--I received a little less than half the training I anticipated--but, do I regret going, or "moving forward" with it? No way, this particular school was far more than massage training, it was a healing experience which completely changed my life (Mars was retrograde in my 6th house).

I can't imagine where I'd be if I hadn't gone, but it did dissipate energetically, and it did not turn out as I had originally anticipated. However, it did help to reinforce my own healing abilities--I learned entirely new modalities, methods, and philosophies which completely altered my outlook. Through the experience, I also learned ways of strengthening my boundaries--incidentally, I acquired a strong foundation for Tai Chi as well as having the experience of deep emotional release through holistic counseling. Just to note, Mars went retrograde right on my 6th house Transpluto, and in opposition to my natal Jupiter, ruler of my Midheaven--and transiting Jupiter was crossing my Ascendent. The primary motivation was the completion of the entire program, but the outcome was the brief accumulation of entirely new tools, training, experience, and perspectives.

Similar to Mercury retrograde, we may also experience technical or mechanical failures at this time; however, this is usually only when Mars is activating a personal planet, point, or major angle in the birth chart. If that same placement were active by other transits, then Mars retrograde will be much more eventful--otherwise it indicates a time of minor reassessment and strengthening--Mars retrograde is certainly nothing to dread or fear in and of itself! According to astrologer Lynn Koiner:

"During this cycle, never buy anything mechanical unless it is heavily insured! Office machinery and computers easily break down. A friend who owned a word processing service found this period to always be a disaster. During one retrograde cycle, the printer, the back-up printer and the rented printer all failed to work. When they finally got one that worked, the mailing labels printed but there was no ink! I often notice that the world needs a brake job when Mars in retrograde."

Mars will be retrograde in the tropical zodiac sign of Virgo, between 23 and 03 degrees.  On a surface level, this relates to an impulse to strengthen and reinforce overall health and well-being, and also one's "work"--how we are of service to the greater community. Here we can make many adjustments to various bits and details--and we can really gain an understanding of all the intricacies of a particular situation. It is likely that aggressive forward motion at this time may be hindered or bogged down by various details and fragments. In Virgo, Mars retrograde gives us the motivation to put things in order, and to compartmentalize various pieces so that their is greater unity and sense of wholeness.Take this time to find ways to fully assimilate and strengthen each fragment. Just because Mars is retrograde we shouldn't feel frozen by inaction, but rather, inspired to practice and repetitiously train ourselves so that we are more connected and ready for what we desire to put into motion. Once Mars goes direct, we will have more experience and confidence which will better support our future success.

If we move forward with less serious or major projects at this time, Mars retrograde will provide us a process of trial and error. If you are not attached to a particularly "successful" outcome, you can use this energy to strengthen certain abilities through consistent and dedicated effort. As they say, "If at first you don't succeed, try try again"--this is a major theme of Mars retrograde. We mustn't take it too hard if something does fail or even fizzles out at this time--take the opportunity look deeper at the reasons behind it all, and how the unfolding is actually supporting your overall growth and development. Under the influence of Virgo we may find ourselves, or others, rather critical--or making perfectionist demands. Be mindful of this, as you can constructively use this criticism to chisel and shape something to more closely resemble your ideals before taking drastic action--just remember that absolute perfection is an illusion. This particular cycle of Mars retrograde in Virgo could be an excellent opportunity to really connect with something, to get more in the moment so that we can focus on things we would normally overlook in a zealous attempt to move forward.

The constructive use of this energy is to reinforce what is already there and to make it stronger--and to also reinforce or reconsider the boundaries we have set up within a certain aspect of our lives. We may feel impulsed to go after some new opportunity leaving something else behind; however, instead of dropping the whole thing, one should be encouraged to understand why they feel compelled to do so--to look at what isn't working, and how one can go about changing it. This is the time go back and look at the deeper motivations behind our actions, and then to make the appropriate adjustments based on those realizations when Mars turns direct in motion. This "going deeper" while Mars is retrograde, exemplifies its co-rulership of Scorpio, the sign governing self reflection catalyzed by external circumstances. While Mars is direct, our focus is more on the vibration of Aries--but, while Mars is retrograde, it opens the door to a much deeper dimension.

Whatever begins now, whether it's a new experience, relationship, or opportunity--is likely a stepping stone of some kind--it is possible that it will not last as long as we envision it--but if we can accept that, we will have less attachment, and thus less frustration, when it dissipates into the background. This does not mean that the experience is meaningless, it is simply a fleeting opportunity which allows us to reinforce a specific aspect of our lives and to secure our personal boundaries. We may meet entirely new people at this time, and these relationships often feel "fated", as though we have known them before this life. It is possible that, much like Venus retrograde, Mars retrograde is some kind of karmic gateway, in which people from "past lives" reemerge. We may actually even rekindle past relationships with people from this life. Most often, these meetings are relatively brief--but sometimes they can last quite a while--but regardless of where on the timeline such individuals come from, they will assist in redirecting us in a different direction that will have a large impact on our life.

In conclusion, the effects of Mars retrograde are generally more subtle and carried out over a period of roughly three months. Hold back on launching new ventures--this is a time to store up your energy and to redirect it on things that need reinforcement. Sometimes this cycle correlates to sluggish movement in projects or plans that have already been put into action--but if you look closely, you will find that there are things that need further support and strengthening. Its effects will be most influential if it is transiting a specific planet, point, or major angle in the horoscope, and especially if that same placement is being activated by a transit or other indicator. Overall, keep an open mind, be open to revision--and watch out for people and experiences which could very much, however briefly, redirect and alter your life.

Mars Retrograde Cycle 2012
11-18-2011  03 Virgo 41'    Enter Rx Zone (Shadow)
01-23-2012  23 Virgo 06'   Stationary Retrograde
04-13-2012  03 Virgo 41'   Stationary Direct
06-19-2012  23 Virgo 06'   Leave Rx Zone (Shadow)

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.

SolarScopes December 2nd-9th 2011

With Mercury retrograde, I am experimenting with this SolarScope concept, and so you will notice it changing quite a bit until it feels right to me. I don't usually like Sun Sign horoscopes--well, I've never been comfortable with the image of astrology they create. Astrology is profound, incredibly deep, and wonderfully insightful. Sun Sign horoscopes, are--well....vague. Perhaps I am to accept that, on some occasions, depth and profundity aren't always warranted or even desired. I will also admit that I've found them, occasionally, to be surprisingly accurate--perhaps not life changing, but there is a modicum of solace they've provided for me. Without further ado--here is my latest attempt at Sun sign astrology--let's see how this unfolds.This latest incarnation of "SolarScopes" will be presented once a week, at the New, First Quarter, Full, and Last Quarter Moons.

First Quarter Moon @ 9 degrees Pisces 52 minutes

We are in the upward swing of the New lunar cycle--we are accumulating a new process now--there is hope, there is a shining ray of opportunity which beckons each of us. The First Quarter Moon meets us with a slight boost of momentum on December 2nd, as the Moon opposes, and the Sun Squares, Mars in the early morning hours--however, the Moon goes void at 10:06 am Pacific, and will stay there until Saturday Dec 3 at 5:51 PM Pacific. This is a long one folks--in Pisces, let's not fall to pieces over it. Over these two days be mindful of a sense of--well, possible hopelessness about something that is likely beyond your control. Whatever plans you've made are likely to change, especially now that Mercury is retrograde--be extremely flexible and open to revision. If used wisely, we can connect more with ourselves, or our spiritual center at this time--an opportunity to immerse ourselves in the moment.

It will be best to surrender to this energy--embrace the idea that there's absolutely no rush now, take it easy and go with the flow. If you find yourself feeling more inner directed, follow that cue--it will lead you to a much safer space, where you can ride out the storm. Be mindful of making commitments, signing contracts, setting big plans, or making large purchases--things just aren't clear yet, so don't push it. We are in eclipse season, there are a lot of changes and transformations brewing just beneath the surface--trust your suspicion that something is about to shift, bringing some much needed fresh air.

The Moon enters Aries Saturday evening, and meets up with Uranus around 7:01 PM Pacific--this is a definite shift and acceleration of energy--follow your bliss, desires, and creativity--as long as they don't get you into too much trouble, Saturday night is set up for the unexpected.

Sunday the Sun meets up with...uh--Mercury retrograde. Don't panic! It'll be ok--well I don't know that, but I'm sure things will work out just fine. Something, or someone from the past may emerge--allow yourself to be receptive to receive whatever message or teaching is offered. If you can be humble enough to accept the notion that you don't know everything yet--you'll likely find something truly rewarding, if not educational.Watch out for minor irritations or disruptions, don't let them stir up too much anger--and if so, be mindful of where you channel or direct it.

Monday should feel a bit smoother, more aligned, and more balanced. It's a good day to get back in the routine--well maybe not entirely, but you'll be feeling less scattered and confused. Late Monday night is excellent if you need to focus and make progress with a project--with Mercury retrograde, keep in mind that you probably won't complete it just yet, but you can at least go over the details and see what needs to be adjusted. The Moon enters Taurus on Tuesday around 6:34 am Pacific. We may feel more connected to each step today, methodical, but also expansive--spending some time outdoors or within nature will likely be rewarding--there's a strong appreciation and adventurous thirst for the subtle, simple, and naturally beautiful.

The energies of Tuesday are likely to carry on over to Wednesday--overall this is an excellent time to take things step by step, perhaps making some progress with something you've been working on. Thursday the Moon goes void around 3:40 pm Pacific, and enters Gemini around 6:52 pm Pacific. Towards the latter part of the day be mindful of mixed, foggy, or unclear communication. If you need to convey something important, make sure you state things as clear as possible--and again if necessary. Thursday favors mental pursuits, but more dealing with flexible and imaginative brain-storming--it'll be best if you're less attached to what you receive.

Mercury retrograde is quite influential Friday, so again, be open to all the possible faults and short-circuits the universe reveals to you. If you can open your mind to new solutions you'll experience much less pain or frustration. Stay tuned for my reading on the Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse which occurs Saturday December 10th!

ARIES
It can be irritating not knowing where you're going, especially when you're usually so sure about what you're after--going deeper within will probably be more useful now than ever. Keep your focus on the vision, the plan, and that ray of light pouring through those clouds with that beautiful, yet elusive, silver lining. Keep playing with that idea, vision, or perception--a few more adjustments and you'll likely get it just right. Your whole outlook is changing, so keep those mental flood gates wide open--an influx awaits.

TAURUS
 You're normally so good at keeping a slower pace, but you may be feeling a bit more--accelerated than usual, as well as more enmeshed with others than you'd like to be. Sometimes we need to see where others stand--what they think, feel, or embrace in their own little bubbles, and through comparison, we can make more sense of our own position. It might not make sense yet, as if everyone is just a carefully placed distraction to keep you from what you want--but just allow yourself to be open to the notion that there's far more than you've thought of on your own.

GEMINI
Oh Gemini, just where are you going? You probably thought I'd be able to tell you. Your life direction just seems a bit fuzzy, and you're not sure which hat to wear--you might not have even tried any on yet. Don't feel pressured to "figure it out", even though you're usually so good at it. Feel your way through this, trust, have patience. There's also more than meets the eye in your personal and professional relations--be open to the assistance and possible feedback of others, as well as a renewed outlook, or even rekindling of a certain relationship.

CANCER
Luckily for you, you're an emotional creature, more comfortable with subtle impulses and intuitions. Let that tiny little voice guide you now, allow it to show you a new horizon, even if it isn't entirely clear or even in focus just yet. There's a lot of pieces that still need to be put together to make the whole picture complete--and if you can embrace each fragment, one by one, it'll surely come out a masterpiece. Take your time. There's a lot of adjustments to be made to your usual routine, whether that be at work or with a daily regimen--keep playing with it.

LEO
Feeling your way through the crowd might be a little overwhelming, but trust that you're being guided toward the proper assistance--as they say, two heads are better than one. You may be finding yourself more connected to revising the way you express and actualize yourself--getting more in the process--allowing it to take over. Don't feel rushed to complete anything just yet, your just experimenting, you shouldn't feel the need to fully commit or even pin it all down--don't take things too seriously now, just play the game, you're so good at it!

VIRGO
When it's difficult to pin down the intentions of others, it's likely the universe is simply reflecting back, the truth that you're not quite clear with your own. There's a lot shifting and shuffling beneath your feet, but trust that impulse and desire which will guide you to modifying the whole foundation. Something from the past emerges now, and with it a renewed perspective on where you really fit in--where you feel really connected and rooted in the ground. Oh Virgo, a little dust never bothered you, and once it's all settled, things will be back to feeling more safe and secure.

LIBRA
You might not know what to think, decide, or commit to--perhaps an endless array of thoughts are seemingly flying around in mid-air. What a perfect opportunity for bringing in some balance--and there's plenty of options now to throw up on those scales. Don't fret over making the final decision just yet, your flirting with your mind--and once you get clear about the pro's and con's you'll be able to get things going and back in order....just as you like it.

SCORPIO
So much is changing in what you identify with--especially regarding the ways in which you support yourself. Keep an eye out for new creative ways to fuel the pump of adundance, and a different perception of how you can make things happen. When you aren't clear with what you want, it's best to just try some things out. Go inside yourself now, really get into the process--let it guide you to a new horizon within. You're being given an opportunity to find out just what makes you tick--take it one step at a time.

SAGITTARIUS
You are who you are, but right now it feels as if you can be whoever you want to be. Something is changing in the way you put that first foot forward--but don't feel pressured to commit to any particular image. If it doesn't feel right, it probably isn't, so trust that you can play and experiment with the whole look. Something new is on the horizon, and you may be feeling more adventurous and expansive--more connected to your basic nature than usual. Trust your impulses now, something is about to emerge. Don't limit yourself, just have patience and watch it all come together just as you imagined.

CAPRICORN
You're more comfortable with the tangible, and right now it feels as if you can't hold on to much. Something hidden has perhaps, or is likely, to reveal itself--maybe from the past, or maybe from those deeper recesses of your psyche. It's ok, trust the process, and surrender....you can't exactly control this one--so why beat yourself up over it? Keep an eye out, even though you might not see it just yet--there is a force so much greater than what you see before you, and it beckons. Follow your hunches, not your mind.

AQUARIUS
Things are speeding up, but maybe not moving forward--wow, what a contradiction. It's ok, you probably need this time of cross currents, use it creatively. You're likely desiring some companionship, or perhaps just some adulation of some kind. This is the perfect opportunity to expand or refine your network, find out who or what really matters most. You're usually not used to doing things the "normal" way, so enjoy this process--experiment, try something different. Follow the road to ingenuity, it might even be lucrative.

PISCES
A new direction is revealing itself--but at the same time, you're not feeling too sure about who you are, or which hat to wear. Keep an open mind--luckily for you, you have more faith than most. Use this time constructively to get more clear about where that horizon truly leads. Don't feel pressured to know exactly just yet, it's a process--you're experimenting with the whole structure, and whatever fails now wasn't on very solid ground to begin with--so make the appropriate adjustments and move on.

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 18, 2011

The Moon enters her last quarter phase this morning at 7:09 AM Pacific/10:09 AM Eastern. At this phase of the lunar cycle, we come to releasing and letting go the previous cycle as the Moon wanes into the next New Moon. The sabian symbol for the last quarter moon reads: "A rainbow"

A rainbow carries with it the symbolism of the illusion inherent to perception--the ideal of gold waiting at the end, and its inherent nature as an "optical illusion". Alternately, the rainbow symbolizes hope, and the promise of new beginnings--the calm after the storm, when a new potential emerges from some preceding chaos. Perhaps this symbolizes the letting go of an old way of perceiving something, and embracing an entirely new perception or vision--or embracing a variety of possibilities or viewpoints.

The Moon sextiles Saturn at 4:28 AM Pacific/7:28 AM Eastern, and squares the Sun at 7:09 AM Pacific/10:09 AM Eastern. The early part of the morning may start off with a more serious and focused tone, we may feel very determined to do something and yet, may encounter resistance from our emotions or intuition. The Moon opposes Neptune and goes void at 11:06 AM Pacific/2:06 AM Eastern. While the Moon is void, the collective energy becomes more withdrawn and inwardly directed. Plans made may change, or not turn out as you expected--be open to revision and alterations in the anticipated unfolding. It seems as if things may get a bit foggy or unclear for the early part of the day, so have an open mind, and trust your hunches if you feel you should take it a bit easier.  The Moon leaves her void around 2:19 PM Pacific/5:10 PM and enter Virgo. The afternoon energy is likely to shift considerably, so it might be best to hold off on certain commitments, or making heavy decisions until then.

While the Moon is in Virgo, we may be feeling more connected to getting things done, perhaps organizing and creating harmony out of chaos or confusion. The collective energy may become more concerned with details, and more focused on the process as opposed to the end result. This is an excellent energy if you need to be exact and specific--but keep in mind that this energy will be more available as the day progresses. We may feel more critical of ourselves or others. The Moon opposes Chiron around 3:30 PM Pacific/6:30 PM Eastern. The Moon trines Jupiter around 6:50 PM Pacific/9:50 PM Eastern. The collective energy may become more expansive, optimistic, and much lighter and smoother as the evening winds down--feeling a desire to find wholeness. However, the Moon is entering into a conjunction with Mars conjunct Transpluto in the early degrees of Virgo--be mindful of anger which may arise, and expand, at this time as well. The Moon conjoins Mars at 9:12 PM Pacific/1:12 AM Eastern, which could ignite the collective energy with a burst of assertiveness and a take charge energy. With all this activity in the late night, it may be a bit challenging getting to bed on time--but if you need to stay up and complete some task, tonight would certainly be productive as the energy will be ripe for focus, motivation, and precision.

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.

SolarScope November 16, 2011

 The Moon leaves her void and enters Leo around 8:17 AM Pacific/11:17 AM Eastern this morning, and will remain in Leo until early Friday. While the Moon is in Leo the collective energy can become more playful, creatively self-expressive, and subjectively aware. Leo has a flair for the dramatic, and while the Moon is in Leo we may project things beyond their true proportions--be mindful of this tendency in yourself and others. People may be more generous than usual, but also more self-centered--while the Moon in in Leo we are impulsed to find enjoyment and amusement within the many facets of daily life--we have a greater capacity to connect deeply with the inner child. The Sun rules Leo, and thus the Sun's influence in Scorpio is likely to twist this energy into a desire for "penetration", depth, and intensity. This could create the potential for intense sexual desires, and well as an equally powerful impulse to get creative and "tear into" a creative project or task.

The Moon trines Uranus around 9:54 AM Pacific/12:54 PM Eastern, starting the day off with a surge of innovative creative spontaneity. With the combination of Leo, this is likely to create a powerful wellspring of individual self-expression--we may be feeling much more connected and able to express ourselves uniquely today than usual. The Moon makes a Square to Jupiter around 1:33 PM Pacific/4:33 PM Eastern, and Mars makes a Trine to Jupiter around 2:08 PM Pacific/5:08 PM Eastern. The afternoon is likely to receive an extended burst of energy and a desire for expansiveness. Needless to say, today appears to be an excellent day to get things done, especially finishing a project or task you have already set into motion--as much of the energies will allow much motivation. Equally, there is much potential for excessive idealism and a fanatical belief in one's abilities--be mindful of what you take on, and realistic about how much you can handle today.

Today has a flair for the unique, the unexpected, and the expansive....just be mindful that many of these are energies are for the most part, short-lived. Whatever you begin today is sure to be enjoyable, whether you are able to complete it in the future or not, you are likely to have a good time doing it either way. If you're not feeling very productive, today in an excellent day to do something for the fun of it, and to just be in the moment. There is much lightness and generosity inherent to these signatures, and this is likely to be expressed through other people you encounter throughout the day.

Daily Sabian Symbol: "An X-Ray"

An X-Ray is the byproduct of modern technology (Uranus), and allows us to see beyond the physical persona or barrier we see before us (Scorpio/Pluto). An X-ray can provide us with an expanded perception of what we are normally unable to perceive, and thus can have the ability of speeding the process of diagnosis without the need for physical penetration. At the same time, an X-ray operates through the use of "unseen" radiation, which can be highly dangerous and even deadly with long term exposure. Is what we see really what we get? What is the cost and benefit of cutting corners?

SolarScope November 14, 2011

The Moon drifts through Cancer all day today, flooding the collective with an energy which seeks nurturing, protection, security, and safety. While the Moon is in Cancer, emotions and sensitivities are much more heightened--be mindful of vulnerabilities in yourself and others. As the Moon moves through the Cardinal sign of Cancer, it will interact with the powerful Pluto/Uranus Square. The majority of major aspects occur in the early part of the day--The Moon squares Uranus at 1:06 AM Pacific/4:06 AM Eastern, sextiles Mars at 2:28 AM Pacific/5:28 AM Eastern, sextiles Jupiter at 5:22 AM Pacific/8:22 AM Eastern, and opposes Pluto at 10:26 AM Pacific/1:26 PM Eastern.

The day begins with a highly powerful and intense energetic influx, and much of these combinations may feel a bit contradictory at first. There is confusion and chaos seeking harmonious union and integration. Today is an excellent day to look at how you can restructure some things in your life to create more harmony--perhaps a home, living situation--basically anything that you consider to be apart of your foundation and sense of security. Go with your "gut feelings", however, be mindful of sudden and aggressive impulses. Assert yourself uniquely, perhaps not harshly.

There may be an urgency to really shift things around and make lasting changes--just be aware that you probably don't have to do it all in one day. Mercury and Venus are making their way past the North Node in Sagittarius, we may feel more adventurous now, coupled with a desire to expand beyond the known horizon and envision what's truly possible. Today favors making new connections, especially if they relate to people and places between long distances from where you live. Above all else, go with your instincts, feelings, and intuitions. If you can dream it, you can do it--all in good time, of course.

 Planting day: Today is an excellent day for planting below ground root crops.

Sabian Symbol: 23 degrees Taurus-- "A bunny metamorphosed into a fairy."
This symbol invokes a sense of high awareness and transformation--bridging the mundane and the imaginal.

SolarScope November 5, 2011

 The Moon is Void of Course in Pisces all day today, until 1:05 AM November 6th. The collective energy is likely to become more passive, introspective, introverted, and reflective. Today is a good day to practice patience, surrender, and trust in the process. It might be wise to have less attachment to what goes on today, as plans may have a tendency to change when you least expect it--it can be one of those days when things seem increasingly less clear than usual. Consider having less concern, attachment, and focus on outer external events and more concentration on inner personal matters and concerns--perhaps playing it safe today would be the best option. If you can stick with the usual routines you should be very successful, the challenge will likely be encountered when attempting to make drastic changes or getting involved in some entirely new experience.

Today favors any kind of activity which nurtures, supports, and sustains your emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being. Staying centered and grounded in your own sacred space would be tremendously  rewarding. If you feel impulsed to do something entirely new, check and see if you're really clear that it is something truly worth your while--there is a strong tendency to idealize something just to simply fulfill exaggerated desires. We often go though life looking for ways to enjoy, accomplish, or fulfill an idea or need which will increase our productivity and or success. Today, consider another dimension, in which the focus is more on nourishing and supporting your entire being, whatever that means for you. Because the Moon is void of course, she will not be making any major aspects to the primary planetary bodies. However, the Moon will make subtle contact with the asteroid Ceres, by means of a conjunction around 8:44 AM Pacific, beginning the day off with a nurturing tone.

If you feel scattered, unclear, foggy, spacey, or unfocused today--look within and see whether you are truly supporting yourself by pushing forward. You may be amazed that the universe fully supports you taking it a bit easier than usual, allowing yourself to be more in the moment and apart of the process. Sometimes, when we really allow ourselves to slow down the pace, we make discoveries which can completely alter our perception of the world around us. Look and see what discoveries or secrets are waiting for you to tap into. Surrender whatever dilemma emerges and trust that it's likely not something you can do much about in the moment. If we can disconnect from what is draining us, and make connections to something much more sustaining, we will be a lot more functional in the future. There is so much beauty in the divine unfolding. Follow the road to awe....

Disconnect to Reconnect.

SolarScope November 4, 2011

The Moon drifts through Pisces today, having returned from her void, her sacred alone time, around 1:18 am Pacific last night. While the Moon is in Pisces the collective background energy is more in tune to a sense of timelessness--we have more of an opportunity to be in the now, to capture and enjoy each moment--to see the beauty and wisdom of each fragment. The Moon makes a square to Mercury around 5:02 AM, and then to conjoining Venus around 5:33 AM Pacific. This morning could start off with energy that seems at cross purposes, as our mind/desires/ideas may seem compelled to ignore our bodily signals. Luckily the Moon is applying to a sextile to Jupiter in Taurus, exact around 8:56 AM Pacific, and this should give the morning a much needed boost, infiltrating the collective with expansive enthusiasm.

With the combination of aspects today, there is a high chance of getting lost in daydreaming and or idealizing--which isn't necessarily a bad thing, just be conscious of how much this serves you. If you find yourself focusing too much on the past or the future--what was, or what could be--then you're likely missing the moment, which is equally, if not more significant, than what's no longer in existence--or what has yet to become. The Moon forms a sextile to Pluto around 11:05 AM Pacific, giving the enthusiastic vibe a boost of powerful confidence, conviction, and an ability to follow through to the very end. Today is a wonderful day to just be, but if you have important work to attend to, you can also be very productive as well--just be mindful that things may not be as exact or percisce as you may want it--it's more about the perspective. Allow yourself to fantasize, enjoy the sights and smells around you--but don't get too carried away by the stream.

Today is excellent for gardening, especially for planting above ground winter crops (unless it rains, which is expected here on the west coast of Cali). The Sun will be at 12 degrees of Scorpio for most of the day, the Sabian symbol reads:

An inventor performs a laboratory experiment. 

Perhaps today is a good day to experiment, which was similar to the theme yesterday, yet with less impulse and electricity from Uranus. Creative solutions may abound, maybe insight on a new way to play with and modify something. A true "inventor" has a passion for creation--he or she creates because of an innate sense of curiosity and wonder about the possibilities that exist. With the Solar energy fermented by Scorpio, we may find ourselves altering something already in existence, adding some touches to make something more functional or interesting, or perhaps tinkering with other people's stuff. Today is an excellent day to enjoy the process, really get into it, by maybe without as much attachment to the end result.

SolarScope November 3, 2011

Both Mercury and Venus trine Uranus while in conjunction today, adding a burst of electric vibrancy, spontaneity, rebelliousness, and a surge of creative or spiritual revelations. Combined with the Moon in Aquarius, ruled by Uranus, today is coated with a sense of the unconventional and the uncharted. Explore something new today, look and think outside the box--that requires looking in places you may have never thought of before. The Moon makes a trine to Saturn around 10:06 am Pacific, so this should temper and focus much of the otherwise sporadic Uranian energies.

Saturn allows us to stick to whatever we've been doing, allowing for a practical and useful implementation of any radical or unusual insights we receive today. "Steady does it" is Saturn's motto, so the early part of the day should be full of a highly focused and directed electrical chi flow. Around 5:06 PM Pacific, the Moon makes an opposition to Mars, and this is likely to add more energy to the current flow, however, we must be mindful of our emotions and keep an eye out for outbursts of anger--and also to not get swept away by sudden impulses which may pull us into directions we can't entirely commit to, or into projects we aren't able to complete.

At this point we may be feeling more energized physically, however, mentally and emotionally we may feel a tendency to go more within ourselves as the Moon begins leaving Aquarius, joining the Neptune/Chiron conjunction. As the evening winds down, the energies will likely impulse us to stay closer to our spiritual and emotional center-- to deep contemplation, relaxation, reflection, and integrating the day. The Moon goes void at 8:41 PM Pacific, making its last aspect to Neptune. This is an excellent time for meditation, channeling, yoga, or other spiritual discipline which allows us to transcend the physical and to peer into the numinous and unseen realms. Whatever plans you had may change, and you may find yourself feeling more like spending time alone or keeping things more low key for the rest of the night.

If things appear foggy or unclear tonight, it's probably best to surrender to whatever is going on and attempt to make sense of it later on, probably tomorrow. Tonight the dream time should be particularly interesting-keep yourself open to any or all symbols received as they may have powerful implications for healing.

SolarScope November 2, 2011

First Quarter Moon
9 degrees Aquarius 55
9:38 AM Pacific


Today is the First Quarter Moon, the first solidifying step within the new Lunar cycle. Both Venus and Mercury ingress into Sagittarius today while having been in close conjunction to one another since around October 13th--this conjunction peaks (becomes closest to exact) at 00 degrees of Sagittarius forming a T-square alignment with the Neptune/Chiron Conjunction in opposition to Transpluto, which recently ingressed into Virgo. Just yesterday, Mercury and Venus conjoined at the 29th degree of Scorpio, symbolizing the transition to the energies we are likely to experience today. What's about to explode from the shadowy depths of the unknown today? Something will make its presence known that will be apart of a process of unfolding, leading to a definitive re-evaluation during the upcoming Mercury retrograde cycle. This provides us a vortex for us to pierce deeply to reveal the truth and authentic nature of anything we focus upon. The conjunction of these two inner planets creates a collective energy which stimulates us to express our deepest values, to cultivate inner and outer resources, and to find adequate means of self-expression. This could manifest as the sudden inspiration for a project to further enhance beauty and functionality, a new and exciting creative passion, or perhaps some way to enhance a preexisting relationship.You may find yourself more closely identified with your deepest beliefs about life and yourself now, and as both planets move into the vibration of Sagittarius we are given the opportunity to see more clearly the bigger picture, and potentially the truth of it all. From this vantage point we are more aware of how the inner workings make up and support the whole. Let us be mindful of the shadow, which may impulse us towards a sense of absolute self-assurance, dogmatism, and a tendency to be overtly didactic.

Being too focused on our own perception of things will always limit us to the possibility of refinement of our viewpoints provided by the perception and feedback of others. Let us be mindful of perceptions and ideologies that may be forced upon us from someone or something external. Anytime we pressure our view of reality onto another--it is likely that we ourselves are insecure in our own position, and thus seek validation through the acceptance of our beliefs by others. Pinning down the exact details of anything may be a bit challenging now, because we're only looking at the larger whole, so things are inevitably in their more "rough draft" stage in the moment. Keep this in mind, because both Mercury and Venus will be dancing into the shadow of Mercury's upcoming retrograde cycle soon. Pay attention to what comes up now, as it will likely be revised in some way. Interestingly, this Mercury and Venus conjunction will peak again on November 10, the day of the full Moon (though they never quite become exact), and Mercury goes retrograde around November 24th, the next New Moon/Solar Eclipse which occurs at 2 degrees Sagittarius.

Collectively, today is likely to be significant in that it will present us with a preview of the changes and transitions that are coming our way. Be clear in your choices and actions, although you may feel that all is apparent and visible now, you are still prone to delusion's of grandeur. What may seem too good to be true, probably is--at least for the time being--but that doesn't mean forever. We are building and acquiring now-- mostly ideas, perceptions, information, and a larger perspective. Be mindful of your hunches, feelings, intuitions--and any or all "received" information--the doors of perception are wide open, and the spiritual and numinous realms are more than willing to tell their secrets to those who know to ask the right questions.

The Sabian symbol for the First Quarter Moon reads:

10 degrees Aquarius: A man who had for a time become the embodiment of a popular ideal is made to realize that as a person he is not this ideal.

There are different variations in the wording of this symbol, however, each eludes to an individual embodying a symbol which gives a momentary sense of collective power, fame, and attention. Any "celebrity" or famous historical icon, represents an archetype manifest through the individual themselves. The person (or people), who takes on this power does so at the expense of living a "normal" life--in that they surrender their personal identity and life to become the expression and manifestation of the unconscious symbol shared by the collective. You could say that, in a way, the collective archetype--or celebrity icon--becomes temporarily possessed by psychic forces, and the role they play is apart of a much larger cosmic and mythic drama. Once the collective has processed the message embodied by this symbol,the archetype dissipates back into the unconscious memory of the collective-- leaving the individual with the shell of their former self. The ideal is an expression of potential, but the reality is that we can only model that potential to the best of our ability and eventually accept that we are only human in the end--and thus will never fully express or comprehend the ideal in this life. The symbol seems to represent someone emerging from a state of possible delusion, to realize who they truly are. We feel a sense of self-analysis and evaluation to see past the presented image, and deep into the truth encapsulated by the soul itself.

Stay in the light.

*This is first of possibly several "daily" astrological updates I have committed to writing. This is mostly an experiment, so I will be doing the best I can to post as frequently as possible, but will be also acknowledging my inherent Geminian flightiness and indecisiveness ;-)

New Moon In Scorpio: Maximum Occupancy

New Moon @ 3 degrees Scorpio
October 26, 2011
3:56 PM Eastern
12:56 PM Pacific

As the solar cycle shifts into Scorpio, we segway into a process of pruning and consolidating our manifestations--cutting away at what is no longer relevant or what no longer serves our own growth and development, and that of our creations. What needs to be released now, so that things can run more smoothly? What's in the way, what's blocking things from blossoming into their highest potential? Letting go, releasing, and editing all the clutter will make room for so much more to grow. Now is the time to cut things back, but not to completely destroy something--look for ways you can keep and maintain what's truly important and that supports the entire foundation, or to release it and let it go. Burning bridges is never the best option, but rather looking for the potential in what is, and how you can use the current state of things to make everything more efficient.

Since I last posted my article on the previous New Moon in Libra, the beginning stages of many changes and shifts have revealed themselves, and each of them is a very significant symbol and key in the process of understanding the current transition. In the article, Intimations of a New World, I outlined the energies and archetypes of September's highly dynamic New Moon configuration involving the mysterious and enigmatic comet Elenin--concluding that Elenin, through the New Moon itself, was communicating, or rather, teaching us about a new model and perception of a new world. The conclusion of the article may have been a bit esoteric--but in hindsight it is very clear that what was received was indeed quite relevant in terms of current world events. The primary conclusion, which is a fragment of Elenin's meaning, was that Elenin embodies the archetype of a collective ideological transition symbolized as the beginning stages of a shift in religious symbolism fermented by the change-over from the age of Pisces towards the the age of Aquarius.

Elenin reveals to us that many new ideologies are about to present and cement themselves within the collective psyche on planet Earth, whether they are religious, spiritual, political, economic, scientific, or philosophical in nature. Elenin also embodies the death of outlived and corroded ideologies and the birthing of new perspectives and worldviews symbolized primarily through the progressive decay of the dominant Judeo-Christian ideology within Western civilization (symbolized through Elenin's current state of disintegration). The New Moon in Libra, which occurred on September 27th, contained a miraculous configuration, involving Elenin and several other comets currently visiting our solar system, which I have intuited to be apart of a process which is activating a "new template for consciousness" within the collective mind. Elenin is currently disintegrating according to the latest observations, but it is not going to completely fade from our awareness just yet. It appears that Elenin is about to receive a boost in its relevance for us, because this month's New Moon exactly conjoins Elenin's natal ascendent at 3 degrees of Scorpio, and within roughly 2 degrees of conjunction with Elenin's natal Venus as shown in the discovery horoscope.

Elenin's Discovery Chart

If you've paid any attention to current events, you are likely aware of the Occupy Wallstreet movement which has now spread to hundreds of cities worldwide. Astrologically, this is primarily catalyzed by the building Uranus/Pluto square which has been anticipated by astrologers for many years, and I have written briefly about it in previous articles (such as Cracking The Cosmic Egg). The Uranus/Pluto cycle historically correlates to the rise of aggressive revolutionary, reformatory, and rebellious impulses which arise from the collective unconscious every time the two planets make a hard aspect to one another, i.e. a conjunction, square, or opposition. The last conjunction of Uranus and Pluto occurred during the late 1960's, beginning an entirely new process of cultural reformation. The key to working with this cycle is understanding that it is a process, not an end-all solution. Whenever these two planets come into a hard contact with one another, we are given an opportunity to further the agenda of the process at that time, and then to allow it to spread and infiltrate until the next contact. The psycho-emotional frenzy that gets stirred up by these forces can be so powerful that many believe the utopian/promethean/dionysian vision, which is inherent to the process itself, will fully implement at that time, however, the initial thrust and momentum is likely to recede back into the unconscious once the contact is complete--leaving many to believe that whatever actions that had taken place had somehow failed to be fully realized.

The reality is that the world is not yet ready for the complete implementation of the radical vision of Uranus and Pluto--it has only the capacity to process sporadic phases of experimentation when the time comes, and thus we must trust that each phase of its development serves a deeply significant and meaningful purpose in the end. The ideal would be to transmute the impulsive/aggressive/unconscious revolution into a calm/assertive/conscious evolution. It would be ideal for one to be exceptionally mindful at these times, because the potential exists to become swept away by collective psychic frenzy into social movements which we may not fully understand. We must also be conscious of the fact that the current system of government has the ability, and capacity, to manipulate and infiltrate such social movements as a means of keeping things under control--and thus, the perceived end result may be extremely far away from the original intention of the movement itself.

"Charging Bull", the central image from the Adbusters poster promoting Occupy Walstreet September 17th. Note the symbolism of Taurus, the sign of values, income, and resources, and also the symbolic reference to the biblical "golden calf" (transition of ages).

What we are seeing now is a foreshadowing of the energies which are going to emerge on this planet from 2012 through 2015 when Uranus and Pluto come into exact contact to one another. It is likely that the current Occupy movement is a stepping stone and segway towards something much more powerful, focused, and directed--which will erupt in the summer of 2012 onward. The Uranus/Pluto cycle can also be rather violent in and of itself--this particular phase of the cycle, the square, has the potential to be extremely violent and chaotic in its expression and manifestation. In looking at the signs involved, we receive more clarity of how this process is to express itself. Uranus is in Aries, the sign of aggressive self-assertion, the power of the people and the individual, the common people, the power of one, the thrust and momentum of a new process, the vibration of the big bang--in tension and conflict to Pluto in Capricorn, the sign of powerful structural and authoritarian power, the very skeletal infrastructure of systems which manifest as governments and corporations, and powerful social control and authority. It is through these images that we see quite clearly how our world is currently playing out these archetypes on the world stage, and armed with a broader astrological perception, we can see that there is a much larger process and cycle at work here.

The bigger question remains....Are we truly directing these forces ourselves, or are these forces directing us? How conscious are we as a society? How aware are we of our own internal workings, shadows, and stumbling blocks? It all begins with the individual, taking responsibility for themselves and their own process. I personally feel that the core message of Occupy Wallstreet is extremely relevant and contains much truth, but in looking at our past history, it is clear that such movements have not always been quite successful in the past, even if history tells us otherwise. When things become aggressive or violent, it is an indication that the collective has succumb to projection of repressed unconscious contents. What we aggressively fight against, we end up secretly becoming and consumed by--psychologist Carl Jung called this Enantiodromia. Ironically, the American Revolution's prime directive was to escape the confines of the monarchy, and yet, today it seems we have but created a similar system to the one our ancestors fought so desperately to stamp out--a Fascist system disguised as democracy. There is so much going on here than simply greedy capitalists who are taking all the money and resources from the common people, there is a deeply rooted conditioning which has been implemented on many different levels of consciousness. Yet, it is true, that the current system we live under is highly dysfunctional and does not serve the majority of people who take part of it. It is true that there appears to be a cabal of elitists who, in the spirit of monopoly, own the mass majority of wealth on this planet. But, is it really their fault that things are the way they are?

I'd invite us to be mindful of where we are projecting any kind of blame here, because we are dealing with something which has been allowed to happen, over time, through a gradual manipulation of consciousness. We are not truly victims of evil or greedy people, we are victims of unconscious passivity, if we choose to be. The perspective that I have chosen to cultivate in my life is that there are no enemies, there are only allies. Every threat offers a lesson and an important teaching--we always have the opportunity to transmute it for healing--though this is usually far more easier said than done, but it is the path of evolution. Nature does not truly destroy, it assimilates. If you're asking or demanding for the system to change, for things to get cleaned out, consider looking within and changing your own life, and looking at how the qualities which are projected onto the system lie within each of us. What do the current problems we have encountered offer to teach us about ourselves? How can we empower ourselves within a system that we perceive as corrupt? The new world cannot succeed if it is infected by the same conditioning of the past, by the same beliefs and ideologies about how change and progress is to occur.

The current economic and political instability was not created by one single group, but rather, it has evolved through a collective collaboration--and everyone plays a part in it. If you feel called to take part of the Occupy movement, I simply invite you to be mindful of the real issues, and be conscious of where the movement is being steered towards, and most importantly of all, of who's actually steering it. As I wrote about about in my article, Emerging From Chaos, all political ideologies have the potential for corruption, Capitalism, Socialism, or Communism alike, are incomplete in of themselves. If you are choosing to destroy something, why not connect with its roots and its foundation first? Pluto is a definitive fragment of our collective shadow, and while it moves through Capricorn from now until 2024, it will reveal the dark side of all systems of control--not just the ones we are currently dealing with (Pluto=Plutocracy). It appears that while the core message of the Occupy movement is the unfair distribution of wealth, and the melding of corporations and government--a lot more heat is being thrown towards Capitalism being the root of the problem by different group ideologies, but is this really the case? I'm not exactly an advocate of capitalism myself, however I know enough about things to see that the problems we are experiencing are not really the result of Capitalism, but more due to the implementation of a Fascist system of government, involving a deeply rooted Oligarchy who plays on all sides of the political dialectic.

On the other end of the spectrum, the movement, whether successful in achieving its projected intention or not--if there really is one--will be successful in bringing about much more public awareness about the deeper workings of our current political and economic system--and will have a lasting social value in re-conditioning the public to a broader perception of how things operate. It is clear that a larger audience of people are being exposed to the reality that all sides of the political game, left and right, play a big role in the perceived corruption within government. It will provide the mass majority who allow the media to dictate their thoughts, to see things differently , and to see how our current political system is dysfunctional the way that it is. If the Uranus/Pluto cycle brings us anything, it's an expanded outlook on reality--of what's possible, and what we're capable of as a collective unit. We are being given the opportunity to experiment and to try something new--but as always, the biggest change starts with you. It starts by making the decision to live differently, to change the way you partake of the perceived problems. Allow this to be a time to truly step out of the box, and start living in a way which is truly in accord with change. It means beginning to think for yourself, and to be mindful of the trap of collective mind-control and group-think. The biggest changes and breakthroughs actually happen in the most subtle of ways, usually far beyond the consensus infrastructure.Must we truly wait for government to make the change, or can we simply change our own lives despite what "the system" is doing?

The primary reason the bankers and elitists make all their money is because people are still willing to buy into what they're selling them. The biggest change can occur on a very small scale--by supporting local economies, changing the way you eat and the food you buy, growing your own food, changing the clothes you wear, or the media you choose to partake of--basically where you spend your time, energy, and money. What we are seeing with the Occupy movement, is a gradual evolution within our global consciousness, and this step is just as significant as the rest we will inevitably take in the future. A new synthesis is occurring within our political systems, as an inevitable result of the tension between opposites. In the end, we are driven by forces deep within the psyche impulsing us to find wholeness, completion, and autonomy. It will take time for the collective psyche to reach a state of homeostasis, so I'm not putting all my faith in the current movement that is developing here, but I am acknowledging that it serves a very important purpose within the whole of the evolutionary process we are all apart of. 

As we meditate upon the energies coming in from this new Moon in Scorpio, look to your life and see what needs to go. What needs to be released. What are you holding on to that is stagnating your current growth? Is your current life style really in line with change? If nothing changes within, we often attempt to make changes in the outer world, or to even change other people. When we feel impulsed by these archetypes within ourselves--we must express them, somehow, or we become consumed by them. Look to your own conditioning, and surrender it to the transformative powers of Uranus fueled by Pluto. Now is the time to break out of the mold, and create something new within yourself. There is a deeply powerful transition taking place within each of us, and we are given the choice to embrace it and make it our own--or succumb to it, numb it out, and project it onto something else. Now is the time to stop running from yourself, stop playing games--and choose to face who you really are. Let go of whatever is in your way, or whatever is preventing you from being more in line with your potential and with your personal success. To destroy, is to project.

The highest goal of the Uranus/Pluto cycle is to break molds and to break up large scale conditioning patterns and programs, and to replace them with entirely new templates. This process began in the late 1960's with the first conscious conjunction of these planets since their discovery, marking an era which completely altered our culture forever--even if the current political paradigm is still in place, many people chose to change themselves and chose to experiment with an entirely different way of living. That template still exists, and it is slowly maturing, and now at this phase of the cycle we can assist it by creating conscious change--first within ourselves, and then the rest of the world. The current Uranus/Pluto cycle will not fully culminate, flower, or blossom until the opposition stage of the cycle, which will begin heating up in the year 2045, and this will be an incredibly miraculous time for global change. So again, we must see this as a crucial next step within a much larger creative process, and do what we can with no attachment to the outcome.

New Moon In Scorpio 2011

Let's look to the horoscope for the new moon and gain further insight on its main intention. As I mentioned above, the Scorpio New Moon conjoins comet Elenin's natal ascendent in the discovery chart. This is extremely interesting given the fact that the New Moon which occurred on September 27th was in conjunction with Elenin itself. What could this possibly mean? Well it is clear that Elenin's intention is being greatly magnified, and its "influence" upon the masses will be given a burst of momentum--and if my hypothesis is correct, then we are indefinitely witnessing the beginning stages of a collective ideological transition/transformation. That will likely manifest in the birthing of new political ideologies, which appears to be in the works as a result of the Occupy movement. Along with the symbolism of an ideological transition, Elenin carries with it many projected energies. Elenin embodies the collective fear of death, through the mythos of the deluge, or great flood--and thus we can anticipate that the surrounding energies may bring up this primal fear, especially as many cling to the "old ways" which are currently being threatened by social unrest. Elenin is allowing a processing of deeply seeded collective trauma and fear, which we project as the archetype of the Apocalypse. Another interesting symbolism of Elenin is collective hype, assumption, and speculation. When Elenin was discovered, many different groups, even mainstream scientists--believed Elenin to be much more significant physically than it actually is.

Does this mean that the current energy we are seeing may not have the impact that is expected? Perhaps Elenin is teaching us that great physical changes are somehow less important or effective than simple subtle changes. Perhaps a main intention of this new Moon is to teach us to not assume or project complex speculations about something in our lives, as it may not be as big or even as scary as we initially imagined it to be. Another interesting synchronicity is Elenin's connection to Venus, which is rising on the the Ascendent in the discovery chart. This New Moon conjoins this position, and transiting Jupiter is in opposition to Elenin's natal Venus as well. Transiting Pluto is in opposition to the Venus/Jupiter conjunction in the US horoscope. Obviously, Elenin is very much connected with the Occupy Wallstreet movement, and in fact, the poster advertising the event, which began on September 17th, featured a woman dancing gracefully and quite Venusian, on a statue of a bull.

Venus rules the sign of Taurus, which relates to money, income, possessions, self-sufficiency, and personal values, or what we place value on--and Libra, the sign of September's New Moon, symbolizing relationships, connections, projections, mirrors, balance, and equalization. Perhaps, apart of Elenin's influence is changing what we collectively find value in, assisting us in becoming more self-sufficient, and creating more equilibrium within our current systems and ideologies. Currently, Uranus is crossing the 4th house cusp or IC in the US horoscope (Sibly chart), shaking up and completely altering the very foundation of the American psyche. Change is apparently immanent, since it is the only thing that life truly guarantees. It is quite apparent, that financially, things are about to shift in much larger way, at least for the United States, and that will result in the complete restructuring of American values. Uranus is also about to conjoin Transpluto in the US horoscope. Transpluto had just entered Aries and ignited an entirely new process/orbit around the Sun in the late 1700's just as America was founded. This transit is likely to bring back the vibration of these times, especially since Uranus is inherently revolutionary/rebellious/promethean in nature.

The New Moon horoscope features a fascinating grand trine between Jupiter in Taurus, Pluto in Capricorn, and Transpluto in Virgo. Transpluto shifting from Leo to Virgo, along with Chiron and Neptune teetering between the cusp of Aquarius/Pisces stirs up so many numinous, mysterious, ominous, beautiful, and terrifying, images--coating reality with this enigmatic and unfathomable silver lining, the combination is quite interesting and symbolic in describing the very shifts and changes the world is currently experiencing.
 We are presented with the impulse to generate and embrace the vision of complete unity, healing, wholeness, and transcendence of egocentricity, while surrounded by this collective fog of unimaginable uncertainty. Transpluto has been moving through the sign of Leo since the mid 1930's. I can't help but notice that Transpluto appears to have a highly significant effect on the current symbols of cultural power and control. Logically, this power would be much more influential than Pluto, since it is further out, and so it's influence is much more deeply rooted in the collective psyche. Theoretically then, since the 1930's, just after the great depression--our collective symbols of power have been highly Leonian. Leo deals with the power of being center stage, the spotlight, the subjective experience, the creative process, self actualization--glamor, extravagance, children, playgrounds, entertainment, amusement, pleasure, indulgence etc. Could it be that our collective symbols of power will be shifting towards the vibration of Virgo, slowly, as Transpluto shifts into Virgo between now and 2014?

The transplutonian energies can manifest as deeply rooted obsessions which can completely take over consciousness. Is our culture not obsessed with such things? With glamour, with fame, with stardom, with pleasure, with everything childlike and playful? These symbols can be obsessions, as well as keys to complete freedom, self-sufficiency, and can generate unimaginable wealth and power. Interestingly, the entertainment industry, which was in it's infancy in the mid 30's is now readily available in everyone's home. Since the dawn of the internet (Aquarius polarity?), anyone can be famous--instantly, and anyone can make movies without needing a big Hollywood budget. It would appear that in terms of entertainment we are quite self-sufficient at the end of the transit. At the same time, throughout Transpluto's transit through Leo, the movie star, the leader, and the celebrity has taken on a "god-like" status. It is likely that we will see the gradual collapse of the old entertainment industry as this collective symbol of power dies from now until 2014. Transpluto will be in Virgo from then on to 2107.

Our collective symbols of power and control will begin relating to more earthly matters--to healing, creating order out of chaos, of service, work, purification, the process, integration, and the natural world. This is quite different from Leo, which often sets up a hierarchy with an emphasis on the individual and egocentricity, and Virgo completely flips this latter bringing the focus more towards the individual's place and function with the larger framework of society. Quite a change indeed. With Chiron in Pisces conjunct Neptune in opposition to Transpluto, as it makes this transition into Virgo, we can see that a powerful process is occurring where we are collectively being gifted with a new vision for the future, a vision which incorporates the healing and integration of humanity. The glamor associated with "great leaders" will likely begin to rust, and the middle man, the healer, the worker-- the component which keeps all the gears moving will be our greatest symbol of power. The process itself will become much more significant than instant gratification. The natural world, and its preservation, will also become a symbol of immense power. On the dark side....well...we are dealing with something Transplutonian here, we will see a cultural obsession with purity and cleanliness like never before. If you're not playing the proper role, if you're not moving your gear, then you could be seen as "less then" everyone else. There could be more collective emphasis on birth control and population reduction. This could set the stage also for a collective sado/masochistic drama, whatever that may look like. But, let's just allow this to unfold and see what happens--I feel a massive collective detox in the works.

The sabian symbol for this New Moon, which is the same for Elenin's rising symbol is:

A youth holding a lighted candle in a devotional ritual.

This is interesting, what kind of ritual are we apart of now? When I see someone holding a candle or a flame in a symbol, I immediately think of Prometheus/Enki/Lucifer, the mythic rebel. This would present us with an intriging juxtaposition, one of chaos and rebellion being confined to a structured and ordered ritual. Controlled chaos? A ritualistic revolution? We see a youth carrying this candle, will the youth be carrying out this ritual? Children and young people alike, in an archetypal sense, are inherently carefree, spontaneous, chaotic, and rather rebellious of authority. I feel a sense of awkwardness from this image, of something which is not naturally inclined to a ritual, and yet carrying it out, against its own nature and preference.On a personal level, perhaps this symbol suggests to us the notion of creating change within an orderly and structured manner. It appears that this New Moon offers each of us an opportunity to make a drastic change in our lives, and it invites us to look where we can remove what no longer fits and what is stagnating our growth. Invite change and chaos into your life, but allow yourself to set boundaries with it. Remove what you no longer need, but don't burn down the entire house!

According to researcher Carl Johan Callemen, the actual Mayan calender end date is October 28th, 2011. I am unclear of my position with the Mayan calender, which is why I have not chosen to jump on any particular bandwagon. From Calleman's perspective, humanity is moving from a state of separation and competition to a more harmonious unity-consciousness. That sounds nice doesn't it? If that's true, than like everything else in nature, there is a gradient shift towards the next stage of development. Unlike many who perceive the Mayan calender as an omen of world peace, I do not share the perspective that everyone will suddenly become enlightened when the calender ends. Our world is still much too unconscious for something that drastic, but that doesn't mean that subtle shifts and changes won't occur over time. I will admit that I've noticed the most surprising of people "waking up" lately to a reality I never thought possible for them, but perhaps that's more a statement of my own judgements and expectations. I've also noticed that the power of intention and manifestation has become greatly magnified--and also a significant bridging of my dreams and waking life. Things to ponder.

The current symbols conjured by recent astrological placements and configurations certainly agree with the perspective that things are indefinitely "unifying", and the best possible manifestation of that archetype would a more harmonious unity-consciousness. However, I have this knowing that like all archetypes, they tend to have this sense of inevitable mutivalency in their means of expression. The ideal of unity is one thing, but the process to attain that ideal, seeing the obstacles, may not appear very unified.  As I said earlier, change is immanent, it is one hundred percent guaranteed throughout the life experience. Everything is in a state of constant change, always, nothing is permanent. When Uranus comes into the picture, that reality becomes a lot clearer, but even Uranus changes too! Hope and change are the two primary symbols that seem to be floating around in the collective psyche lately--however--I personally feel we should ditch the hope. What does hope do for us? We can hope for something all day long, but does that lead to change? It sounds like a pretty compelling distraction. Astrologer Maurice Fernandez wrote a book called Neptune, The Twelfth House, and Pisces: The End of Hope and the Beginning of Truth. I seem to resonate more with this profound message, that we are in an age where we are emerging from the delusion of hope, the anticipation of salvation from gods or leaders--towards the far more empowering effects of simple honest truth. Truth can provide far more change and healing than holding onto hope. Let us not hope that things will change--that Wallstreet, the President, or the Fed will eventually change their minds and give us all a break. Let's look to where we can collectively embrace the truth, stare it straight in the eye, and make change ourselves. It starts with you.

Stay in the light.

Notes & References

[1] See my article, Beyond The Womb, which was written for the Solar Eclipse which occurred on July 1st, 2011 conjoining both the Sun and Jupiter in the U.S. horoscope at the Sun/Jupiter midpoint. Pluto will activate this Solar Eclipse position beginning March of 2012 through October 2013, likely peaking in its effects in August of 2013.

[2] http://www.activistpost.com/2011/10/capitalism-cure-not-problem.html

Initial call to action for Occupy Wallstreet: http://www.adbusters.org/blogs/adbusters-blog/occupywallstreet.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occupy_Wall_Street

http://www.redicecreations.com/article.php?id=17177

Rome protests turn to vandalism: http://www.redicecreations.com/article.php?id=17177

http://www.businessinsider.com/new-york-progressive-groups-unite-around-occupy-wall-street-2011-10

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/10/11/wall-street-protesters-plan-millionaires-march-to-tycoons-new-york-city-homes/#ixzz1aUWbkVIz

Bomb Attack On Greek Police  http://news.yahoo.com/photos/petrol-bomb-attack-on-greek-police-1319203604-slideshow/riot-policemen-assist-colleague-whose-clothing-caught-fire-photo-161646954.html

Occupy Wallstreet Hijacked?  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVQm8bd0w_g&feature=relmfu

Full Moon In Pisces

Full Moon (Harvest Moon)
@ 19 degrees Pisces
September 12, 2011
2:27 AM Pacific
5:27 AM Eastern

The Full Moon in Pisces illuminates the unseen and numinous dimensions, allowing us to look deeply at what is usually "behind the veil". Pisces symbolizes the pure essence of being in the moment, the after image of the big bang, floating gracefully, captured in mid air--we find ourselves peering into and seeing the very soul of things, beyond appearances, transcending judgement to look at, and embrace, what is--simply beingness. What can you see now, that wasn't apparent before? See the heart of every sentient or non sentient being, see how all things radiate with intelligence, with design, with purpose. The soul of a tree, the heart of an apple, the aura of crystals, stones--all things are alive in some way, whether projected by our own unconscious contents, or by some other higher dimensional consciousness.....we are creators and the created--creating each other, each moment, each now. Feel that connection, that deeply rooted bond to all of nature, the universe. Feel the throbbing and pulsing, the drumbeat of time, churning and marching toward a purposeful crescendo. You are alive, and you are divine.

An earth grand trine with Mercury in Virgo, Jupiter in Taurus, and Pluto in Capricorn create a cyclical conduit of productive groundedness. We can feel our connection to the earth, the great mother of us all, cradling and protecting us--no matter what is going on around us. If you feel stuck, follow Uranus/Prometheus who brings the flame, the divine spark of the gods, fueling us with something new something risky, something unconventional. As I write this, I find myself really getting out of my head and into the moment--feeling poetic. Nothing is perfect, nor does anything have to be--just let it go a let it be. This Full Moon invites us to drift and to flow with the current, see where it takes you, let it unfold. Something is coming to a head, a new cycle is about to emerge as the Moon begins to wane. Take a look and see how far you've come, all the things you've done. Look at all the moments, each one, how they've shaped and created who you are now, in this moment. Feel the Moon as it drifts into Apogee, calling to us from a faraway distance--asking us to remember who we are, and to get ready for who we're about to become.

The sabian symbol for 20 degrees Pisces reads:

A table set for an evening meal.

Here we see that all things are ready, and prepared--all that is needed is the feast. It is evening, the last meal of the day, the work is done, and we're ready to enjoy and to nourish. Feel that for a moment, see where that holds true for something in your life. What have you set up, whats ready for you to enjoy and watch unfold? Be grateful, give thanks. As you gaze into the beauty and illumination of this Full Moon, send her offerings and blessings. Thank those unseen guides who surround you and protect you. Thank the earth mother, gaia, for all that she does, for her support and her endless giving. Be in gratitude for the bountiful feast that is your life. Perhaps you don't like what's on your plate right now? Have you forgotten to be thankful, even for lessons that are challenging, maybe painful? The more we surrender and just love what is, the "easier" life becomes, and we cease to struggle. Don't struggle now, let go, and just be. Await the coming tide, the energies which soon await us at the next New Moon.....but make the effort to let go of anxiety and trust that transformation, that change, is always for the best, even if it contradicts our expectations of what "should be". There is so much love behind that veil, if only we could stop for a moment and take a glimpse.

Stay in the light.