Monthly Archives: February 2010

Weekly Forecast March 1: Venus Trine Mars

This week is all about Venus … well, mostly about Venus. And that means love, desire, and what makes us happy will be major themes.

As the week begins, we’re still in the wake of Sunday’s Full Moon at 9 degrees Virgo, and the Moon has advanced into late Virgo, opposite Venus and Uranus in Pisces. Moon transits tend to be fleeting, and many of us may not notice them at all. Monday’s lunar transits may be an exception, however, thanks to the impending Venus-Uranus conjunction on Wednesday. Take note of developments in your love and social life on Monday, as you may get some advance news of what will happen when the love planet pairs up with the planet of surprises and sudden change.

Also on Monday, Mercury enters Pisces — great for creative work and leaps of the imagination, not so good for clear thinking and concise communications. On Monday and Tuesday, Mercury is at the apex of a Yod with Mars and Saturn, a position recently held by Venus, Jupiter, and the Sun. The difference this time is that Mars is stationing to return direct on March 10, and that makes him a more powerful influence. If your thinking is confused, if you don’t know where you’re headed or how to get there, you’re not alone. You may be forced this week to think out of the box in order to resolve a dispute or to find the solution to a problem that seems not to have one. Sometimes, all it takes is asking the right question.

Speaking of Mars, I’d like to point out that he is out of bounds until March 15. Planets are out of bounds when they travel north or south of the celestial latitude of the Sun at the solstices, and they tend to “misbehave,” just as the term suggests. The last time Mars was retrograde and out-of-bounds, a tiger leapt out of her cage at the San Francisco Zoo and mauled a young visitor to death before being shot and killed by zoo officials.

Obviously, conditions are different this time, but an out-of-bounds, stationing Mars should be handled with extreme care, especially in the sign of the Lion! Avoid provoking anyone, and stay out of harm’s way to the extent possible. Err on the side of caution and consideration.

On Wednesday, Venus meets up with Uranus, which for the most part should bring pleasant surprises. Any unpleasant fallout may be from our own failure to stay in touch with reality. Should a bit of luck come your way, jump on the opportunity, but spend the next week or so doing the math. Admittedly, this will be harder with Mercury in Pisces and Mars slowing down to a halt. Fortunately, we’ve got calculators.

On Sunday, Venus enters Aries, and it’s a whole different game. No longer warm, fuzzy, voluptuous, and chocolate-loving, the love goddess is demanding, hard-bodied, and very active. Right away, she forms a trine with Mars, just as he’s waking up out of a sound sleep. It’s kind of a reverse Sleeping Beauty story. Instead of the prince gently kissing the princess awake, the sleepy guy gets a whack on the head and an order to get his sorry ass out of bed.

I’m hoping this energy will propel couples everywhere to wake up and smell the coffee. Love doesn’t just “happen” all by itself. You have to work at it, and it takes two. Apologies and promises go only so far. At some point, words have to lead to action.

Speaking of all words and no action, Mercury conjoins Jupiter later in the day. If ever there was an aspect for solving all the world’s problems over a bottle of wine, this is it! If you do come up with some great ideas, write them down and come back to them later, after the glitter has settled. In the meantime, just enjoy the feeling.

Wishing you all much love,
Pat

Ask Real Astrologers: What Is the Significance of the Sun-Moon Midpoint in Synastry?

This week’s question comes from Kerry in London, England:

There does not appear to be much info on the Sun-Moon midpoint in synastry out there. My midpoint is conjunct his North Node, and this guy’s midpoint is conjunct my South Node. In addition, his midpoint is conjunct my Jupiter. We certainly have a strong connection and have been in “deep” contact for 18 months, but bizarrely have never met in person … I would be very interested to know what your take is on this.

Diane’s response:

Kerry, I tend to weight all the calculated points in the chart much less than the planets or the chart angles (Ascendant, Descendant, Midheaven and Nadir) in synastry. Other calculated points used frequently in synastry are the Vertex and the Moon’s Nodes. They all can add depth to the interpretation, but not much more.

It is easy to see the attraction you have for each other, with his Sun in Gemini conjoined your Sun-Venus in Gemini in your seventh house. We always enjoy interacting with people whose Venus is conjunct our Sun. Plus, his Mars exactly conjunct your Ascendant is wonderfully energizing for you.

However, I highly recommend figuring out some way to meet and chat in person, because there is no substitute for face time in learning about another person. Remember, your Moon in Capricorn is closely square his Moon in Aries, meaning the two of you respond quite differently on an emotional, intuitive level. Fiery Aries is often in too big a hurry for reserved, careful Capricorn.

Uranus in Pisces will conjoin his North Node and your Sun-Moon midpoint from March 8 to March 24, and that’s about as powerful a transit as there is. Uranus is great for immediate results and should be good for illuminating this synastry aspect!

Let us know how this goes, Kerry, because know I’m curious about these aspects too.

Pat’s response:

Kerry, I always look at the Sun-Moon midpoint in synastry readings, as it can be a strong indicator of a close and long-lasting romantic relationship. However, there has to be a tight conjunction of one partner’s Sun-Moon midpoint and the other person’s Sun, Moon, Venus, or chart angles. It’s interesting that your Jupiter is conjunct his Sun-Moon midpoint, but I wouldn’t attribute your feeling of a deep connection to this.

Likewise, the lunar nodes can be powerful indicators of a karmic connection, but they also have to be closely conjunct a personal planet or chart angle to carry much weight. It’s certainly rare to see a double midpoint-node conjunction, but I wouldn’t consider it an indicator of a strong love match, although it does suggest some kind of karmic tie. That said, not all karmic connections are positive. Some of them fall into the “watch what you wish for” category.

There are a couple of big red flags in your synastry chart that are markers for obsession. Like Diane, I think you need to meet as soon as possible. Although many people these days are meeting via the Internet, many find, when they finally meet, that the fantasy was far better than the reality … not that this is necessarily bad. You may learn a great deal about yourself, and that will only increase your chances of finding someone who is perfect for you.

I have a special place in my heart for people who are searching for true love. I truly hope that you find it, Kerry, and thanks for writing.

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Full Moon in Virgo, February 28, 2010

Jupiter conjoins the Sun in Pisces at 9° 58′ on the Full Moon February 28, encouraging everyone to think big and sending our imaginations into overdrive. We may all be very, very thankful for the Moon in pragmatic, well-grounded Virgo by the time the influence of this lunation passes.

The Sabian symbol for 10 Pisces fits quite well, “an aviator in the clouds.” Transcendence, peace and love are marvelous ideals, but even better if applied with large doses of common sense. Otherwise we risk being lost in the clouds.

We can draw on the duality of the Sabian symbol for the Moon at 10 Virgo, “two heads looking out and beyond the shadows,” for help. But here again there is a possibility of not seeing clearly, because Mercury, Virgo’s ruler, is in Aquarius, closely conjunct Neptune and Chiron. It will not be easy to find true perspective now, so we may be better served by writing down our best ideas to implement at a later date.

There is help available for those who wish to keep their feet firmly planted on terra firma in the form of Pluto in Capricorn. Pluto is sextile the Sun and trine the Moon, offering organizational skills and a willingness to explore all aspects, both dark and light, of any given situation or problem. In fact, the help Pluto offers can be invaluable for laying the groundwork for future projects, translating the heady atmosphere into concrete results over time.

Venus in Pisces is closing on a conjunction with Uranus in Pisces, which will be exact on March 3. Hang onto the remnants of your sanity, because this combo is perfect for “love at first sight” — or, more accurately in my opinion, lust at first sight, since genuine love tends to develop over time as we get to know and appreciate the other person. There will be even more illusions and expectations than usual hanging around on this Full Moon, because the Venus-Uranus conjunction is also semi-sextile Neptune, Pisces’ ruler. Makes me very glad to be old and very married . . . argh!

Keep in mind that Mars in Leo is slowing down in preparation to station direct on March 10, and frustration levels will be rising all over the place. Saturn in Libra, also retrograde, will offer assistance in managing increasing stress levels via a sextile to Mars. Please do your best to think before you launch attacks or get behind the wheel of your vehicle. Patience is needed over the next several weeks, and it is likely to be in short supply.

This lunation offers an interesting mix of pure, unadulterated romance and high-minded ideals, with an undertow of the deeply practical approach. My thought is this: It is a great opportunity to draw down creative inspiration and ideas and take plenty of notes for the future. Once the shine has worn off either your red-hot romance or that totally brilliant idea, then it will be possible to decide whether it is worth running with. In other words, enjoy the moment but don’t sign on the dotted line.

We need to practice patience, being kind to all we interact with and taking time to find beauty in our daily routines. Be well.

posted by Diane . . .

Image: Seeing the Full Moon against the trees is very appropriate for a Full Moon in tree loving Virgo.

Weekly Forecast February 22: Sun Conjunct Jupiter, Full Moon in Virgo

Pisces 'stellium' and going for the gold. Goldfish in an aquarium at a market near Tehran, photo by Behrouz Mehri for Agence France-Presse.

The period between the New Moon on February 13 and the Full Moon on February 28 is an important one for our individual and collective healing.

Sorry if I sound like a broken record. Many people I know are doing deep healing work and, as a result, are entering new spiritual and emotional territory. It’s happening … quietly, in the background, without a lot of fanfare. But the implications are enormous, for us as individuals and for our collective society.

If you’re doing this kind of work, I know how hard it has been for you, and I know that you’ve felt like giving up many times. But I’m here to tell you to hang in there and keep working. It does appear that some rewards are on the way for your diligence.

Taking the week in order, the Sun sextiles Pluto on Tuesday, a positive aspect for getting to the source of problems in order to find real solutions. This applies especially to the collective, so watch the news headlines for breakthroughs in longstanding issues. It’s a good day for housecleaning, too, physically and emotionally. Having a clean environment supports our spiritual and emotional health. However, with Mars inconjunct both the Sun and Pluto, finding the energy to finish the job might be a challenge. Do as much as you can, do a little more beyond that, and then call it a day. If you’re embarking on a detox program, don’t be alarmed if you experience a severe energy drop.

The Moon is in her home sign of Cancer on Wednesday and Thursday. As long as Saturn and Pluto are in a square, the Moon in Cancer forms a brief cardinal T-square once a month. I wouldn’t consider this a big deal if it weren’t for the building cardinal energy this year, which will peak in July. Small changes mid-week may have deep long-term ramifications.

On Wednesday, the Moon trines the Pisces stellium of the Sun, Jupiter, and Venus, giving us a bit of sweetness and comfort. Just watch the calorie count, unless you’re one of those infuriating people who can inhale pizza and beer and not gain a pound.

The real action comes this weekend. On Saturday, Mercury conjoins Neptune and Chiron in Aquarius, all opposite the Moon in Leo. Healing often requires tears, and I suspect there will be a lot of weepy discussions and quiet grieving. You may need to set your ego aside more than once in order to break through to higher ground. This could pertain to your personal healing, or it may involve a relationship, your career, or something else you’ve been dealing with for the past several months. You probably won’t be at your most rational, and this is OK, provided you understand that.

Sunday is the Full Moon and the culmination of a process that began in earnest at the New Moon on February 14 but that has been ongoing for more than a year. I’d date it back to early February 2009, when there was a lunar eclipse opposite Neptune and Chiron.

As usual, Diane will have a complete report on the Full Moon, complete with Sabian symbols and her unique observations. Check back in a day or two.

In the meantime, wishing you all much love and courage,
Pat

Saturday Extra! Year of the Tiger

Lanterns are the traditional decorations for the Chinese New Year. Also called the Spring Festival, the celebration goes on for two weeks and is marked by special foods, much as we celebrate the winter holidays. Photo by Alexander F. Yuan for The Associated Press.

With all the activity in the sky lately, I totally forgot about the Chinese New Year, which always begins at the New Moon in Aquarius.

As you probably know, this is the Year of the Tiger. In Chinese astrology, there are twelve signs, all animals. Each lunar year has an animal associated with it, along with one of five traditional Chinese elements. This year, the element is Metal.

What you may not know is that each of the Chinese animal signs has a counterpart in Western astrology. The Tiger is associated with Aquarius, and it’s no coincidence that traits associated with the Tiger mirror many of the characteristics of the Water Bearer. I’m not an expert in Chinese astrology. For the most part, I rely on Theodora Lau’s classic Handbook of Chinese Horoscopes. Here is what she says about the Metal Tiger:

He approaches his problems in a direct or even a radical way and is never in doubt about what he wants to accomplish. The problem is that he wants too much too soon. He tends to be overoptimistic about expected results.

When Metal is combined with his native lunar sign, it could produce a Tiger who is sudden, unorthodox and drastic in his actions. He is a person who is faithful only to himself and his desires, and doesn’t mind stepping on a few toes along the way. Easily stirred by both good and bad influences, this Tiger will tend to act independently, as he hates having to get permission for anything or having his freedom curtailed in any way.

The last time we had a year of the Metal Tiger was 1950. Among the events that year were the Korean War, construction of the hydrogen bomb, and the beginning of Sen. Joe McCarthy’s anti-communist witch hunts.

Tiger years traditionally are associated with social upheaval and sweeping change, events that Western astrologers associate with Uranus, the modern planetary ruler of Aquarius. Although Chinese astrologers don’t cast ingress charts as we do in the West, it’s interesting to note that the Year of the Tiger began with the New Moon conjunct Neptune and Chiron. I fervently hope that the sweeping changes we experience this year have to do with healing and connecting with others to help bring about much-needed changes on the planet. Of course, this may not be easy or comfortable.

Gung Hay Fat Choy! (Congratulations and be prosperous!)
Pat

Ask Real Astrologers: Why Can’t I Heal My Back Pain?

This week’s question comes from Wendy in Hobart, Australia:

Why can I not heal my chronic pain in my lower left side back? I have worked on this on all levels, spiritually, mentally and emotionally, for years.

Pat’s response:

I can really sympathize with you, Wendy, as I injured my back a year ago, and I have chronic pain, a lot of it in the lower left side. In my case, however, the pain is directly related to an injury, which is different from chronic pain that persists for years.

Astrology is indeed a useful tool for dealing with this kind of pain, as it informs us of your energetic imprint and helps us detect where you may have built-in weaknesses. You didn’t give us a birth time, so I constructed a sunrise chart for you. This gives us an idea of planetary aspects but not house placements, which are very important in doing this kind of detective work. That said, a couple of things jump out at me in your chart.

First, you have a fixed T-square with Mars and Venus on one side, opposite Jupiter and the Moon, with Saturn and Pluto conjunct at the apex in Leo, which rules the heart and back. There are strong suggestions here of issues with mother and father. I know that sounds kind of Freudian and cliché, but our parents have such a huge impact on us, in ways we’re often unaware of, that many people do end up with lifelong issues as a result of their early childhood experience. Since you’ve already been doing emotional work, you’re probably aware of this.

Second, Mars currently is retrograde, and he’s sitting right on your natal Saturn-Pluto conjunction, which means he’s also activating your fixed T-square. If you’re having a major flare-up right now, it’s no surprise.

It’s beyond the scope of this column to explore all of the details. I strongly suggest that you find a good medical astrologer, who not only will dig more deeply into your chart, but who will help you find the best approach to heal. Bodies are different, and some respond better to certain treatments than others.

I literally feel your pain and wish you the best in finding relief.

Diane’s response:

Wendy, Pat covered the essentials for you, and I concur about consulting a good medical astrologer.

I would like to note a couple of other important aspects in your chart. One is an aspect to Mercury, the planet that rules your Gemini Sun, and the second is an aspect to your Sun itself.

Your Mercury is widely conjunct Uranus, gifting you with an exceptionally quick and agile mind. If you are used to being able to think your way around just about any problem, this is why. Pluto in Sagittarius opposed your Uranus and Mercury from sometime in 2004 until it moved into Capricorn in 2008 – a very important transit for you. Pluto transits have a way of making us review all sorts of uncomfortable issues in ourselves and our lives.

The second aspect is the natal trine between your Gemini Sun and Neptune in Libra. While this aspect is wonderful for any type of creative work, it also gives one a dislike for unpleasantness of any kind. Neptune in Libra is noted for choosing peace at any price . . . I know this, because my Libra Moon conjoins Neptune.

Sometimes hidden stressors are the source of physical aches and pains, and we are reluctant to acknowledge them, knowing how difficult they will be to deal with. As Saturn in Libra closes on your natal Neptune in Libra in September and October 2010, you may have opportunities to explore that possibility.

Best wishes on sorting this out, Wendy. Take advantage of Saturn’s transit through Libra over the year or so trine your Gemini planets and you may solve this yet!

Cha Cha Change and Uranus Transits

Since April of last year, Uranus in Pisces has been trine my Ascendant on and off. I’m beginning to believe that for some of us there is no such thing as an “easy” transit of Uranus, especially those who have a preponderance of planets and chart angles in the fixed signs.

Often, Uranus transits to the Ascendant coincide with weight loss, and this transit has been no exception – I have lost over twenty pounds. This has been due to being unable to eat desserts of any kind, including pure chocolate, due to a severely stressed digestive system. The thing is, when I stay away from the trigger foods and do my best to minimize the stress in my life, I feel great. Pretty straightforward cause and effect – do this and feel like crap, don’t do it and feel good.

Transits to my Ascendant not only affect my Ascendant but also my Mars and Mercury, because those planets conjoin it from the twelfth house side. A natal inconjunct from Uranus to those three points gives a certain unpredictability to how a particular transit will manifest – and probably why Uranus transits are unusually stressful for me.

Because I gave away all my smaller pants, I am going to have to get new ones. Since I do not enjoy shopping (must be one of the few women on the planet who don’t) this is not something I look forward to. Our budget is very tight right now, so it may be time to head to Good Will to see what I can find.

One of the reasons I’m just now beginning to realize how profound the changes are is because Neptune has been squaring my Ascendant during this same time period. Right now it is past exact, and the fog has lifted for awhile (I have one more to go in late October-November of this year). This is just another confirmation of Neptune’s ability to obfuscate and confuse any and all issues by transit or natal aspect.

Uranus transits often are good reminders of what we need to do to take care of ourselves, and this one has been no exception. Sometimes we need to clear out old habits and sources of stress in order to replace them with healthier options. Usually, on some level, we already are aware of what needs to be done. I did. It’s eat healthy and stay awwaaaay from the goodies from here on out!

Just goes to show even an old dog can learn a new trick.

posted by Diane . . .

Weekly Forecast February 15: Venus Conjunct Jupiter, Sun Enters Pisces

If money washed up on the beach. Sand dollars are a lovely expression of Venus and Jupiter in Pisces. I didn't realize when I took the photo that there were seven "stars," like the Pleiades.

Last week’s potent healing energy continues into this week as we sail on the wake of Saturday’s New Moon.

The word “heal” comes from the same root as “whole.” Being whole is about accepting ourselves and others, with all of our imperfections. When challenges go on and on with no end in sight, it’s hard not to let them define us. For me, it helps to understand my life as a continuum and how I got where I am.

Self-acceptance is a powerful healer, although it can be a tricky process, as many people misunderstand and use self-acceptance as an excuse not do the work required to reach their full potential, as humans in the material realm and as spiritual beings.

Confronting past traumas, unhappy memories, or parts of ourselves we don’t like can be so painful that many people would rather keep them buried in a dark corner inside. In my work with clients, I’ve observed that repressed emotions are more powerful than those that are expressed, and if they aren’t dealt with, they can wreak all sorts of havoc in one’s life, leaving the individual feeling victimized. I’m not saying this is always the cause of our misery, but it can be the case, and more often than many people realize. My job as an astrologer is getting to the bottom of these issues to help my clients feel whole.

Many people I know have gone as far as they can with their individual work, and yet it still feels like something is “broken” or missing. I’ve been writing for years about the need to have a partner or a group to continue the work. With Neptune conjunct Chiron in Aquarius, we’re finding like-minded individuals to connect with, and this is another way that we feel whole. Also, more of us are coming to understand that when we do deep healing work on ourselves, we send healing energy back into the collective. Sometimes I feel that it’s the collective unconscious that’s demanding we do this hard work.

Neptune and Chiron remain in close conjunction throughout 2010. The alignment is exact on Wednesday (late Tuesday on the West Coast of the United States).

On Monday, Venus sextiles Pluto and Mars sextiles Saturn, both aspects that could be very productive. How this energy plays out remains to be seen, as we have not one but two Yods in play, with Venus and Mars at the apex. You may find that one or more areas of your life are moving forward, but with a lot of irritation and major challenges, some of which could be so difficult that you don’t think you’re getting anywhere at all. Don’t give up.

On Tuesday, Venus conjoins Jupiter, an annual occurrence that is always cause for celebration. These two are known for wealth and abundance. It’s often material, but it doesn’t have to be. You might experience an abundance of love and friendship or some other intangible stroke of good fortune that is no less important just because you can’t turn it on and off with a remote.

On Thursday, the Sun enters spiritual Pisces, where it will take the place at the apex of the Yod with Mars and Saturn. Being “spiritual” may not feel very practical, and in some cases, it’s a deterrent to more worldly pursuits. Living with integrity often requires material sacrifices, and this can feel uncomfortable or scary to those for whom security lies in material wealth. Finding balance should come easier with Saturn in Libra.

Friday gets my vote for most pleasant day of the week. The Moon will be in placid Taurus, sextile Venus and Jupiter. If you’ve got a date, it could be quite a memorable evening, for all the right reasons.

Wishing you all much love and courage,
Pat

Saturday Extra: New Moon Miscellany

Here is an in-depth look at the Yods in the New Moon chart and the link to information explaining how to write your Abundance Checks on the New Moon. Enjoy!

We have two very important Yods, or Finger of God, patterns in the chart of the New Moon in Aquarius this weekend and I am taking it on myself to attempt to explain them. One has Venus at the apex and the other has Mars at the apex. Both are connected to the uncompromising Saturn in Libra-Pluto in Capricorn square.

Venus Apex Yod

The base of this Yod is a sextile between Mars Rx in Leo and Saturn Rx in Libra. The apex is Venus conjoined Jupiter in Pisces.

Base: Mars in Leo already is toned down from its normally boisterous self by being retrograde and is further contained by Saturn in Libra quietly insisting he behave with a degree of decorum and manners. Airy Libra generally supports and encourages fiery Leo.

Apex: Venus is very well placed in compassionate Pisces and so is Jupiter. If things were left up to this pair we would be happy campers in the romance department, showering our friends, lovers and family with sweetness and light.

Inconjuncts: The catch with Yods is the base signs are inconjunct or quincunx to the apex sign creating a source of constant low level irritation, difficult to reconcile. Both Libra and Leo while generally approving of Pisces (what’s not to like, right?!) have some major differences with it too. Libra likes clearly defined rules to make sure everyone gets their fair share and takes exception to the Pisces tendency to give indiscriminately to all who show up with their hands out. Leo and Pisces share an appreciation for the grand gesture but Leo is also going to make sure everyone knows who made it and Pisces would rather fade into the background.

Mars Apex Yod

The base of this Yod is Venus conjoined Jupiter in Pisces sextile Pluto in Capricorn and the apex is Mars Rx in Leo.

Base: Pluto in Capricorn is the kindly but stern chaperon for the Venus-Jupiter debutante, floating around looking ethereal and lovely. All funny business will be handled with ruthless dispatch so be warned.

Apex: Long suffering Mars in Leo is further constrained and has no choice but to be on his best behavior.

Inconjuncts: Here the base signs are earthy Capricorn and watery Pisces inconjunct fiery Leo. The real party pooper here is Capricorn because while Pisces is generally tolerant of other’s shortcomings, Capricorn is not. Leo showing up with candy and flowers to ask for forgiveness after an indiscretion is likely to be met with a cold, uncompromising stare from Capricorn.

That is why I said this in my post on the New Moon in Aquarius.

“Pre-nuptial agreements will come with the engagement ring, conservative marriage vows will be back with an emphasis on respect, honor and fidelity and being less than honest in any way will be dealt with ruthlessly – all of this played out against the candle lit, rose-colored background created by Venus and Jupiter closely conjoined in romance loving Pisces.”

We need to brush up on our manners and keep in mind behaving well towards others is always a good policy, Valentine’s Day or not.

Of course, today is the day to write your New Moon abundance checks! Here’s how.

posted by Diane . . .

Ask Real Astrologers: What Happens With Mars Opposite Natal Chiron?

This week’s question comes from Mary in Pennsylvania:

I’ve read that this Mars retrograde will station direct at 1 degree Leo, a point opposite my natal Chiron. Any thoughts on that particular aspect?

Diane’s response:

Mary, this transit may prove quite helpful to you, because your natal Chiron lies hidden away in your twelfth house and forms no aspects to your personal planets or chart angles. This means you aren’t often able to access those places within where you feel wounded.

From about March 7 to 10, not only will Mars station opposite your Chiron, your Chiron will be trine Saturn in Libra and sextile Venus in Aries (Saturn will oppose Venus), forming a Mystic Rectangle. This dynamic pattern has the potential for triggering insights in a firm but gentle way, promoting healing of old wounds you may not have been previously aware of.

I’m wondering if the recent Chiron-Neptune conjunction in Aquarius right on your Sun was responsible for prompting you to look at your natal Chiron. By the time Mars stations in March, both Chiron and Neptune will have moved past your Sun, allowing for more clarity in general. In my experience, Neptune transits in particular are best understood in retrospect.

Between now and early March, as Mars slows to a standstill in your sixth house, you have a window of opportunity to review your daily routines, how you interact with your co-workers, your health and exercise program, and the details of your daily life in general. Are any of these areas a source of frustration for you? If so, perhaps you can figure out why now.

Good luck on your road to a better place within and without, Mary.

Pat’s response:

Mary, by the time a transiting planet stations direct in aspect to a natal planet, you already have gone through the transit once and sometimes twice, so you should have an idea already of how this transit is affecting you.

Mars opposed your natal Chiron in mid-October, 2009. As he continues on his retrograde path, he will oppose natal Chiron on February 25. After he returns direct, he will make a third pass on March 24. When a transiting planet moves over a natal planet and then turns retrograde, you have an opportunity for review and possible revision. Since the twelfth house is one of the houses concerning the past, you may have gone through a period of revisiting unresolved wounds from early childhood or some other trauma buried in your deep psyche. Mars might have performed a little “surgery” to help find the source of the wound and perhaps even cut it out — figuratively speaking, of course. Re-opening wounds is painful, so if this process happened for you, it likely wasn’t very pleasant.

When Mars returns direct, it’s like sewing the wound back up, minus the “poison” (whatever that symbolizes to you), and that means the wound can heal cleanly.

Because your natal Chiron is in Aquarius in the twelfth house, your particular wound may be something that is deeply ingrained in the collective. In other words, it’s something bigger than just you. If you are able to heal, you put healing energy into the collective unconscious, and that is very powerful.

Wishing you much courage, and thanks for writing.

RealAstrologers

The astrology of world affairs, human evolution, the future, and the state of the universe.

Monthly Archives: February 2010

Weekly Forecast March 1: Venus Trine Mars

Ask Real Astrologers: What Is the Significance of the Sun-Moon Midpoint in Synastry?

Full Moon in Virgo, February 28, 2010

Weekly Forecast February 22: Sun Conjunct Jupiter, Full Moon in Virgo

Saturday Extra! Year of the Tiger

Ask Real Astrologers: Why Can’t I Heal My Back Pain?

Cha Cha Change and Uranus Transits

Weekly Forecast February 15: Venus Conjunct Jupiter, Sun Enters Pisces

Saturday Extra: New Moon Miscellany

Ask Real Astrologers: What Happens With Mars Opposite Natal Chiron?