Monday’s spectacular alignment of Venus, Jupiter, and the Moon was as much an astronomical phenomenon as an astrological one. That made us stop to think, how much do we as astrologers know or care about astronomy?
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Tell us what you think and please check out the wonderful image on this week’s forecast of Venus, Jupiter and the Moon.
Pat
The more I work with people on their synastry with another, the more I realize it all comes back to the natal chart and learning what Saturn has to teach us about loving and accepting ourselves as we are BEFORE we embark on a relationship with another human being.
Saturn has gotten a lot of bad press over the years yet he has been my saving grace more often than not when Neptune, Uranus or Pluto embroiled me in their fun and games. As an astrologer, I look to Saturn in the natal chart to show how the individual handles their responsibilities to others and themselves. In fact, if we don’t learn to be responsible to ourselves first, the chances of us being there for others is not too great.
As a person with a natal out-of-sign Sun/Saturn square, I grew up with one or the other of my parents (Saturn) keeping my nose to the grindstone. We had a small family farm and we all had lots of chores to do. In general people with Saturn in aspect to their Sun, no matter the nature of the aspect, are often given responsibilities at an early age and are pretty much going to be made to attend to them. The effect of a Sun/Saturn aspect on how we relate as adults is often dependant on other aspects to our Suns. If we have a Jupiter or Venus aspect to the Sun natally, we will tend to develop a more optimistic outlook, and be less likely to choose a “parent” for a partner. If not, it may take several Saturn cycles including the Saturn Return to help us realize how valuable we are.
The Moon in aspect to Saturn has a sobering effect on our emotions and habits. We are often like Moon in Capricorn, very cautious and aware of where we fit into our social group; and likely to be “old” when we are young and “young” as we age. With a natal Moon/Saturn sextile myself, I know this pattern well. Saturn can have a dampening effect on the Moon, making one lean towards choosing friends and lovers based on whether they are reliable rather than exciting. That is unless Uranus is also aspecting the Moon, then all bets are off!
Venus in aspect to Saturn?! I have one of those too. With Venus in Sagittarius in the 1st House, having Saturn trine to it probably keep me from doing too many wild and crazy things. However, it’s possible with Venus in aspect to Saturn to be so conventional and hedged about by the need to fit in; all the fun can be drained out of life. This aspect is the one most associated with undervaluing our feeling of being desirable. Here again if we are patient with Saturn’s lessons we can learn how to unfold our wings and transform our self-image. People with Venus/Saturn aspects are sometimes the ones who undertake a healthy diet and exercise program to very good effect – mostly because they stay with it long enough to see real results. We attract partners who appreciate someone who demonstrates reliability, not very romantic but good for lasting relationships with others.
When it comes to Mars/Saturn aspects natally, I have to go with what I’ve observed in others, like my sister who has Mars conjunct Saturn in Cancer. She can work longer and harder without letting up than anyone I know – except for others with Mars in close aspect to Saturn. This aspect can cause deep frustration of the need to act but at the same time it gives great endurance. Mars/Saturn aspects function similarly to Mars in Capricorn, one of the placements of Mars said to give one a steady sex drive but very controlled. This aspect suggests this individual is going to take their time before committing to a relationship but if they do, they’ll be around for the long haul. Sometimes Saturn can give Mars a fear of taking action and lead to a situation of complete impasse.
With an accurate birth time, we can also find out if Saturn is conjunct the Ascendant or Midheaven in the chart. Those with Saturn on the Ascendant tend to present a dour face to the world even if they are fun loving and sociable in privacy. If we wish to draw a partner more in tune with who we are at home, we need to keep in mind to show this self more often. Saturn on the Midheaven is an indicator of someone who is all business on the job even if they are a party animal away from the office. In both these cases, it usually pays to take the time (Saturn) to get to know them in different settings.
This is more or less the cliff notes version of how Saturn works natally. I highly recommend getting a hold of a copy of Liz Greene’s book, “Saturn: a new look at an old devil”. Almost every astrologer I’ve ever talked agrees this book is the definitive source of information on Saturn. My copy is well read because it’s a staple reference book in my astrology library.
posted by Neith . . .
All you Archers out there will be thrilled to learn that this is a quintessential New Moon in Sagittarius. Not only are the Sun and Moon conjoined at 5°49′ Sagittarius, but Mercury and Mars are within a couple of degrees as well. Yes, it’s time to celebrate Sagittarius!
It is fair to say we will all be feeling this stellium wherever it falls in our charts, urging us to think big and maybe take a chance or two. Sagittarius is interested in exploring different ideas and drawing concepts from many different cultures to build something new and interesting. With the drive of Mars in Sagittarius coupled to Mercury’s free-wheeling thinking in Sagittarius, this is a great time to travel to far away places, even if it’s only from your armchair. It is also time to put the intense introspection of Scorpio behind us for awhile.
Jupiter, Sagittarius’s ruler, is still in Capricorn, but he is conjunct Venus, and both are sextile Uranus, who stations direct three hours before the New Moon. This is a lot of creative, expansive energy looking for an outlet, and we might as well take advantage of it while we can. Indeed, from this day until the end of December, all the planets will be direct. So check and see what you have put off, because forward thinking is what will be rewarded.
Another big shift taking place the day before the New Moon is Pluto’s move into Capricorn, where he will remain until 2023. We have discussed numerous possibilities about what this move will bring and will continue to do so as Pluto settles into his new sign. In this chart, Pluto is exactly trine Vesta in Taurus, underlining the awareness of Capricorn being a feminine, earth sign and serving as a reminder of the inherent power abiding in nature. The season of Capricorn in the northern latitudes is one in which all the action in the growing cycle takes place beneath the surface, awaiting release to burgeon forth during Taurus’s season of late spring.
For now, the opposition between Uranus in Pisces and Saturn in Virgo is separating and will continue to do so until Saturn goes retrograde at the end of December. I am quite happy to catch a breather from this opposition before the second pass is exact on February 5, 2009. Right now, Uranus forms a lovely sextile with Venus and Jupiter, with Saturn trine that pair – a great pattern for actualizing and manifesting your favorite creative projects.
The Sabian symbol for 6 Sagittarius is, a game of cricket, with the keywords GROUP SOLIDARITY. Fairness and cooperation are needed to achieve collective goals. The stellium in Sagittarius on this New Moon encourages sportsmanship and fair play while keeping in mind it’s the process, not the result, that is important. We have spent far too much time and energy as a collective on “winning” during the Pluto in Sagittarius years, and now that Pluto is in Capricorn, we can start working together steadily to achieve our goals.
Let’s all enjoy this exuberant New Moon and brace ourselves for a wild ride over the next month. Remember to take time to express your appreciation for friends and family and practice kindness to all.
posted by Neith . . .
Of course, today is the day to write your New Moon abundance checks! Here’s how.
This week’s question comes from Deirdre in Dublin, Ireland:
Pluto will trine my Ascendant early next year and the question I would like to ask you is, what can I expect and how can I prepare for this? Saturn’s transit on my Ascendant right now is hemming me in on all sides. Will I ever get a chance to shine in a career again? I was wondering if perhaps next year’s trine might help me to do just that.
Pat’s response:
Deirdre, Pluto’s trine to your Ascendant certainly couldn’t hurt, but I wouldn’t count on it to override other, more compelling transits that are in fact quite challenging.
The biggest issue I see for you is that transiting Saturn is conjoining your natal Pluto. Everyone born in the mid-1960s will experience this difficult transit over the next year or so, although it will be different for everyone depending on the location of Pluto in their natal chart and aspects to other planets. What you all have in common, however, is the complication of going through this transit during the opposition of Saturn and Uranus.
Typically, Saturn transiting natal Pluto feels like being stuck and getting slammed from all sides. I’m sorry to have to report this, and I don’t mean to scare you. But just know that it’s hard to make progress during this period, and trying to swim against the current likely will tire you out with no visible results. It’s almost better to do nothing, or at the very least save your energy for one or two priorities and put everything else on the back burner.
With Uranus in opposition, you will have the added factor of upsets and surprises, all designed to get you to make sweeping changes in your life. If Saturn weren’t in the picture, you’d be able to adjust fairly well, and you’d probably see the opportunities opening up to you, unless you’re the kind of person who fights change and needs to be forced to let go of people and situations. However, Saturn is a limiting presence, and no matter how much you may welcome change, something or someone may hold you back.
In your case, this probably will have to do with money, since Saturn and Uranus are opposing on your second and eighth house cusps. There will be changes, though, and some of them may come in surprising ways, totally out of left field. My best advice to you is to conserve your energy, hang in there, and don’t give up! It’s just a matter of waiting out the storm.
Neith’s response:
Having Pluto trine your Ascendant-Jupiter will very likely be more helpful than not, Deirdre, but the second Saturn-Uranus opposition at 20° is the transit with the most potential for affecting the way the world at large sees you. Saturn will exactly conjoin your natal Pluto in Virgo on February 2, 2009, with Uranus opposing it from your seventh house.
The first pass from Saturn takes place the latter half of November 2008 and will introduce you to issues of import for you. Yes, you may feel hemmed in and weighed down, but the beauty of Saturn is that if you step up and take responsibility for your actions and continue to do the work, the rewards will come. I am willing to go so far as to say it is critical for you to address issues arising from the first pass of Saturn over your Pluto, because the second pass brings Uranus into the picture, and Uranus demands change.
Another important factor is that this transit will trigger your natal Yod with your Moon at the apex and your Sun sextile Pluto as the base. A Yod is comprised of two inconjuncts and a sextile and is also called the “finger of God.” This transit may bring into sharp focus the contrasts between your home and family oriented Sun in Cancer and your Moon in emotionally detached Aquarius. The other point of this pattern is, of course, your Pluto in detail-oriented, earthy Virgo, the sign traditionally associated with the sixth house.
All of these elements bring first-house, sixth-house, and eleventh-house matters into play. In other words, your presentation of yourself, especially in the workplace, is connected to your hopes and dreams and becoming your most authentic self. It may seem simplistic, but if you pay attention to how you feel (the Moon) on the job and observe how others respond to you (first house), you will gain insights into who you really are and your place within the big picture (Sun in the eleventh house).
Good luck on your journey!
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This week, we enter Day Six of the Mayan calendar. There are only two more “days” and one “night” left before the Mayan calendar ends in 2012. So we decided to ask our readers about your views on 2012.
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Neith says:
My interest in the Mayan calendar and 2012 has only been piqued recently and I really don’t know that much about it. However I tend to believe on the whole change comes incrementally where human kind is concerned baring catastrophic events and even those tend to affect a relatively small geographic area. I’m going to take a “wait and see” position for now. Pluto moving into Capricorn later this month is what has my attention!
Please add your thoughts about this!
The Full Moon on November 13 (late November 12 on the West Coast of the United States and points west) is a powerhouse at 21° 15′ Taurus, opposite the Sun in Scorpio. Neptune in Aquarius exactly squares both luminaries, creating a turbulent atmosphere with many unfolding possibilities.
Neptune stationed direct on November 2 but will remain at 21° until mid-December. As usual, we have a choice between using the tenacity of the fixed-sign T-square to cling to our illusions or to start manifesting the changes we need to continue down the path to becoming our authentic selves.
With Mars in Scorpio conjunct the Sun, this may be the time to start unearthing long-buried anger issues and allowing the light of the Sun to help us find the key to unraveling these. Stress abatement can be a prelude to better overall health, and unresolved anger and resentment are definitely sources of stress. Scorpio does not receive the acclaim it deserves as a healer, especially of wounds relating to suppressed rage. The tension created by the 90° aspect can be very useful in prodding us to finally do something, and Neptune in its highest expression represents unlimited compassion and acceptance, providing balm to emotions (the Moon) and self-image (the Sun).
There is a second T-square in this chart with the waning Saturn-Uranus opposition as the base and Pallas in Gemini at the apex. Pallas in Gemini is razor-sharp with words, and it may be a good idea to count to ten before expressing the frustration of dealing with the results of the Saturn-Uranus opposition. By the Full Moon, those of us who got hit by this opposition will be well aware of the challenges it has and will create in our lives. Here, the tension of the T-square brings out the warrior goddess side of Pallas-Athena. Slaying those around us with words is not likely to accomplish much, even though it may feel good in the moment.
Ameliorating the harshness of the two T-squares is a grand trine in earth between the Moon in Taurus, Saturn in Virgo, and Jupiter in Capricorn. This pattern features the practical but comforting side of earth and is celebrated by an emphasis on quality rather than quantity. Prepare your favorite comfort food, put on some relaxing music, and see if you can find someone to give you a good foot massage to help ease the turmoil and tension swirling around. This pattern also favors those willing to eat their vegetables first and then enjoy dessert.
An innovative aspect is the trine between Uranus in Pisces and the Sun and Mercury in Scorpio. This is an excellent time to take on a research project that requires digging deep to get all the facts and to think outside the box. Scorpio delights in gathering data and compiling it behind the scenes before presenting the finished product to a properly awed audience.
Venus, having moved into Capricorn the day before, is trine Ceres in Virgo. These two combine to offer support and nurturance with little fanfare but a great deal of class. Don’t be surprised if you opt for elegance and simplicity in buying for your home or wardrobe.
The Sabian symbol for 22 Taurus is, White dove flying over troubled waters, with the keyword GUIDANCE. Here we find reassurance by maintaining perspective and seeking inner quiet during times of emotional upheaval. As the Saturn-Uranus opposition cycle is beginning to unfold, this is important to hold in your heart and mind.
For the Sun at 22 Scorpio, the Sabian symbol is, Hunters shooting wild ducks, with the keywords SOCIALIZATION OF INSTINCTS. The Sun conjunct Mars in Scorpio in this chart is far more socialized in the expression of aggressive instincts than, say, Mars in Aries. Scorpio is inclined to weight the consequences before taking action and is very controlled and contained in expression for a martial sign.
Shining light on Neptune’s illusions and Saturn’s doubts and fears can help lessen the impact of those tendencies in our lives. We always have the choice of acknowledging our darker aspects within and forgiving ourselves our shortcomings, but no one will hold our feet to the fire and force us to do so – barring a major Pluto transit, of course. For all those who just want a lighter atmosphere, Mars will be moving into Sagittarius on November 16 and the Sun will follow him on November 21. Hang in there and practice kindness!
posted by Neith . . .
This week’s poll is about the sign of the month, Scorpio.
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Scorpio is a sign that attracts strong reactions and is often misunderstood. Since they tend to be reserved as a group and enjoy their reputation as the sexy, strong, silent types, the tremendous amount of good they do can be overlooked. Those in the healing professions often have a strong Scorpio signature in their charts for instance. To be sure, the Scorpio “sting” is something to be reckoned with but in many cases it has to do with Scorpio’s lack of tolerance for foolish behaviors. On the other hand, Scorpio is noted for being loyal to their friends and loved ones.
Hey, as many of you know I’m a Libra Sun person with a strong Scorpio rising so in interests of fairness (Libra) I have to stand up for my Scorpio brethren! Anyone else have thoughts and opinions about Scorpio?
posted by Neith . . .
The power and mystery of Scorpio moves onto the scene with the New Moon on Tuesday at 5°54′ Scorpio and is enhanced by the presence of Mars, co-ruler of Scorpio along with Pluto.
If we consider the combination of the New Moon’s sense of being pregnant with possibilities and Scorpio’s capacity for regeneration, we begin to get an idea of what is ahead. Of course, since it is Scorpio in charge, it’s very likely something will have to be released or die before the new can emerge.
The Sun and Moon essentially are unaspected by the other planets, but Mars in Scorpio stands in for them by aspecting just about everything. In fact, all the planets in earth and water signs form a pattern called the basket or cradle, with the base being formed by the waxing opposition of Saturn and Uranus. It is as if the energy being generated by the opposition is being moved outwards through Jupiter in Capricorn and Mars in Scorpio. This energy in general is more subtle in expression than the same formation in fire and air would produce. Mars is at home in Scorpio and is incredibly powerful, but is much more inclined to work behind the scenes rather than on center stage. Jupiter is constrained in Capricorn and isn’t up to make bold statements right now. The overall result is a sense of gestation and biding one’s time.
Mercury is thankfully direct now in Libra and is trine Neptune in Aquarius, encouraging us to look at the big picture with detachment and compassion. With Neptune currently at a standstill preparing to go direct on November 2, it is a good time to turn inward and contemplate where we are on our individual paths and what changes we want to implement. Here, too, we are in a holding pattern.
The increasing tension in the atmosphere is aided and abetted by a tightening T-square with Venus at the apex and Saturn-Uranus as the base. This formation will be exact on November 3, the day before the presidential election in the USA. On a personal level, if you have planets or angles at 18-19 degrees of Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, or Pisces, you will no doubt already be aware of the tension! Thankfully, once we are past November 4, these energies will start to slowly dissipate.
Pluto is now at 29° Sagittarius and is grinding down the days until he moves into Capricorn. If the feedback we are getting on Real Astrologers is any indication, there are many people who are hovering between trepidation and anticipation of that move. Pat and I plan on addressing these concerns over the course of the next month or so as best we can.
The Sabian symbol for the New Moon at 6 Scorpio is, The gold rush tears men from their native soil, with a keyword AMBITION. Here, the desire for passionate intensity of Scorpio presses forward in a search for new values and achievements with little regard for the cost. The waxing square from Mars in Scorpio to Neptune in Aquarius cautions all to be aware of hidden costs and unwarranted expectations. Here the classic “unwritten contracts” of Scorpio are fully in play, and if we don’t carefully examine our motives and expectations, we can be seriously disillusioned.
Overall, this New Moon lends itself to contemplation rather than action and actively encourages us to take stock of resources both internal and external in preparation for the release waiting at the Full Moon in Taurus on November 13. For now, practice patience and kindness and remember each of us holds our own unique truth. Be well!
posted by Neith . . .
Of course, today is the day to write your New Moon abundance checks! Here’s how.
This week’s question comes from Jay in London, UK:
I apparently have a cardinal grand cross, which I heard isn’t really a positive thing to have, but I don’t understand much about it. What does a cardinal cross say about a person? (I think it’s Moon in Aries, Venus in Libra, Jupiter in Cancer, Neptune/Saturn/Uranus in Capricorn.)
Neith’s response:
Yes, Jay, you do have a cardinal grand cross in your chart, and when Jupiter transited over the Capricorn corner in December 2007 and January 2008, it likely gave you a jolt and brought it to your attention.
The cardinal signs are the self-starters of the zodiac, and you have more planets in cardinal signs than either of the other two modes, fixed and mutable. However, a grand cross is so well balanced that it can create inertia rather than forward momentum. You also have far more planets in earth and water signs, giving your chart a negative polarity. This suggests that you may be far less aggressive than the preponderance of cardinal signs would imply.
“Positive” a lot of times is in the eyes of the beholder. For instance, a chart with lots of sextiles and trines can be so easy that the individual does not accomplish much in this life, whereas the power generated by the tension of squares and oppositions can encourage one to grow and mature.
Your chart says you have lots of creative potential to tap into, and as Pluto in Capricorn transits trigger your grand cross from the fifth house over the next few years, you may be pleasantly surprised at the inspiration made available. Leo is all about creativity after all.
Take heart, Jay and continue to pursue your dreams.
Pat’s response:
Wow, you sure do, Jay! But it is not necessarily a bad thing — there’s really no such thing as a “bad” chart. It does, however, require some special handling. And you need to know about some upcoming transits that will affect you significantly.
Before I get to that, though, I’d like to comment on something about your chart that you share with others born in 1989 and, to some degree, in 1988. The conjunction of Saturn, Uranus and Neptune at that time was rare and extremely powerful. Think of all the things that happened in that year, culminating with the fall of the Berlin Wall! This was the beginning of a new Saturn-Uranus cycle, which is coming up on its peak with the current opposition of these two outer planets.
It’s probably no coincidence that I’m starting to get questions and inquiries from young people born during this time period. It appears that you are coming of age now, as this cycle peaks and as Pluto begins to transit this configuration in your charts. Naturally, you want to know more about yourselves. Astrology is a wonderful tool for self-discovery, and it will help you with the deep transformation that you are about to go through. I encourage all of you who are at this awakening stage to find an astrologer you resonate with and get a reading.
In your case, Jay, Pluto will transit not just your outer planets, but will aspect all of the planets in your cardinal cross over the next several years. Between now and your Saturn return (roughly 28-29 years old), you will go through some deep and significant changes.
Back to your original question, the key to managing this energy, which Neith described very well in her response, is to know yourself. This should be your main focus for the next few years. Once you’ve got a strong sense of who you are, you will be more able to keep your mind on the bigger question of why you’re here and how to best fulfill your purpose in this life.
Much love and courage to you.
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Happy Mercury direct! The Messenger resumes his forward course today at 1:06 p.m. on the West Coast of the United States, just 24 hours after the Full Moon in Aries. What’s happening for you this week? Feel free to leave us detailed comments, especially as the week progresses.
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Neith says:
This particular Mercury retrograde all took place in my eleventh house and was surprisingly mild at least when it came to tech problems and miscommunications. However it did seem like I spent lots of time rehashing old issues with friends and family. In the larger picture it felt like I was hearing the same old tired messages over and over and over. We’ll see what the next few days bring as the little biter starts moving forward and opening communication channels again!
How did yours go?
RealAstrologers 