Saturday Extra: Saturn Square Pluto and Relationship Pitfalls

This topic just won’t leave me alone. New thoughts keep creeping up from the depths of my twelfth-house Mercury in Scorpio and asking to be shared, perhaps because controlling behaviors (Pluto) can devastate our one-on-one relationships (Libra).

The second exact square between Saturn in Libra and Pluto in Capricorn takes place January 31, another reason this subject in on my mind. Pluto in Capricorn has a strong need to be seen as the top dog in any given situation, while Saturn in Libra keeps reminding him of the importance of fairness and equity. The potential for conflict between these ideas is quite apparent. If we insist on being in control, it is darn hard to practice fairness and equity, isn’t it?

The beauty of the square between planets is how sharply the qualities of the signs involved are brought into focus. Supporting the potential for clarity with the current Saturn-Pluto square in Libra and Capricorn is the fact Saturn, Capricorn’s ruler, is exalted in Libra. Most of us who have worked with modifying behaviors know how important it is to be patient and forgiving of ourselves, because it is a process, often taking many years of vigilance – how Saturn is that! Pluto offers us the strength to go deep, deep into the dark corners of our beings and turn on the lights. From personal experience, I know how what appeared to be a huge monster in the dark can be reduced to something manageable in the light. Truly.

Often the tricky part is not learning to see controlling behaviors in others, but acknowledging it in ourselves. It’s time to look in the mirror, into our own eyes and say, “Yes, I did and do behave like that.” That is the first step. For those of us with Pluto dominating our charts, the next step is often the need to dig around in our emotional basements and figure out why we are driven to control our interactions with others. This is an ongoing, often frustrating but ultimately freeing experience. One of the best sources for help in this area can be found at Donna Cunningham’s blog, Sky Writer. She has many resources listed on her sidebar worth exploring.

Between now and August 21, when Saturn and Pluto meet for their third and final square, we will have plenty of reminders and opportunities to learn more about this topic. In other words, it is not going away any time soon. Fun, huh?! :::grin:::

posted by Diane . . .

Image: I couldn’t resist the obvious metaphor of the return of the light on a winter’s dawn and the new beginnings possible after lighting up the dark places within each of us.

Ask Real Astrologers: Could This Be Planet X?

This week we’d like to tackle an unconventional question, which actually was submitted weeks ago, but it has taken some time to look into it. It’s no surprise that the question comes from an unconventional Aquarius, Rossa in the U.K., who is a regular here on RealAstrologers. She asks:

I don’t know if you’ve picked up on the reports confirming (or appearing to confirm) that there is a brown dwarf star on the outskirts of our solar system. Some astronomers in Spain reckon it confirms the theory that we are a binary star system, which is fairly common throughout the galaxy . . . It was discovered in the 80s but until recently no one actually came out to say what it really might be. Found in the Sagittarius part of the sky. Just wondered whether you two lovely ladies have any insights? I’m aware of the Planet X/Niburu stories on the ‘Net, although this seems more ‘official,’ and NASA is aware of it.

[Note: Diane is on hiatus this week. She’ll be back to answer more of your questions next Friday.]

Pat’s response:

Thanks for your question, Rossa. This is the first I’d heard of it, and I checked out the URL you provided.

It was tricky researching this. As you say, it appears to be confirmed by real astronomers, and this article sounds very scientific. Moreover, many sites picked up the story, making it look as though it were true. This is a real problem on the Internet.

As a former reporter, I’ve got a lot of experience in confirming rumors, which do sometimes turn out to be true. The key is to find a reliable source. Normally, we’d turn to NASA for that, but for many people, a U.S. government site isn’t credible, because it must be hiding something it doesn’t want people to know, right? So I went to the site of Mike Brown, the Caltech astronomer who was part of the team that discovered Quaoar, Sedna, and Eris. He’s got a great blog, and apparently he gets questions all the time about stuff like this. I found an interview with him on a Discovery Channel site, which is very interesting because it also discusses his role in demoting Pluto to a dwarf planet.

“I really do get many emails and even worried calls from people who are convinced that I know something and am not telling,” Brown says in the interview. “It is very hard to convince someone who thinks that there is a conspiracy that you are not part of the conspiracy. I really, really wish there were a Planet X and that I had discovered it. That would have been serious fun.”

That’s your answer, in a nutshell. But why, then, does a story like this make such a splash? Why are people so ready to believe it? And is there anything else we should infer from the existence of brown dwarfs?

I agree with the author of the article you cite that the sense of “something big” about to happen is shared by many, and this could be feeding the belief in Planet X or Nibiru. Diane and I, along with many other astrologers, have written that the cardinal T-square and grand cross that is developing heralds sweeping changes between now and 2012. I believe this shift could be accompanied by events that we can’t predict, because we can’t even imagine them right now. Could it include some startling discoveries about our solar system and galaxy? Absolutely!

The description of brown dwarfs is fascinating, especially the idea that they are “failed” stars. As we explore this concept, we may broaden our perspective of everything being connected and gain a better understanding of the idea that some things die so that others may live.

As for Planet X, Nibiru, and 2012, I believe that it’s misguided to look for material evidence of a planet or celestial body that is going to collide with Earth. For example, Paul LaViolette has written about energy outbursts from the Galactic Core as the possible cause of global catastrophe. Energy events are every bit as real as material bodies. That may be one of the lessons here.

Thanks again for writing, Rossa. I encourage everyone to send us a note when you find news items like this. There’s so much information out there that it’s not possible for one person to keep track of it all.

Got a quick question? Click here to contact Ask Real Astrologers. You must use this form to contact us, or we don’t get your question. Be sure to fill out all the fields, and please spell out the month of your birthday. If you don’t know your time of birth, indicate “time unknown.” NEW: You can also use the drop-down menu above under “About Us” to get to the question form. THANKS!

Full Moon in Leo, January 29-30, 2010

After the intensity of the past two eclipses, the Full Moon at 10°14′ Leo on January 29 will be much easier to live with (January 30 in the Eastern Hemisphere).

The chart for this lunation has three main conversations – one between the Moon conjunct Mars in Leo opposing the Sun conjunct Venus in Aquarius, Jupiter in Pisces sextile Pluto in Capricorn, and Saturn in Libra exactly squaring Pluto. Mercury in Capricorn, Neptune in Aquarius, and Uranus in Pisces form only minor aspects and are content to mutter quietly in the background.

I find it amusing the way Venus and Mars are aligned with the Sun and Moon. Ultimately, they balance each other out nicely. Traditionally, Venus and the Moon have more in common, as both are more receptive in nature, while Mars and the Sun are both more assertive and outgoing.

On one hand, pairing Venus with the Sun in cool, cerebral Aquarius tones down the exuberance of Sol, ruler of Leo, and gives Venus a decidedly independent streak. On the other, Mars in Leo is still retrograde, reducing his normal force and bluster to a whisper for now, making it much easier for him to find common ground with the Moon, whose normal fluidity is firmed up in fixed, fiery Leo.

What this gives us is better-than-normal opportunities to sit down with partners of all types and work out any issues creating problems. Our differences will be easier to define under the brilliant light of the Full Moon, and since the atmosphere is less divisive than usual, we stand a better chance of finding points of compromise.

Be warned, though, it is essential to be as honest and equitable as possible, because the second of three squares between Saturn in Libra and Pluto in Capricorn is exact on Sunday, January 31. I know I sound like a broken record on the subject, but right now unscrupulous behavior will bring us to grief in the end. Pluto does not take prisoners ever, and Saturn in Libra is backing him up on this. Consider what has and is happening to Capricorn Tiger Woods and his Capricorn wife, Elin, if you will.

Jupiter is now in Pisces and is making a waxing sextile to Pluto in Capricorn. This aspect softens the edges and introduces a deeper sense of compassion and caring to the collective than we have experienced in awhile. I am still maintaining a “wait and see” approach to Jupiter in Pisces, because Pisces is very good at faking us out – it is a much more powerful sign than it is often given credit for. Think oceans and tsunamis . . .

Mercury in Capricorn is semi-sextile the Sun and Venus in Aquarius and seems very intent on catching up on the backlog left from the days it was retrograde. Mercury ruled types like Virgos and Geminis are very busy right now from what I’m hearing. Even after Mercury moves into Aquarius, the first thing it will do is trine Saturn in Libra – taking care of business will still be in order.

As for the ongoing mutual reception between Neptune in Aquarius and Uranus in Pisces, it does provide an excellent backdrop for the Sabian symbol of 11 Aquarius, “During a silent hour, a man receives a new inspiration which may change his life.” If we take time to quiet our minds each day, we can tap into the rich world of the imagination to renew our creativity.

For the Moon, the Sabian symbol is 11 Leo, “Children play on a swing hanging from the branches of a huge oak tree.” What a wonderful image to inspire us to take time to play and renew our acquaintance with what it means to be joyous. I don’t know about anyone else, but I’m ready for a break from the intensity of the past month or so.

Take time to laugh and play with family and friends on this Full Moon, if you can. Sharing joy heals places within ourselves that we often didn’t even realize needed it.

posted by Diane . . .

Weekly Forecast January 25: Venus Opposite Mars, Full Moon in Leo

Mars and Venus, by Sandro Botticelli, c. 1485. Although there is much symbolism in this painting, the simple message is that love conquers all.

Most of this week will be a build-up to Saturday’s Full Moon in Leo. It’s going to be especially interesting to observe the effects of a Full Moon so close to an opposition of Venus and Mars.

Venus and Mars sometimes are referred to as the “cosmic lovers,” and this week they are opposed – she in freedom-loving Aquarius, and he in commanding Leo. The Sun and Moon can also represent male and female, and in this case, the feminine Moon will be aligned with masculine Mars, opposite feminine Venus and the masculine Sun.

Saturn, the planet of commitment, is retrograde, and he’s in Venus-ruled Libra. I have a feeling that there’s going to be a lot of reassessment this week, and those who perceive they are in a confining relationship are going to feel like rebelling. The response may not be pleasant, but it will create an opening to discuss more fairness, equality, and personal freedom in relationships.

Still, an opening is simply that; it’s an invitation to discussion and negotiation, not a guarantee of getting what you want. And you’ll need to keep your ego in check. On one hand, it will be easier with Mars retrograde, but the Sun is an ego planet, too, and with Sun and Venus in conjunction, she may be a little too “self-oriented” for her own good.

On Saturday, I wrote a short post about choosing how to respond in situations reflecting conflicting planetary energies. If you choose to defend your ego – including your ego’s need for an ill-defined concept of freedom – you could end up shooting yourself in the foot. Stop to think about what you’re defending and why. Is it just a need to be right, or is it something on which your survival depends?

If you can get past the ego issues, this configuration of planets could be wonderful for love and romance. For some, it could be very sexy.

Diane will have a complete report on this Full Moon on Tuesday or Wednesday, so check back then.

The only other significant aspect this week is the square between Saturn and Pluto, the second in a series of three. The square is exact on Sunday, but we’ll feel it all week, especially on Wednesday, when the Moon in Cancer forms a T-square with Saturn at the apex. You may feel a sense of sadness or powerlessness for a few hours.

Saturn and Pluto are outer planets and thus the square between them applies more to the collective than to individuals. But the Moon in Cancer throws personal consequences into the mix. When titans collide, innocent bystanders can get caught in the crossfire.

Wishing you all much love and courage,
Pat

Saturday Extra! Some Thoughts on Right Use of Astrology

Image: Timed exposure of the north face of the Eiger in the Swiss Alps. Photo by Fabrice Coffrini for Agence France-Presse.

With Mars retrograde in my seventh house and Mercury still not out of post-retrograde shadow, I’m constantly reminded of the “right use” of astrology.

For many people, astrology is a method of predicting what will happen to them. For sure, an astrologer can detect patterns and predict some events or, at least, a range of possibilities. But this is a limited use of a powerful tool that can do so much more.

If you’re a regular visitor here, you know that I’m a big proponent of using astrology to identify the energy currents flowing through our material world at any given time. It’s akin to predicting the weather. When we know that a high-risk period is on the way, we can choose to adjust our behavior accordingly.

For example, although it’s rarely a good idea to blurt out uncensored thoughts and react to situations without thinking first, such behavior can have far-reaching consequences during retrograde periods and some planetary transits. Having a difficult discussion while Mercury is retrograde can permanently damage a relationship.

It takes restraint, and it takes work. The planets can’t do that part for us. They are indicators, that’s all. And yes, when Mars is in my seventh house, opposite my Sun, there is going to be a real temptation to get in a heated argument, but approached with the right frame of mind, this type of discussion can be highly productive.

In a consultation this week, I was looking at the synastry of two people and noticed an aspect indicating a severe barrier to communications that, without attention, could cause the relationship to collapse. I explained that it wasn’t a foregone conclusion that this aspect was a deal-breaker and would lead to arguments, but that both people had a choice of maintaining awareness and working on good communications, or of ignoring the problem until it was too late.

Ultimately, this approach to astrology is empowering. It gives you the power to be proactive, and it helps you prepare for situations in which you may have to react quickly.

Even for me, the astrologer, it’s always good to have this reminder from time to time, and so I pass it on to you in the hopes that it will help you find more happiness and fulfillment.

Much love and many blessings,
Pat

Ask Our Readers: Noticing Anything Different?

What a difference a week makes! We are now under a very different sky with both the Sun and Venus in Aquarius, Jupiter in Pisces, and, best of all, Mercury direct and getting back up to speed.

Sure, Mars is still retrograde in Leo, and we have the second Saturn in Libra square Pluto in Capricorn event on January 31 to deal with and those are no small potatoes. Maybe it is just me, but the atmosphere does feel lighter, and communications are improving. I’m happy with that. We still have to be ready to assume our responsibilities and be prepared to work hard, because slacking off will not be tolerated, period.

Anyone else noticing this new and improved atmosphere? Getting ready to get down to working on a new project?

posted by Diane . . .

Weekly Forecast January 18: Sun and Venus Enter Aquarius

Venus in Aquarius, beauty through technology. Here I am in front of my new Verilux Clearwave skin treatment lamp, which uses red and blue light to heal problem skin.

Well, I’m sure glad last week is over. I know a lot of you are, too!

It was a wild ride, and now we’re evaluating the damage and cleaning up. For some, the turbulence was physical and unimaginably devastating. The entire nation of Haiti is stumbling out from under the rubble and tallying up the fatalities.

For others, the storm was primarily emotional, and we are cleaning up, too. Fortunately, the astrological outlook is sunny, and we’ll be able to get lots accomplished this week.

Diane and I have been working for the past two weeks on installing a new theme. Even though we stuck to research and testing while Mercury was retrograde, we nonetheless bumped into obstacles that seemed insurmountable. Then on Friday, after Mercury went direct, everything suddenly started falling into place.

In many ways, our new structure is a metaphor for the energy shift that has taken place and that will continue to ripple through our existence. Our old structure wasn’t working any longer, so we had to break it down and get a new one that is more evolved. The result: Not only do we look different on the outside, but we’re much more dynamic and powerful.

For example, we’re now able to support the Astrodienst widget that tells you the real-time position of the planets by sign and degree. Is that cool, or what?

Our new site also supports video, a more compelling and intimate way to communicate with our readers. Diane has posted an excellent video on Saturn in Libra. If you haven’t watched it yet, I highly recommend it. I still have some fixes to make on my computer before I can record a video without that obnoxious whirring sound, so it will be a week or so before I can upload new video content.

We’ll be making a lot of other changes and also cleaning up the debris left behind by migrating to a new theme, so bear with us.

Speaking of changes, the cardinal energy subsides a bit this week, giving us a chance to breathe and catch up. Retrograde Saturn in Libra is moving back toward an exact square with Pluto in Capricorn, but Mercury is separating from close contact with these two heavyweights.

Meanwhile, both the Sun and Venus leave Capricorn this week and enter Aquarius, where they will make a lovely air trine with Saturn later in the week. Even if we still have a lot of work to do, we’ll get it done quickly and efficiently, and it might even be fun!

Of all the fixed signs, Aquarius is the least averse to change — in principle, anyway. Technology and innovation are keywords for Aquarius, along with rebellion and surprise. That seems somewhat contradictory with the fixed nature of the Water Bearer, who at times can be as stubborn as any Taurus (OK, OK, I admit it!).

As an Aquarius with Aquarius Rising, I have noted personally that, as much as
I want change, know I need it, and welcome it, actually incorporating the changes into my life can be a slow and frustrating process. There’s something about the underlying mental structure of Aquarius that is indeed quite fixed.

Aquarius also rules the collective, so this is a good time to contemplate our desire for change but seeming inability to make that giant leap getting us out of the rut of our beliefs and into a new paradigm.

The cardinal energy of the past few weeks is a great reminder that change often is imposed on us, and indeed, that’s often the only way we’ll make it. It can happen abruptly and entirely disrupt our lives. That’s one of the key differences between Pluto and Uranus. The former breaks things down over time, while the latter can do it suddenly and without warning.

Wishing you all much love. We’re all in this boat together.

Pat

Latest News & Saturn in Libra Video

Since Saturn in Libra is currently squaring Mercury, newly direct in Capricorn, as well as Pluto in Capricorn, this video I made shortly after Saturn entered Libra at the end of October 2009 is still apropos.

Between Mercury being a virtual standstill and hedged in by Saturn, don’t be surprised if everyone is on the terse side today. By this time next week, we are all going to start feeling like our communications have been freed up once again and returning to whatever passes for normal for each of us.

Pat and I would also like to encourage our readers to submit their questions including their location as well as complete birth data (date, time and place). Check back next Friday!

Today is also the day to write abundance checks and since this New Moon was not only in practical Capricorn but was a major solar eclipse, it is a perfect opportunity to do this. Go here for instructions.

We also want to give everyone a “head’s up” about some possible weirdness on this site as we shift to a new WordPress theme. Bear with us and enjoy our fresh new look once the dust settles.

posted by Diane . . .

Capricorn New Moon Solar Eclipse, January 14-15, 2010

The New Moon this week is a powerful solar eclipse, so it would be a very good idea to pay close attention to the area of your chart it illuminates. At 25°01′ Capricorn, this lunation will take place late Thursday night in the western United States and on Friday on the East Coast and Europe.

The Sabian symbol for 26 Capricorn, “a nature spirit dancing in the iridescent mist of a waterfall,” is evocative of Venus in Capricorn closely conjoining the Sun and Moon. It reminds us that Capricorn is a feminine earth sign with deep ties to the natural world. This is a subtle beauty, easily overlooked in our fast-paced world.

A lovely sextile from the Sun, Moon, and Venus to Uranus in Pisces can open the doors for creative ventures and inspiration. This is a wonderful time to lay the groundwork for making changes, but keep in mind we are still talking Capricorn here, and be prepared to do your homework and have a workable plan in place.

In addition to the Sun, Moon and Venus, both Mercury and Pluto are in Capricorn square Saturn in Libra, weighing this New Moon heavily to Saturn’s point of view. Forget about taking shortcuts and making excuses, because they will not fly.

Any new enterprise started under the aegis of this lunation needs to be well thought-out and clearly viable. That being said, the period following this New Moon is pretty darn good for laying the groundwork for your next major project. Just be aware as long as Mars is retrograde to allow for a slow unfolding.

Speaking of Mars in Leo, it is sitting this one out, as it makes no major aspects to the other planets. It comes back into play on the Full Moon in Leo on January 29-30, conjoining the Moon!

Venus in Capricorn and Saturn in Libra are in mutual reception, since Venus is Libra’s ruler and Saturn, Capricorn’s. This combination is very supportive for understanding how much plain old practice goes into perfecting any type of creative skill. Writers need to write, painters paint, and musicians practice their chosen instrument in order to shine in the end. Talent is lovely to have, but without the boring practice, practice, practice behind the scenes, all the talent in the world will come to naught.

Pat covered the series of planets changing sign and direction in her weekly forecast for January 11 quite well. I do want to point out that both Mercury and Saturn are retrograde on this lunation, suggesting the pace will continue to be deliberate, so plan accordingly. No speedy resolutions in sight yet!

It is also worth noting the tight semi-sextile between Neptune in Aquarius and the New Moon-Venus stellium in Capricorn. This is a good reminder that we are dealing with influences that will affect the collective in subtle ways. Venus and Neptune both work to soften the sometimes harsh edges of Capricorn, allowing for opportunities to express kindness and compassion for ourselves and others.

This really is an excellent time to learn more about the contribution that well-organized Capricorn types make. If you are heading to job interviews, dress appropriately and please, please resist the urge to show off or oversell yourself. Be scrupulously honest too – anything else is likely to come back and bite you in the backside. Good manners go over well and are never out of style, either.

The feeling of a profound shift taking place continues, and it may well turn out that this particular solar eclipse will mark a major turning point in many of our lives. Please remember to practice kindness and tolerance, as always. Be well.

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

Image: A photographer for REUTERS in China captured this amazing image of the eclipse on July 22, 2009. The statue is Houyi, a Chinese hero who, according to legend, shot down nine suns with his bow and arrow. The path of the Moon’s shadow began in India and crossed through Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar and China.

Weekly Forecast January 11: Solar Eclipse in Capricorn, Mercury Direct

Janus, the Roman god of gates, doors, beginnings, and endings for whom our first month of January is named. We're not only in a new year, but a new decade and a new energy pattern. Expect lots of endings and beginnings now.

This is a landmark week, with enough activity in the sky for a Hollywood thriller.

Not only do we have a solar eclipse, but Saturn turns retrograde, Mercury returns direct, and Jupiter enters Pisces. Whew! Each of these events is significant in itself, but together, they make for some powerful new beginnings with a willingness to experiment.

Taking events in order, Monday the Sun conjoins Venus. Normally this happy combination would translate to fun-filled social gatherings and easy expressions of love and affection. However, both Sun and Venus are still at an irritating inconjunct with Mars, so don’t be surprised if your date or lunch with a friend is marred by a misunderstanding or some other kind of disruption. If that happens, my advice is to try to let it go for now, or you’ll only get yourself deeper in the hole.

Saturn turns retrograde on Wednesday. Many of us noticed a decided change in atmosphere when Saturn entered Libra in late October. Relationships came more in focus, with an emphasis on fairness and equity rather than the perfection demanded by Saturn in Virgo. Alas, we return to that fastidiousness briefly when Saturn returns to Virgo from April 7 to July 21.

In the meantime, we can use Saturn’s retrograde energy to identify relationship issues that may need work over time. And some problems do require constant work and vigilance.

Friday is the eclipse (Thursday on the West Coast of the United States), the second in a pair of New Year eclipses in Capricorn and Cancer. This series began six months ago and feeds heavily into the shift to cardinal energy. Diane wrote a very fine post on New Year’s Day on this trend and will have a full report on Tuesday on the upcoming eclipse, so check back.

In short, the shift to cardinal energy means more action, and that means change. Whereas the fixed signs take their time in deliberating — often to the point of inertia — cardinal signs are quick to react, but this also can mean change just for the sake of change that isn’t well thought-out and doesn’t take the needs of the collective into account. Although we all think we want change, I do caution you to take care what you wish for. There is no doubt that we are in for some big changes, but I don’t see them as entirely positive.

In the short-term, though, Friday’s eclipse should produce some positive changes, some of which might be surprisingly so, as this eclipse not only is conjunct Venus but positively angled to Uranus. Even though it rules a fixed sign, Uranus is associated with innovation and change.

The big wild card in this eclipse is Saturn retrograde. Because Saturn rules this eclipse and turned retrograde just a day before, it could act as a giant braking system. In my fixed-sign mind, that would be a good thing!

Shortly after the eclipse, Mercury returns direct. Keep in mind that when Mercury stations, communications, traffic, and other Mercury ruled activities tend to come to a complete standstill. It would be best to wait a couple more days to sign contracts or make major purchases. That includes exchanging big-ticket holiday gifts. Make Sunday your day to go shopping. By then, the January sales will be in full swing, so you’ll probably get a better deal, too!

Sunday also is the day when Jupiter enters Pisces. With the Moon also entering the sign of the Fishes, we’ll have a lovely Moon-Jupiter conjunction to start off the week —or, if you’re on the West Coast of the United States, to end it. Let’s hope that the seed of this highly spiritual combination will be planted in the collective mind so that all may experience the oneness of all being, even if it’s only in our dreams.

Wishing you all much love and courage in these changing times,

Pat