Ask Our Readers: Oh, To Be a Sagittarius

When the Sun joins Mars in Sagittarius on Friday, many of us will heave a collective sigh of relief to be leaving the angst and intensity of Scorpio behind for another cycle.

Don’t get me wrong, I am quite comfortable with Scorpio, but there is something about this particular shift in energy that says it is time to lighten up and enjoy life a little more. It could have something to do with my first-house Venus in Sagittarius, who always sparkles this time of year. Or maybe it’s because one of my favorite U.S. holidays is coming up here, Thanksgiving, which happens to be the Sagittarius holiday (Christmas falls under the aegis of Capricorn). The first Thanksgiving was celebrated by a mix of peoples from the Old World and the New coming together to share food, friendship, and an all-around good time, in true Sagittarius fashion.

Pat and I have Sagittarius Rising in our composite chart, and I’ve noticed that many of our readers have the Sun or Ascendant in the sign of the Archer. We’d love to know how you experience your Sagittarius side. Anyone else with planets and chart angles in Sag, please chime in!

Libra with Scorpio risingposted by Neith . . .

Weekly Forecast November 17: Sun and Mercury enter Sagittarius

Thy Templed Hills, Maxfield ParrishWell, I certainly can tell that Mars is in Sagittarius! The traffic picked up this weekend, I burned a bunch of food, and people weren’t shy about expressing their anger.

Unlike Mars in Scorpio, which tends to seethe silently, Mars in Sagittarius tells you exactly what he thinks. Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter, the god of extremes who throws a volcanic temper tantrum, gets it out of his system, orders a round for the entire house, and insists that everyone drink and be merry.

Mars rules motors and moving parts, while Sagittarius rules vehicles. Put that together, and you’ve got a lot of people on the go in planes, trains, and automobiles. But Sagittarius also is the hunter and lover of the great, wild outdoors (thus my image for this week). They seem incongruous, but then, as I mentioned above, this is a sign of extremes.

Sagittarius is definitely the theme this week, with Mars as the advance party for the Sun’s entry in the sign of the archer on Friday and Mercury’s arrival on Saturday. This is the start of the winter holiday season in much of the world, too, although I have to tell you that it sickens me to see all the Christmas displays in the stores so early. I know that’s their way of dealing with a sinking economy, but still…

On a day-by-day basis, here’s how the week stacks up:

On Monday, Mercury in Scorpio squares Neptune in Aquarius. It may be time for a reality check, but don’t assume that means your bubble is burst. Sometimes we don’t give enough credence to our dreams, since society in general tends to discourage this. And while I’m a big proponent of staring truth directly in the face, I also know that there are times when fantasy and imagination can be survival mechanisms. As with many things, the key is awareness. As long as you know you’re doing it, it’s probably OK.

Tuesday through Thursday are fairly quiet, except for any activity that might be stirred up by Mars in fast-moving Sagittarius. Friday is the big day, when the Moon in Virgo activates the ongoing Saturn-Uranus opposition, Jupiter trines Saturn, and the Sun changes signs.

The Moon is just one activator that will keep the Saturn-Uranus opposition in flux even though the first exact pass is behind us. Neith and I both have written a lot on this topic, and you probably know by now how this aspect is playing out in your life. Jupiter’s trine to Saturn provides an opportunity to take steps toward making real changes in your life. Uranus is stationed, about to go direct next week. Once that happens, change will come swiftly and may feel out of control. Having some long-range goals in mind will help you make on-the-spot decisions, if necessary, and will provide grounding.

We all should feel some lightening up once the Sun and Mercury enter Sagittarius, so plan something fun this weekend. That said, Mercury is in his detriment in Sagittarius, mostly because he tends to blurt out the truth without thinking. This is definitely not the time to ask, “Honey, do I look fat in these jeans?”

Love and blessings,
Aquarius, the sign of astrologyPat

Image: Thy Templed Hills, by Maxfield Parrish, 1936.

Saturday Extra: 13th Sign of the Zodiac

Neith has pointed out recently that Scorpio’s healing properties often are ignored, which prompted me to write this little explanation for Saturday Extra.

Ophiuchus

The zodiac is comprised of twelve constellations on the ecliptic, the path the Sun takes as it appears to move through the sky from our perspective here on Earth. There is, however, a thirteenth constellation on the ecliptic, Ophiuchus, the serpent bearer. When the ancient Greeks came up with the tropical zodiac system, they excluded Ophiuchus and Continue reading →

Ask Real Astrologers: Will Pluto Help My Career?

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.

Aquarius expounds . . .

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.

Libra ponders . . .
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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Ask Our Readers: What Will Happen in 2012?

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!

Weekly Forecast November 10: Full Moon in Taurus/Scorpio, Venus and Mars Change Signs

Walking a tightropeThere’s a lot going on this week, and no matter what your Sun or Rising sign is, you’ll feel a shift.

We’re still in the wake of the Saturn-Uranus opposition, a long-term aspect with far-reaching consequences. The effects are going to take a couple of years to shake out. The challenge here is to walk the fine line between making much-needed changes in your life and being practical and grounded.

Throughout the week, major aspects will release the energy of this opposition, much the same way that an earthquake releases pent-up earth energy. Most of these aspects are positive, and I’m hopeful that this will help tip the balance in favor of maximum change while keeping within tolerable bounds the disruptions that inevitably come with that change.

On Monday and Tuesday, the Sun in Scorpio makes favorable aspects to both Saturn and Uranus, along with Jupiter, which currently is sitting at a near-exact sextile to Uranus and trine to Saturn. Jupiter, a benevolent influence somewhat tempered by his residence in Capricorn, moves into an exact sextile with Uranus on Thursday and trines Saturn next week. Growth starts in your head; what you think and what you believe, both about yourself and the world, can limit your possibilities. New doorways will appear, but to see them, you may have to be ruthless in examining errors in your thinking.

On Wednesday (late Tuesday in later time zones), Venus conjoins Pluto in the last degree of Sagittarius before moving into Capricorn several hours later. Depending on where this conjunction falls in your chart, you may become obsessive or possessive about something or someone. The feelings themselves may be fleeting, but don’t discount deeper, underlying motivations. It all flows into better self-understanding.

Also on Wednesday, the Moon in Taurus amplifies the Saturn-Uranus opposition and forms a grand earth trine with Jupiter and Saturn, providing still more cosmic support for keeping an even keel while abruptly changing course, if necessary.

Thursday is the Full Moon, with Sun in Scorpio and Moon in Taurus (the Full Moon always falls in the sign opposite the position of Sun). Neith has written a full report already, and she also noted that this is the start of Day 6 of the Galactic Underworld (according to Calleman; I’ll have more on this in a day or two over on The Pisces Chronicles). Not only will this Full Moon activate events of the current eclipse series, but it marks a major shift in planetary energy.

Mercury squares Chiron on Friday, calling attention to our deepest wounds. This is never comfortable, but it is a necessary part of the healing process. Accepting the pain, even for an hour or two, will do you more good than resorting to your favorite painkiller, be it an actual drug or escapist behavior.

The Moon enters Cancer on Saturday and, along with Mercury, keeps the energy of the Saturn-Uranus opposition in full flux for the entire weekend. Add to that the entry of Mars in dynamic Sagittarius, and we’re all in for a wild ride. I’ll have more on Mars in Sag in next week’s forecast.

To sum up, if you’re overwhelmed and feeling a sense of inner chaos, so is everyone else, and this is not a bad thing. We’re all ready for change, and this is a necessary phase.

Much courage and love to all…

Aquarius, the sign of astrologyPat

Image: World High Wire Championships in Seoul, South Korea, in October 2008. Photo by Lee Jin-man for the AP.

Full Moon in Taurus, November 12-13, 2008

 Full Moon in Taurus is here
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!

Libra with Scorpio risingposted by Neith . . .

Ask Real Astrologers: Pisces Feels Like a Fish out of Water

This week’s question comes from Stephanie in Minneapolis:

I have Sun, Moon, and Mercury in Pisces, with the rest of the planets in Capricorn and Taurus. Is there anything interesting off the bat about this combination and could the three planets in Pisces be why I feel so awkward and out of place most of the time?

Aquarius expounds . . .

Pat’s response:

Stephanie, there is nothing unusual about having three planets in Pisces, especially not when those three include the Sun and Mercury, which often are in the same sign. The Sun and Moon in the same sign indicates that you were born near a New Moon, which also is not uncommon.

However, you do have a very unusual chart, and it is easy to see why you feel “different” and out of place.

First of all, you were born during an exceptional period in 1988 and 1989, when Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune were conjunct in Capricorn. Events happened in these years that literally were earth-shaking. So you are part of a generation born into rapid change. Young people your age are starting to come into their own now, and I’m seeing an increasing interest in astrology as you seek to understand your special place and the gifts you bring to the world. In some regard, you are all “different.”

Still, that doesn’t account for your specific feelings, which I would attribute to two things in your chart. First, you have Uranus near your Ascendant. Uranus is the “oddball” of our solar system, and those with strong Uranus in their charts tend not to fit into anyone’s mold. This is also true of Aquarius, the sign ruled by Uranus in modern astrology.

Second, your Ascendant is at 27 degrees Sagittarius, which is the Galactic Core, the center of our galaxy. I’ve written quite a bit on my blog, The Pisces Chronicles, about Pluto’s recent conjunction with the GC, which will provide you with some information about the signficance of this point in space. People with Sun, Ascendant, or other key planets on the GC often have uncommon psychic abilities. These can take many forms, and they can make you feel apart from others who don’t have these capabilities.

We don’t have the space in this forum to go into any depth. I strongly suggest that you get a complete reading with an astrologer you feel comfortable with, as astrology is one of the best tools there is to get to know yourself.

Thanks for writing, and many blessings to you.

Libra ponders . . .
Neith’s response:

Steph, what struck me when I looked at your chart was while all your planets are in either earth or water signs, your Ascendant and Midheaven are in fire and air, respectively. What this can mean is the way others see you in the world has little in common with your private persona and may contribute to your sense of feeling awkward.

Any person with a preponderance of earth and water will be at home with their feminine side and will need to consciously learn to cultivate “masculine” qualities such as being assertive and direct. For you, learning more about your Sagittarius Rising and how this forthright fire sign operates will help you. I realize Pluto in Sagittarius transiting your Ascendant in 2006 and 2007 may have been a crash course, but sometimes Pluto transits are so overwhelming that it takes time to process them.

When Pluto entered Capricorn in January of this year, it conjoined your natal Uranus in Capricorn in your first house. This transit repeats at the end of November. This is an excellent transit to claim your unique appearance and manner and tell the rest of the world to go hang! Pluto transits to the first house teach us lessons in becoming aware of our personal power and of our authentic selves.

Good luck and always keep in mind the power of earth and water . . . think volcanoes and tidal waves!

Got a quick question? Click here to contact Ask Real Astrologers. Reminder: Please remember to tell us where you’re located!

Astrology Poll: How do you feel about Scorpio?

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?

Libra with Scorpio risingposted by Neith . . .

Weekly Forecast November 3: Saturn Opposite Uranus

The castration of Uranus by Saturn
The big news this week is the opposition between Saturn in Virgo and Uranus in Pisces, which is exact on Tuesday.

The main reason this aspect is so challenging, both individually and collectively, is that the energies represented by these two planets are diametrically opposed. Saturn is about structure, tradition, limitations, and all that is concrete and tangible, whereas the energy of Uranus is erratic, chaotic, innovative, and unconventional, with a spark of creative genius that can’t be contained. Pit these two opposite each other, and you have a classic tug-of-war between the urge to maintain the status quo and an urgent need for change.

On Monday, the Moon in Capricorn conjoins Jupiter and aspects both Saturn and Uranus, further increasing the intensity of this opposition. We may experience specific events related to Saturn and Uranus, but keep in mind that the effects of a long-term outer aspect like this last for months, and you no doubt have already bumped up against a situation that will persist for the next couple of years.

Also on Monday, Venus squares Saturn and Uranus, reminding us to try to see the bigger picture instead of choosing sides.

Tuesday is Election Day in the United States, and the Saturn-Uranus opposition has a clear role not only in the election itself but in the new administration. To our foreign readers (Real Astrologers has readers in 110 countries around the world), I wish to say, as I’ve written elsewhere, that I don’t believe the United States is so important that we set the standards for the rest of the world. Events in the next four years were set in motion long ago, and we are simply a player in that unfolding drama, which is taking place on the world stage, not just here at home.

I’ve posted an expanded version of this forecast on my personal blog, The Pisces Chronicles, and Neith and I will be writing more about Saturn and Uranus for those who are interested.

That would be enough intensity for one week, but there’s more. Indeed, November is shaping up to be a tumultuous month. For those who have felt stuck in a rut, this will be a good thing, but change typically isn’t easy, especially when it happens suddenly and swiftly.

On Monday, Mars squares Neptune at 21 degrees Scorpio and Aquarius. There will be a lunar eclipse next February at 21 degrees Aquarius, one of an ongoing series of eclipses in Aquarius and Leo that began last February and will continue until August 2009. You already know how this energy is playing out in your life, so just be prepared for developments this week that aren’t likely to be very pleasant.

On Tuesday, Mercury sextiles Pluto before entering Scorpio, the sign that Pluto rules. Rather than trying to banish obsessive thoughts, follow them down into those dark places and fearlessly shine light on them. This is how enlightenment happens.

The Moon is in Aquarius on Wednesday and Thursday, amplifying the dreamy and psychic energy of Neptune, who’s just yawning and stretching as he returns direct. On Saturday, the Moon in Pisces conjoins Uranus and opposes Saturn, and once again we’ll be painfully aware of the tension.

Much courage and love to all…

Aquarius, the sign of astrologyPat

Image: The Defeat of Uranus by Saturn, by Giorgio Vasari and Gherardi Christofano, 16th century, Palazzo Vecchio, Florence. I’ve used this frightening image before, but I’m repeating it, because it so beautifully illustrates the Saturn-Uranus opposition.