Tag Archives: Saturn in Libra

Weekly Forecast July 19: Saturn Enters Libra, Full Moon in Aquarius

Road to the top. Another photo from my eclipse day drive to Mount Rainier. © Pat Paquette

Got your crampons on? Fastened tight? Good, because this week we begin our climb straight up the face of the cardinal T-square.

We’ve been waiting for Saturn, the leader of our party. He had to return to Virgo for a few supplies, but he’s due back at base camp Libra on Wednesday, when we’ll get further instructions — specifically, who we’ll be climbing with and how we’re going to share the load.

As I mentioned in my Saturday Extra! post, Saturn will be on the Ascendant in Washington, D.C., the moment of his ingress. It remains to be seen whether this manifests in the short-term, or whether it represents what the United States will experience during the two years that Saturn is in Libra.

On Thursday, the Sun enters his home sign of Leo, ruler of the heart. The Latin root for “heart” and “center” are the same, and it also is the root of the word “courage.” Thus, to encourage someone is to give them heart. It’s one of my favorite words, and we’re all going to need to give each other a lot of encouragement as this T-square unfolds.

The last aspect that the Sun and Saturn make before entering their respective new signs is an inconjunct with Chiron, who as of Tuesday is back in Aquarius, sign of the collective. This places Chiron at the apex of a Yod with the Sun and Saturn at the base. To be able to set our sights high and encourage each other to keep climbing, we’ll have to confront our wounds, collectively and individually.

Most of us are wounded in some way. As I was re-reading Eckhart Tolle last week, I came across his comment about how the human mind is inherently dysfunctional. Our egos essentially make us an insane species, he says. He talks about the “pain body” and the ego’s investment in remaining wounded.

Some of us are more wounded than others, which means that the load isn’t going to be distributed evenly on this trip to the top. We want as many of us to make the climb as possible, so those who can carry more will have to do so. Conversely, those who really do need help will need to ask, and in a clear, direct manner, without whining. Some people don’t like to ask for help, because they think they might be perceived as weak. To avoid that impression, they sometimes resort to manipulative tactics to get others to carry their load for them. That won’t work anymore.

If you truly are doing your best, no one can ask more of you, but the point is that we’re climbing to a field of higher consciousness, where our best is far beyond anything we could ever have imagined. We need to stretch and grow. If we were climbing a mountain for real, we’d accept sore muscles and fatigue as a given. So it is with the climb to your higher mind.

Some people are so wounded that they won’t be able to make this trip, and that’s going to be extremely painful for all concerned. We don’t want to leave loved ones behind, and yet we can’t hold ourselves back. It’s an excruciating choice to have to make, but that’s part of what the conflicting energies of this T-square are all about. And we’re probably not going to have the luxury of time to weigh all the pros and cons. The climbing party leaves at the crack of dawn. You’re either geared up and ready to go, or you’re not.

On Friday, the Sun in Leo trines Uranus, who’s retrograde and somewhat diminished but still feisty enough in Aries to create a crisis or two. “Fires to put out,” we might say. Or maybe “shock and awe.”

At the same time, Jupiter is stationed to turn retrograde in Aries on Friday. We’re going to feel this shift, possibly as a financial event of some kind. The Big Guy squares Pluto on Saturday, the first of three exact squares between these two, both of which are associated with money, power, and influence. Corporate giants like BP definitely fall in this category, so we may see major developments in the Gulf of Mexico at this time, perhaps as a result of government enforcement or legal action. But, as I’ve repeated several times, there are so many variables in this equation that predicting with any confidence is simply impossible.

Sunday is the Full Moon in Aquarius, which forms a mystical rectangle with Saturn and Mars on one leg and Jupiter and Uranus on the other. This could be the magic “release point” of the Saturn-Uranus opposition. In addition, the previous Full Moon coincided with a lunar eclipse, so this lunation is the 30-day marker, which sometimes is the trigger point for delayed eclipse-related events. I’ll have a detailed analysis of the Full Moon later this week.

In the meantime, I’d like to leave you with a lovely image of Venus aligning with Mercury, Mars, and Saturn, taken at Point Venus in Tahiti. You’ll need to squint at your screen a bit to see them all (Venus is the brightest object) but it’s still an amazing photo.

Wishing you all limitless love and courage,
Aquarius, the sign of astrologyPat

Saturday Extra! Saturn Enters Libra, T-Square Powers Up

© Canadafirst/Dreamstime

Next Wednesday, July 21, Saturn enters Libra — or, more precisely, re-enters. Once this happens, we’ll be in the final ascent toward the peak of the 2010 cardinal T-square.

The Lord of Karma briefly stepped onto the Scales from October 29 to April 7. Since then, he’s been finishing up his business in Virgo, where he taught us practical lessons like taking our Omega-3, paying attention to the environment, and doing our duty to help others. He also served as an anchor to keep the volatile energies of the cardinal T-square in check.

Once he enters Libra, it’s going to be a whole new game. Cardinal energies favor swift, targeted action. Libra is an air sign, so we might expect some violent wind storms and probably a big shift in political and financial winds, too. Saturn in Libra will enforce balance. If we’re out of alignment in any way, we’ll have to adjust accordingly.

There’s a lot more I could write about Saturn in Libra, but the most compelling issue is that the cardinal T-square is now fully activated and powering up toward peak output in late July and early August. In the first degree of Libra, Saturn will be tightly opposed to Uranus at 0 degrees Aries and Jupiter at 3 degrees Aries, and he’ll square Pluto at 3 degrees Capricorn. Jupiter is stationed, two days from turning retrograde on July 23. That’s a whole lot of shifting going on.

The biggest bang may be heard in Washington, D.C., where Saturn will be dead on the Ascendant at the moment he enters Libra. Saturn rules the government, while Jupiter rules the banks and the justice system, and Uranus is associated with explosions, political protest, and unexpected events. All three planets will be in a tight square to Pluto, which rules subversive elements, espionage, and the very wealthy and powerful.

There are way too many variables in there to make a reliable prediction, but I’ll be watching the news headlines. Whatever happens, it looks as though President Obama will play a major role.

Saturn is said to be “exalted” in Libra, where he demands peace, social justice, diplomacy, equality, and fairness. Although Saturn is very challenged in this T-square arrangement, he’s the strongest of the outer planets, since he’s direct and in the sign of his exaltation. All of the other planets are retrograde or stationing. That said, he’s getting slammed from all sides, and Mars is approaching conjunction with him as well. All in all, it looks like we’re in for some dramatic developments.

From July 31 to August 20, Venus and Mars both will be conjunct Saturn, and that could have implications for male-female relationships everywhere, perhaps even for the balance of masculine and feminine energy on the planet as a whole. I’ve written a lot about this imbalance, which appears to be slowly correcting.

I’ll have more about these aspects in my upcoming weekly forecasts. Be sure to check back often!

Aquarius, the sign of astrologyPat

Weekly Forecast July 5: Uranus Retrograde, Solar Eclipse in Cancer

Artist's conception of a geomagnetic storm. Image courtesy of SDO (NASA).

This week begins with Uranus turning retrograde and ends with a total eclipse of the Sun. We’ve got all the information we need, and now it’s time to spend a few days preparing before we venture into new territory.

Uranus, the innovator and awakener, entered pioneering Aries on May 27. Since then, we’ve been able to scout the unknown terrain to give us a better idea of what’s out there in our Brave New World.

Unfortunately, we’re not going to have a lot of time to analyze the data, and events may unfold too quickly this summer for us to follow a coherent strategy. Still, we have a better idea of where we want to go and who we want in our camp, and we do have a bit of time this week to put together a hasty roadmap.

Uranus turns retrograde on Monday. He’ll re-enter Pisces in mid-August and then return to Aries on March 11, 2011. With the Moon in Taurus on Tuesday and Wednesday, we’ll have just the space we need for some quiet contemplation and, hopefully, sudden inspiration.

Venus opposes Neptune on Thursday, an aspect often associated with fantasy and delusion in romance. It depends on where these two are in your chart. If you’re looking to create an illusion of glamour and enchantment, this is your ticket. Just make sure you’ve got a ride home when your coach turns back into a pumpkin at midnight.

Friday is a busy day, with communicative Mercury making a productive sextile to Saturn in the final degree of Virgo. Think about what you really want. Better yet, talk about it. Often we don’t want what we think we do, and that sends out mixed messages to the universe.

Later in the day, Mercury enters Leo. It’s hard to find humor in our circumstances when we’re under so much stress, but sometimes that’s exactly what it takes to break the spell. Mercury trines Uranus on Friday and Jupiter on Sunday, which should provide lots of inspiration and mental stimulation, even with Uranus in retrograde mode. On the downside, there’s a potential here for major electrical outages.

On Saturday, Venus enters nitpicky Virgo — not her favorite sign. If you feel an urge to be critical at every turn, channel that energy into helping those you love in simple, practical ways. Likewise, when someone does something nice for you, no matter how small, recognize the love in their actions and show your appreciation.

Also on Saturday, the Moon enters Cancer and begins moving into position for Sunday’s total eclipse of the Sun. The Sun, meanwhile, sextiles Mars in Virgo, the only aspect this New Moon will make with any of the planets. As I wrote in my eclipse post on Saturday, I’m hopeful that this easy aspect will bring positive results, but there is always the possibility that it will be the path of least resistance for the pent-up energy of the eclipse.

The cardinal T-square between Saturn, Pluto, Uranus, and Jupiter continues to get closer, but as of the eclipse, Saturn remains in the final degree of mutable Virgo, so technically it’s not a cardinal T-square. I’m not sure how much of a distinction this is, but I’ve theorized that Saturn in Virgo has been a stabilizing influence — an advantage we’ll lose once the lord of time re-enters cardinal Libra on July 21. That’s when the T-square will be at peak power.

That said, events don’t necessarily happen when planetary alignments are exact. There can be lags of days, weeks, or months, and sometimes events happen in advance of the planetary marker. That certainly was the case in 1989, the last time we had anything resembling this year’s cardinal build-up. With Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune all in Capricorn, cardinal energies dominated the skies for much of that year.

I went back and looked at several charts for events in 1989, including the Exxon Valdez spill, Hurricane Hugo, the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Loma Prieta earthquake, the protests in Tiananmen Square, and the collapse of the Hydro-Québec power grid due to a geomagnetic storm. None of these events occurred when the planets were in exact alignment, although some of them were pretty close. In some cases, key planets were on the Ascendant at the moment of the event.

What this tells us is that the changes could come at any moment. We know we’re in the hot zone, and so nothing that happens in the next two months should surprise us, no matter how unprecedented, extraordinary, or totally outside of human experience to date. We asked to come along on this journey, but we can’t control what happens once we’re on the trail.

Much love and courage to all,
Aquarius, the sign of astrologyPat

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

Mars and Venus, by Sandro Botticelli

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,
Aquarius, the sign of astrologyPat

Weekly Forecast January 18: Sun and Venus Enter Aquarius

Venus in 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.

Aquarius, the sign of astrologyPat

Ask Real Astrologers: What’s Happening with My New Job?

This week’s question comes from Christina in Greece:

I’ve been unemployed for ten months, and now I am given an opportunity to work for sales for a medical department of a big company. I am going to persuade people be our members. But I have some doubts about the progress of this step. I totally have no other income and I feel very unsecure.

Libra ponders . . .Diane’s response:

Christina, for the past year or so, Saturn has conjoined your Midheaven, Pluto, Jupiter, Mars, and Uranus, so if you feel apprehensive where your work is concerned it is not at all surprising. This is not an easy transit by any means but most of us survive it just fine.

At this time, Saturn in Libra is preparing to station and turn retrograde on January 13 and will be moving back over your Uranus and Mars between now and the end of March. Yes, it is likely you will be working very hard for what seems to be few rewards. Saturn is known for making us work for every gain but we seldom have to repeat those lessons.

Mars is very important in your chart, with both your Sun and Ascendant in Scorpio, because Mars rules Scorpio along with Pluto. With your Mars in Libra conjoined Uranus, Jupiter and Pluto in your tenth house, I am guessing you have a strong presence, especially out in public, perhaps more than you realize.

Another factor we are all dealing with at this time is having both Mars and Mercury retrograde, interfering with effective communications and generally slowing life down for everyone. Thankfully, Mercury will turn direct on January 15 on the New Moon in Capricorn, and by the end of the month we all will start feeling like we can get something accomplished once more.

Take plenty of time to review all the information about your new position, Christina, and ask lots of questions. It is far better to spend extra time preparing for your new responsibilities with Saturn transiting your tenth saying doing it step by step. Your natal Mars-Uranus conjunction in Libra urges you to rush ahead – not a good idea at this time.

Best of luck and remember it is often easier to be doing something rather than just thinking about it!

Aquarius expounds . . .Pat’s response:

First of all Christina, I agree with Diane’s assessment of Mercury retrograde being a contributing factor in your job search. Mercury currently is in Capricorn, which places him in your second house of earned income. Communications can be slow and difficult during this transit. Even if you wanted to hop right onboard, the company’s hiring process may be bogged down for some reason unbeknownst to you.

The good news is that the period when Mercury is in your second house is usually a great time for negotiating salary and contract terms. Just don’t actually sign anything until he returns direct next week. You’ve also got Venus and the Sun in your second house, which are advantageous when you’re seeking employment.

You mention that you haven’t had any appreciable income for about ten months. I see that Pluto recently entered your second house, and so it’s pretty much a no-brainer that your means of earning a living are going through a transformation. With the cardinal T-square coming up in the next two years, the entire world is going to experience sweeping changes, but this will be true for us individually as well. For you, it appears that the changes will be most apparent in your job and salary, as well as your living situation. I wouldn’t be surprised to find out that you have to move in the next few years to take a new job.

It’s so hard living with uncertainty, and I do understand the quiet fear that comes with having no visible means of support. Sometimes we try to compromise by getting a job that really doesn’t suit us just to have money coming in. But with Pluto in your second house, I don’t think this is going to work for you, at least not in the long run. Indeed, I’m wondering if this is part of your uncertainty in asking this question.

Finally, I suspect you will do very well at selling memberships. With Jupiter currently in your third house of communications, you’ll be very effective. You just need to wait until Mercury returns direct and communications are flowing normally again.

I wish you a New Year of abundance and prosperity!

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.” Thanks!

Weekly Forecast January 4: Sun, Mercury, and Venus Conjunct in Capricorn

As Above, So BelowThis week we’re in the tumultuous zone between eclipses. It’s a fitting way to start a new year of radical shifts leading into a decade of upheaval.

If you feel like you’re beating your head against a brick wall to communicate with someone, you’ve got lots of company. Difficult communications are among the major themes this week, and at times it could be heartbreaking. No matter how hard you try, you just can’t seem to get through. What the heck is up with that?

In terms of specific planetary aspects, there’s not a whole lot going on this week, other than a close conjunction of the Sun, Mercury, and Venus in Capricorn. But that isn’t unusual, as these three are never far apart from each other.

More importantly, Mars is tightly inconjunct all three. The inconjunct (more accurately called a quincunx) between Mercury and Mars was exact on New Year’s Eve, but it remains active throughout this week. The Sun forms this irritating aspect with Mars on Thursday, with Venus following on Friday. The friction is especially bad in romantic relationships.

Saturn’s impending station adds to the frustration. We’re really going to feel next week’s retrograde, as Saturn is a powerful influence in the sky right now. Not only is he in the sign of his exaltation, but he’s receiving energy from four planets in Capricorn, the sign Saturn rules. The lunar North Node also is in Capricorn.

Since Saturn entered Libra, I’ve seen a greater awareness of equal partnerships and compromising within relationships. However, wherever Saturn exerts an influence, we often find fear and insecurity. Issues that we may have ignored before as trivial and not worth making a fuss over are now a source of major disagreement. Dissecting every conversation and action gets tiring, and yet we find ourselves doing it over and over.

Of course, this effect is aggravated by Mercury retrograde, to the point that it’s crazy making.

The Moon enters Libra on Tuesday and conjoins Saturn on Wednesday, which may help reduce the noise level long enough for us to hear what the other is saying. Then, what you hear might be depressing. Try to keep the faith. As serious as this all feels, it really is going to pass.

On Thursday, the Moon reaches the halfway point between the lunar eclipse on New Year’s Eve and the upcoming solar eclipse on January 14. We’re sailing through rough seas emotionally.

My advice is to take extra time to try to understand why you feel as you do. If you’re upset with someone, did he or she really do anything to merit your anger, and was it intentional? Difficult as it is to talk things through this week, it’s all we can do.

Once we’ve come through these turbulent aspects, you may find that your relationships not only survived but became stronger. If you’re not in a relationship but struggling with issues of fairness and balance in your own life, you may discover that serious imbalances get your attention to the point that you make a commitment to positive change.

Much love and courage to all,
Aquarius, the sign of astrologyPat

Image: Sunset on the lagoon. A friend took this photo recently on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. It’s a perfect reflection of the dictum, “As above, so below,” which is good to remember in these tumultuous times. Photo by James A. Weythman, all rights reserved.

Welcome to 2010 – A Cardinal Year

When Saturn moved into the cardinal sign of Libra last fall, joining Pluto in cardinal Capricorn, it signaled the beginning of the shift to cardinal dominance of the outer planets. By mid-year 2010, both Jupiter and Uranus will spend some time in the most cardinal sign of all, Aries, before moving back into Pisces one last time.

What does this mean? For one thing, taking action will be the preferred mode of response as opposed to the endless discussions of the years when both Saturn and Pluto were in the mutable signs, Virgo and Sagittarius, along with Uranus in Pisces. My very Aries spouse will always chose to do something, even if it’s wrong, over sitting around talking about it. I happen to go along with this, because both my Sun and Moon are in Libra, and one of my pet peeves is listening to people moan about what’s wrong with their lives but refusing to take one step in any direction to change their situation.

All of you with your Sun in Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn will understand the need for prompt action. Even if your chart has plenty in fixed and mutable signs, in your heart of hearts, you understand why doing something is better than doing nothing. Gemini folk likely will be happy, too, because anything new and different is OK in their book. The same could be said of Sagittarius, as they are generally open to new experiences.

It’s the fixed signs who could be thrown the most by this shift – Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius – because they are not crazy about changes of any sort unless they have direct control over it. Don’t be surprised if you hear grumbling from that contingent.

The other two mutable signs, Virgo and Pisces, may wish everyone would have given more time to discussion, especially meticulous, earthy Virgo, but they tend to be adaptable and, like their mutable Gemini cousins, enjoy watching change unfold. Another factor is that all the mutable people got hit pretty hard during the years Saturn was in Virgo opposing Uranus in Pisces, and having the focus shift away from them may be a relief. (Note: There is one final opposition on April 26, 2010, between Saturn in Virgo and Uranus in Pisces at 28°.)

The number of planets in cardinal signs will ebb and flow over the course of 2010, but we may as well get accustomed to this energy, because 2011 will bring Jupiter and Uranus in Aries, Saturn in Libra, and Pluto in Capricorn. My take is that where we saw grumbling in dissatisfaction before, we will see people taking direct action from here forward. We all need to sharpen our listening skills and be prepared to respond quickly or suffer the consequences!

Good fortune and bon voyage!

Libra always seeks balanceposted by Neith . . .

Image: Transition zone. Pat shot this photo recently on a rainy day at Ocean Shores, WA. There is something very special about the transition zone where the ocean meets the land — one of my favorite places to walk ever. This image also is a reminder that change is random and uncontrollable, yet it is constant and the one thing we can count on. Photo by Pat Paquette, all rights reserved.

Cancer Full Moon Lunar Eclipse, December 31, 2009

The Full Moon on December 31, 2009, is momentous. At 10° 14′ Cancer, it’s the first of two eclipses in the Cancer-Capricorn series that began last July. It’s also the second Full Moon this month, making it a rare “blue moon.”

The T-square formed by the Moon in Cancer opposite the Sun, Venus, and Pluto in Capricorn, all square Saturn in Libra, speaks to me of the need for civility. Coincidentally, our local newspaper had a very good editorial on Christmas Day on sharing the gift of civility. It is important to note that as long as Saturn is in Libra, we will be returning again and again to this theme, particularly during periods when Capricorn is heavily represented in the sky, as it is now.

Libra and Capricorn may not agree on everything, but they both favor good manners and treating others with respect. Keep in mind that we don’t have to like someone in order to deal with them politely and respectfully. Skilled mediators and negotiators, both occupations ruled by Libra, know the value of good manners in creating a neutral atmosphere. It is much easier to shift from neutral to favorable than from hostile to favorable.

Saturn in Libra squaring the Moon in Cancer is far more likely to squelch emotional displays than promote them. In fact, with the majority of the planets in earth and air, the emphasis is on the practical and rational, for a change. Those who do have public meltdowns may be surprised at how little sympathy they will receive. Earth signs in general and Capricorns in particular tend to regard over-the-top behavior, especially publically, as self-indulgent . . . another sign the party is over for the year!

The retrograde pair, Mercury in Capricorn and Mars in Leo, is closely inconjunct at this time. Inconjunct signs are 150° apart and usually have little common ground, making meaningful dialogue between them difficult, to say the least. Fiery Leo, who loves nothing better than being the center of attention, is viewed by cautious, disciplined Capricorn with deep reservations. The retrograde factor means we need to double-check our facts, have all our papers in order, and be prepared for delays times two. If there ever was a time when pushing for a fast resolution is bound to backfire, this is it.

Jupiter is pulling away from Neptune and Chiron in Aquarius, and I’m feeling the sensation of a balloon slowly deflating, gradually sinking back to earth. For once the Aquarius stellium is not the headline, only making a semi-sextile to Uranus in Pisces with no strong aspects to the inner planets. Perhaps this is contributing to an overall feeling of a deep shift in the collective. At this point, it is not obvious exactly what this entails, just that it is happening.

For the Moon, the Sabian symbol of 11 Cancer is, “a clown caricaturing well-known personalities.” Learning to laugh first at our own absurdities and then recognizing that all people have their own leads to the understanding that despite traditions, no one person really is better than another.

“Pheasants display their brilliant colors on a private estate” is the Sabian symbol for the Sun at 11 Capricorn. To quote Robert Green Ingersoll: Few rich men own their own property. The property owns them. There is beauty to be found everywhere if we have the eyes to see it, not just tucked away for a privileged few.

I wish to urge everyone to start practicing treating others with respect, paying attention, speaking kindly, remembering to say “please and thank you,” listening carefully, and keeping your cool. The more of us who do this, the further the ripples will spread. It certainly can’t hurt!

Libra always seeks balanceposted by Neith . . .

Image: The stillness of the water in the protected pond is a sharp contrast to the rough waters behind it. May our homes be a safe haven from the turmoil of the outer world in just this way.

Full Moon in Gemini, December 1-2, 2009

dreamstime_5261083

If you feel like you are about to go into orbit, it could be due to a very energetic Full Moon at 10° 15′ Gemini on December 1 (December 2 in the Eastern Hemisphere). The majority of planets are in fire and air signs for a change, but it would behoove us to remember there is a darker undertow beneath that shiny surface.

Gemini’s ruler, Mercury, is in direct, outspoken Sagittarius closely sextile to Jupiter, Sagittarius’s ruling planet. Depending on your perspective, this aspect is either extremely creative and stimulating or full of hot air. That call I will be happy to leave up to everyone’s personal judgment. However, I do recommend taking time to check facts before taking action, because it is very easy for us to get ahead of ourselves under this very Jupitarian influence.

Since Neptune and Chiron in Aquarius are also exactly sextile to Mercury, we may have a realization slip into our conscious minds from below about an old source of pain and resentment, presenting an opportunity for healing. Another possible expression is seeing slights where none were intended and responding with harsh, wounding words, effectively alienating others.

Mars in fiery, outgoing Leo is further bumping up the desire to make a big splash one way or another. It forms a supportive trine to the Sun in Sagittarius and is sextile the Gemini Moon, encouraging fire and air signs in particular to get out and take advantage of various holiday gatherings. If you are out shopping for gifts, be aware it will be easy to spend too much, especially for glitz and glittery items. Otherwise this is a great aspect for throwing a grand party and having a great time.

There is one gentle sane note in this chart and that is Venus, newly arrived in Sagittarius, stabilized by a sextile to Saturn in equitable Libra. Saturn will help Venus maintain some decorum amidst all the hype and drama being generated now.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the party poopers: Mercury in Sagittarius square Uranus in Pisces and the ongoing Saturn in Libra square to Pluto in Capricorn.

Uranus turns direct at 22° 42′ Pisces a few hours before the Full Moon and forms a jarring square with Mercury in Sagittarius. Taking in consideration the already volatile sextile Mercury makes with Jupiter, the square from Uranus further increases the potential for jumping to unwarranted conclusions. Yes, it is always possible to use these potent energies in a conscious, helpful manner, but it will take focus and discipline. In other words, take extra care to express yourself in a thoughtful manner. Shooting from the hip could come back and bite you big time.

I am beginning to see the Saturn-Pluto square taking its toll in people’s lives and relationships. It is becoming clear our relationships are being tuned up, and where one person or the other has indulged in irresponsible behaviors, there is a very good chance that those relationships will come to an end. Pluto in Capricorn makes a very good executioner, too.

Clearly the Sabian symbol for the Full Moon of 11 Gemini, “Newly opened lands offer the pioneer new opportunities for experience,” reflects the exuberant sextile between Mercury in Sagittarius and Jupiter in Aquarius. We are drawn to seek new experiences and the excitement of going off the beaten track.

For the Sun in Sagittarius, the symbol is 11 Sagittarius, “In the left section of an archaic temple, a lamp burns in a container shaped like a human body.” This is a gentle reminder to take care of our bodies and treat them as “temples” that house our spirits.

With my Libra Moon conjoined Neptune in the eleventh house, I have learned to pay attention to my intuitive sense telling me what is out of balance in the collective as a whole. Libra is the sign of the scales, and many of us with a strong Libra signature in our charts automatically do what is necessary to restore equilibrium to any given situation. With the arrival of Saturn in Libra, there is a feeling of greater urgency about this mission.

When I am writing these posts on the lunations, I follow my intuition as to what to emphasize and seek to offer a balanced perspective. Writing about this Full Moon, it would have been easy to stick to a bright and cheerful message, but my inner voice was saying, “Don’t stop there. Remind people of the dark undercurrent out there we need to stay aware of.”

It is more important now than ever to interact with others in a kind and respectful manner. Doing otherwise holds the potential to backfire on us . . . badly. Spread thoughtfulness and love, not hate and dissension.

Libra always seeks balanceposted by Neith . . .