Tag Archives: Saturn square Pluto

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.

Libra always seeks balanceposted 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.

Libra always seeks balanceposted 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.

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 . . .

Weekly Forecast November 16: New Moon in Scorpio, Sun Enters Sagittarius

The Rotting SeasonDevelopments that began unfolding last Thursday or Friday continue to play out in what promises to be another intense week. There likely will be another surprise or two, and it’s anyone’s guess whether it will be pleasant or of the other variety.

The week begins with a powerful New Moon in Scorpio. You’ve probably read Neith’s complete report, but if not, it’s a must-read. This New Moon comes fully loaded with six out of ten planets in fixed signs, virtually guaranteeing some sort of conflict.

Now, as I’m so fond of saying, not all conflict is bad. Sometimes we need it to push us out of a rut. If nothing else, we are forced to decide what we really want. If we don’t make a point of setting priorities, life sometimes hands us a situation to get our attention. That has happened to me a couple of times already in the past week, and I’m expecting more of it this week, with the New Moon dead on my lunar North Node and Midheaven.

If for some reason someone or something has you feeling cornered, look to the sign opposite the apex of the T-square for direction, which would range from about 11 degrees to 25 degrees of Taurus. In my chart, 25 degrees Taurus is my South Node and IC, so for resolution I might look to home, family, or memories from childhood. Or, if I come against a problem I can’t get a handle on, the source might be behavior I’m not aware of that no longer serves me. That’s what I would tell a client, anyway.

The New Moon can represent powerful new beginnings, so keep that in mind, too. Sometimes in order to make a fresh start, we need to leave something or someone behind for good.

On Tuesday, Mercury sextiles Saturn. Positive Mercury-Saturn contacts typically help our concentration. In this case, we may get some clarity regarding a long-term relationship, and we’ll be able to discuss matters frankly and honestly with the other person.

Venus squares Mars on Thursday, and this often can manifest as conflict in love relationships, especially involving issues of jealousy, possessiveness, and dominance. If you’re attracted to someone and are prevented from acting on it, one or both of you could end up frustrated and irritable. This is all the more true if you’re unaware of your feelings or deliberately suppressing them. But this aspect also represents the tension in an intimate relationship that leads to unbridled passion.

Also on Thursday, the Moon conjoins Pluto and squares Saturn. I wrote about this influence last week, when the Moon conjoined Saturn and squared Pluto. If you got a blip on your radar screen last Thursday or Friday (I did), it may grow into something more this week.

Relief from all this intensity comes on Saturday, when the Sun enters Sagittarius. The Archer is a centaur, a mythological creature who is half man, half horse. Except for Chiron, the centaurs were a wild bunch and loved playing around, in all senses of the word. But hey, we all have to cut loose once in awhile and have fun, damn the torpedoes. Just don’t do anything you’ll regret in the morning.

Wishing you all much love and joy,
Aquarius, the sign of astrologyPat

Image: We’re seriously into winter here in the Pacific Northwest, with the relentless cold rain that leads to the most impressive composting and rot I’ve ever seen. Scorpio is the sign of death, rebirth, and transformation, and here we are, in the uncomfortable dying out phase. Photo by Pat Paquette, all rights reserved.

New Moon in Scorpio, November 16, 2009

New Moon in Scorpio at sunset. If there was ever a time for figuring out the source of difficulties in our lives, the New Moon at 24° 34′ Scorpio on November 16 is it.

The Sabian symbol for this New Moon is so fitting and descriptive that I am going to lead off with it this time. It is 25 Scorpio, “An X-ray photograph helps with the diagnosis.” How appropriate is that for a New Moon in Scorpio square Neptune in Aquarius and trine Uranus in Pisces? There is little doubt that if we can identify a problem, we are well on the way to resolving it, providing we apply a generous dose of compassion and diligence.

Scorpio’s penetrating vision and willingness to use a scalpel to lance the wounds it finds may not be easy or comfortable, but if we can accept the necessity of doing so, we have an opportunity to really start healing wounds long ignored. There is also little hope of being able to continue to bury our heads in the sand, because our vulnerable backsides are sticking up, just waiting to get kicked. Fortunately Uranus in Pisces trine the New Moon offers new possibilities and solutions to old dilemmas, with a nice measure of empathy thrown in.

Mars, Scorpio’s ruler, forms a square from dramatic Leo to Venus in very private Scorpio. This sets the stage for potential disagreements with friends and lovers, because both of these fixed signs tend to be somewhat possessive with jealousy as a consequence. Scorpio likes to hold their feelings close to the chest, and Leo prefers to make a public display of theirs – not a happy combination. Honesty is by far the best option, because if Scorpio finds out they have been lied to, there will be all hell to pay.

On the subject of honesty in relationships, the Saturn-Pluto square is just one day past making the first of three exact squares (the second one is January 31, 2010 and the third, August 21, 2010). At this time, we have help in the form of Mercury in forthright Sagittarius forming a sextile to Saturn in Libra and a semi-sextile to Pluto in Capricorn. Yes, the words may be blunt and to the point, but if they reflect the truth as each person understands it, progress in resolving our differences can be made. I know I sound like a broken record on the subject of being as honest as possible in our dealings with ourselves and others under this transit, but please, do your best! The rewards will be well worth the pain.

This particular New Moon falls within a degree of my Scorpio Ascendant and I find myself being terser and more focused than usual. Usually my pleasant Libra nature shows more, but with Saturn in Libra sextile my Venus now, my more serious side is coming to the fore these days. That being said, I wholeheartedly recommend taking time to really listen to your friends and loved ones with love, kindness and compassion foremost. These are difficult times for many people, and we need to feel someone really cares about our welfare and well-being.

Blessings and peace to all.

Libra loves beautyposted by Neith . . .

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

Full Moon in Taurus, November 2, 2009

Full Moon in TaurusThe Full Moon in Taurus on November 2 puts the focus back on the fixed signs, if only temporarily, reminding us what’s worth hanging onto and what we need to release as we head into a period with so much change.

At 10°30′ Scorpio-Taurus, the Sun and Moon form a tight T-square with Mars in Leo. Using a wide orb, we get fixed grand cross with Jupiter in Aquarius, underscoring the hazards of taking an ideological stance come what may.

The Sun in eagle-eyed Scorpio conjoins Mercury, and both are square Scorpio’s co-ruler, Mars. This can translate into potential explosions due to information being revealed by Scorpio’s innate ability to sniff out hidden secrets and nastiness.

The Moon is usually very comfortable in earthy Taurus, but here again, the square from Mars pushes buttons. While Taurus is generally known as easy going and good-natured, when the Bull gets mad, it takes a looong time to cool down. Keep in mind that all three of these signs are on the possessive side and given to occasional bouts of jealousy. In other words, this is a very bad moment to prod these folks, because you could find yourself amputated from their lives.

Thankfully, Venus rules this Full Moon, and she’s still in her other home sign, Libra, closely trine Neptune in Aquarius. We can use all the help we can get finding the compassionate compromise to smooth troubled waters. Venus is also trine Chiron in Aquarius, making it possible to see areas of vulnerability in others and stepping around them. Now is not a good time to use Mercury in Scorpio’s ability to pinpoint other’s weaknesses and exploit them.

Venus is also part of a Yod with Uranus in Pisces at the apex and Vesta in Leo as the other leg of the base. There is a purity of creative expression with Vesta in fiery Leo joined with Venus in Libra’s eye for balance and beauty. The challenge is channeling this through Uranus in Pisces. Pisces is very creative but in a Neptunian way – lovely, ethereal and none too focused. It may be better to write your inspirations down at this time and implement them when the fog lifts . . .

Perhaps the single most important astrological event in recent days is Saturn’s move into equitable Libra. The drawback is Saturn’s approach to an exact square with Pluto in Capricorn on November 15. We’re all going to need to play by the rules and be scrupulously honest in all our dealings. Any and all negotiations or mediations (Libra) that fail to meet these standards may result in unpleasant legal consequences (Saturn) – and we are just in the opening phase of this influence! The sooner this realization hits home, the better our chances will be of avoiding being brought to task by this dynamic pair. Make every effort to be open and fair in your dealings with partners, both personal and professional. Consider this your first warning!

The lovely trine between Venus and Neptune can be further illuminated by the Sabian symbol for the Moon at 11 Taurus, “A woman watering flowers in her garden,” with the keyword CULTIVATION. By nurturing the virtues of this trine – patience, tolerance and compassion – we stand a better chance of improving our relationships with others rather than destroying them.

The Sabian symbol for 11 Scorpio is both a warning and a solution – “A drowning man is being rescued,” with the keyword RESUSCITATION. The fixed grand cross is a deeply static pattern, and if we cling to a certain way of thinking and being, seeing it as the “only way,” we run the risk of drowning. In order to be rescued from ourselves, learning flexibility and staying open to other options may be required.

This is an excellent lunation for examining our belief structures and learning about those places where we are most emotionally invested in being right. Long experience with Pluto’s little ways of teaching us about letting go of expectations and detaching from outcomes leads me to encourage all those with planets and chart angles in the early degrees of the cardinal signs – Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn – to use this time well. It is always better to get a jump on Pluto because if it’s left up to him, the lessons can be quite painful.

Libra loves beautyposted by Neith . . .