Tag Archives: venus square pluto

Weekly Forecast April 25: Venus Opposite Saturn, Mars Conjunct Jupiter

Stargazer lily. © Pat Paquette 2011

What a week it has been! Everyone I know was going through some kind of crisis, many of them relationship-oriented. Here’s an excerpt of an e-mail I received from a client on Friday:

“My plan for Easter brunch has turned into HELL!! SOS! My sister and her partner have been fighting like rabid dogs. She’s been saying for months that she’s leaving him but is STILL living there! She hurt his feelings by not inviting him to service on Friday or Sunday brunch … he’s never even been interested in church or God, he’s simply grasping at straws, at this point. I told them, that given the situation, I was uncomfortable with him coming down for Easter … that I wouldn’t sacrifice my family for his ‘hurt’ feelings. Harsh, but necessary. It looks like my husband and I will just take his mother out to brunch.”

The expensive ham she bought for the occasion is sitting in the refrigerator. I reassured her that things are going to calm down this week, and she can throw a party next weekend.

Amazon and Sony had a rough week, too. Both corporate giants had computer network crashes that affected millions of customers worldwide. Sony said its PlayStation Network was attacked by hackers. Mercury’s station certainly didn’t help. As I’ve noted many times in these pages, some of the worst problems happen when Mercury is at a standstill. I was at an information session on Wednesday that got a late start because the instructor’s assistant hadn’t shown up and there was no one to staff his office. Turns out she had a flat tire on her way to work. And on and on …

Violence in the Middle East is on the rise. What initially seemed like a sweeping revolution has turned into a bloody suppression. In an excellent article on CounterPunch, award-winning journalist Patrick Cockburn writes, “From Libya to Bahrain and Syria to Yemen, leaders are clinging on to power despite intense pressure from pro-democracy protesters.”

The increase in violence is hardly surprising, with Mars dominating the sky. The bigger trend is the approaching square of Uranus to Pluto. Many astrologers, myself included, have predicted rebellion and authoritarian crackdowns. The situation in the Mideast is just the beginning.

Before I get into this week’s forecast, I’d like to note that two greats left us last week, both as a result of multiple organ failure. Internationally renowned guru Sai Baba, whose followers include many celebrities, was 85. The man who invented CDs, former Sony president Norio Ohga, died at 81.

Overall, this week will be less frustrating, and relationships should fare a little better, too. The Sun in placid Taurus will help decrease the noise level, and Mercury’s return direct will go a long way toward repairing misunderstandings. That said, some relationships that ended in the past two weeks are over for good. If this is your situation, you likely are better off, even if it’s too soon to recognize it.

There’s not much going on in the sky on Monday and Tuesday. On Wednesday, Venus squares Pluto. The usual warning with these two in hard aspect is that power struggles can erupt in relationships, especially regarding sex. Using sex as a means of control over another person is a no-no, and it likely will backfire. What goes around comes around. Depending on where Venus and Pluto are transiting your chart, you also may have to be mindful not to get dragged into jealousy and possessiveness.

Working with this aspect should be a little easier, thanks to an easy trine later in the day between the Sun and Pluto. You can express yourself directly and tell the other person what you want and need, rather than resorting to underhanded tactics. The challenge, of course, is that first you have to be honest with yourself. If you’re willing to do that, you’ll have cosmic support.

The only aspect on Friday is a conjunction between the Moon and Uranus in Aries, which might generate some emotional fireworks, but in general lunar transits are mild and fleeting. Good thing, because this is the day that Prince William and Kate Middleton will be married. Even if you’re not into all the hoopla, do check out Helene’s series on the royal couple. I found it surprisingly refreshing.

Another relationship will be in the spotlight on Friday. Gabrielle Giffords, the congresswoman who was shot in the head in Arizona in January, plans to attend the launch of the space shuttle in Florida. Her husband, Mark Kelly, is one of six astronauts who will be on the flight. The presence of Giffords surely will eclipse the event itself, although it’s doubtful she’ll appear in public.

On Saturday, Venus opposes Saturn. Usually this isn’t a happy aspect for love relationships, but it is stabilizing, especially with Saturn in Venus-ruled Libra. Of course, both also are square Pluto, and while the angle is fairly wide, it nevertheless counts as a potent cardinal T-square. You may need to insist on your boundaries, as my client had to do with her sister’s partner. Although it will be difficult, try to do it with love and kindness.

Sunday is exuberant, with a three-way conjunction between the Moon, Mars, and Jupiter. Get out and play! Throw a party. Take a long walk or bike ride in a beautiful natural setting. Taurus is the sign of beauty, including the beauty of nature.

Speaking of the beauty of nature, I leave you with this amazing video by Norwegian photographer Terje Sorgjerd. To me, there is nothing more breathtaking than the night sky. (For a larger version, click on the link below the image.)

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

The Mountain from Terje Sorgjerd on Vimeo.

New Moon in Libra, October 17-18, 2009

New Moon in Libra
The New Moon offers us an opportunity to renew our understanding of the sign it falls in, and this month’s New Moon, at 24°59′ Libra, is no exception.

Libra is noted for being fair-minded, well-mannered, and loaded with charm, thanks to Venus, Libra’s ruling planet. In general, those with a strong Libra presence in their charts are better than most at concealing their cardinal natures behind a smokescreen of reasonability and sweetness. Don’t be fooled, because once all the options have been carefully weighed and a decision has been made, these natives can implement their decisions with ruthless dispatch. We’re talking cardinal air here – the intellect rules, not emotions. That said, you will usually get your “medicine” served up with a generous dose of Venusian sugar.

The New Moon in Libra is closely trine Neptune in Aquarius. While issues before the collective could be dealt with fairly, equitably and compassionately, this also could mean that our ability to get caught up with potential rather than actual is ratcheted up.

I know I have a somewhat jaundiced view of Neptune and am very wary of all the high-minded attributes often attributed to the nebulous one. Nonetheless, it never hurts to do a reality check any time he’s in the room. There is a very good reason most cultures and belief systems have stories or sayings meant to teach the importance of being grounded in reality before taking a leap of faith. One such saying that comes immediately to mind is, “Trust in Allah, but tether your camel first.”

The inconjunct, or quincunx, between Uranus in Pisces and the New Moon in Libra offers us opportunities to be of service in unique ways, if we can get anything done. Libra and Pisces have a very different dialogue than Virgo and Aquarius. At the very least, they are both polite and prefer a non-confrontational approach. The trick here is getting them to come to any conclusions! It can end up with Libra saying “you first” and Pisces saying, “no, you first” ad infinitum! Add in the exact semi-sextile between Uranus and Neptune, and we can end up totally sidetracked – not the most favorable atmosphere for launching new projects.

No discussion of a Libra lunation is complete without seeing what her ruling planet, Venus, is up to. Venus is overjoyed to be back in her home sign of Libra and is further comforted by a lovely sextile to Mars in party loving Leo. But, and it’s a big one, Venus is just recovering from an exact square to Pluto on October 15 and a conjunction with Saturn on October 13.

Jealousy and obsessive behaviors can crop up whenever Pluto aspects Venus. What Venus sees as being mildly flirtatious and just her normal charming self, Pluto can see as potentially threatening to their relationship. Honest, open dialogue can help head off problems with an emphasis on honest – Pluto is exceeding good at nuance and detecting lies.

While Saturn is great for being responsible and dependable, he doesn’t do romantic worth a darn. Since Venus is pulling away from the dour one quickly, this will soon feel like a bad dream and she can enjoy life for awhile anyway. When Saturn moves into Libra, everyone is going to be reminded about the importance of responsible, dependable behaviors in their relationships. Pat and I will be writing more about this big change soon.

The waxing trine from Mercury in Libra to Jupiter in Aquarius makes it easy to come up with ideas designed to benefit the collective as well as take an upbeat approach to problem-solving. Between now and October 20 is the best time to take advantage of this energy.

Ceres, mistress of cycles and seasons, is now in Scorpio and sextile Pluto in Capricorn. Add in the Sabian symbol for 25 Libra, “The sight of an autumn leaf brings to a pilgrim the sudden revelation of the mystery of life and death,” and we have a potent reminder to pay attention to endings, beginnings and all cycles of death and rebirth. The leaves fall to the earth, rotting over winter to provide nutrients in the spring, when the sap rises for the tree to bloom anew. In our own lives, we need to pay attention and release what we have outgrown, to make way for something new. If we don’t, we take the risk of having Pluto rip it away . . . and don’t think he won’t.

In honor of Libra season, please take a moment to say “please” and “thank you,” the more heartfelt the better. Expressions of appreciation never go out of style, and seeing another’s face light up when receiving those is a reward in and of itself.

Libra loves beautyposted by Neith . . .

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

** Neith is still not accepting new clients and is not sure when she will be able to, thanks to Uranus transits. **

Image: A lovely crescent moon rising behind the trees. Photo by Pat Paquette, all rights reserved.

Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Leo, February 9, 2009

Lunar Eclipse 

Eclipses come in pairs, with the solar eclipse followed by a lunar eclipse, and this Full Moon in Leo is the lunar eclipse of this set opposing another huge stellium in Aquarius. We are being reminded once more of the necessity of looking beyond our immediate circle of family and friends to consider the needs of the many and how we as individuals are connected to humanity as a whole.

At the Full Moon, the Sun is part of a waxing conjunction with both Chiron and Neptune in Aquarius, illuminating the possibility of healing the wounds of alienation created by emphasizing differences rather than commonalities. Neptune and Chiron both promote healing through acceptance and understanding and the necessity of treating ourselves and others with compassion and kindness. We have the choice of opening our hearts and minds to an inclusive vision of humanity, and if we do so, we can add our bit to making our little corner of the world a better place to live.

Jupiter brings his ability to magnify and expand to a conjunction with the North Node in Aquarius, turning up the volume on the North Node’s message to come together and celebrate the paradox of the uniqueness of each individual within the group consciousness of humanity. Is it possible the seeds are being laid at this time for the expansion of a growing collective supporting a genuinely humanitarian effort worldwide? Are there finally enough of us out here who are beyond weary with the greed and corruption around us to stand up for real change?

Pluto, planet of obsession and transformation, sees Venus in Aries moving away from the first of three exact squares. Venus is not at her best in Aries, a sign ruled by Mars, and the square with Pluto is not going to bring out her better nature, either. There may be opportunities to learn about the downside of overdoing narcissistic behaviors, such as all those apologies needed to your friends and family for toes stepped on in the single-minded pursuit of pleasures.

Mars, newly arrived in Aquarius, forms a waxing sextile with Venus in Aries (exact on February 18) to help get us in the mood for Valentine’s Day. Mars is much quicker to fly off the handle in Uranus-ruled Aquarius than in earthy Capricorn, so if you have planets and angles in the early fixed signs, be prepared for sudden bursts of temper or unexpected events.

There is a curious pattern formed by the Sun opposite Moon and Saturn opposing Uranus, with the Sun semi-sextile Uranus and Moon semi-sextile Saturn. This is an uncomfortable mix of air and fire with water and earth (Aquarius, Leo, Pisces, Virgo), creating the type of stress that encourages movement to relieve it. On one side of this rectangle, we have Aquarius urging us to look at the big picture with Uranus in Pisces pushing for compassionate change, while on the other side, Saturn in Virgo is for maintaining the status quo with the Moon in Leo saying go for the creative option. All of these planets are at 20 degrees, and for all who have planets or angles at this degree, this pattern will be a wake-up call! Keep in mind this is a lunar eclipse, funneling more power than the usual Full Moon down to Earth.

The Sabian symbols for the Sun and Moon reflect the discomfort of this awkward rectangle, offering insights into how to best respond.

For the Sun, the symbol for 21 Aquarius is “a woman disappointed and disillusioned, courageously facing a seemingly empty life,” with the keyword RESILIENCE. We can choose to see loss and disappointment as a teacher, recognizing our limitations but doing so with a sense of purpose and hope – or we can wallow in self pity. The edgy atmosphere surrounding this Full Moon supports taking a more active role in finding our path forward.

The symbol for the Moon at 21 Leo is “intoxicated chickens dizzily flap their wings trying to fly,” with the keyword ACCENTUATION. New ideas can be intoxicating, and we can attempt to do too much too soon, setting ourselves up for failure when we sober up. Saturn in Virgo may be a bit of a fuddy duddy, but a solid foundation built to healthy specifications is integral to lasting, positive change.

Between the need to resolve the dissonance in the sky and Mars sextile Venus in air and fire, the potential to get ahead of ourselves is great. A better course of action may be to slow down and really study your options now to avoid setting up situations for regret later.  A little kindness and courtesy can come in handy, too.

Libra with Scorpio risingposted by Neith . . .

**Please read Pat’s weekly forecast for this week, February 2, too. With the dynamics in the sky right now, additional perspective can only help.