Saturn and the Apotheosis of Ego

False color image of Saturn taken from Voyager I. Photo by NASA, Wikimedia Commons.

The planet Saturn takes approximately 29 years to orbit the Sun. As it moves through the houses of the natal horoscope, it crystallizes and compresses those life arenas – solidifying their awareness into consciousness. Because Saturn deals with limitation and the restrictive barriers of reality, it symbolizes the boundary of ego; the temporary identity the soul cloaks itself with each incarnation.

With every passage or significant transit of Saturn, something solidifies within the individual. At the ages of 28, 29 or 30, the planet Saturn completes its cycle around the Sun, returning to the precise position it was at one’s birth. This significant event is known as the Saturn return, a critical stage of growth and development each of us experiences as either a crisis or a blossoming of ego potential.

At the Saturn return a piece of us dies and a new identity is born. How we each choose to handle this momentous period of time will very much determine the rest of our lives. Saturn urges us to let go of our adolescent identity and to step into a more mature and fully developed self. It can be a period wrought with tension and an impetus to “grow up”.

Successfully navigating the Saturn return is crucial in taking advantage of this powerful launching pad which catapults the individual into an entirely new reality—one that was totally incomprehensible beforehand. Astrologer Steven Forrest, in speaking about the Saturn return, likens the experience to a second puberty. It is indeed the Saturn opposition, which occurs at ages 14-15 that completely segregates the individual from childhood.

With each of these periods, the opposition and the conjunction (return), there is the emergence of a new world—new desires, feelings and urges. Our priorities drastically change at these times, in ways that we couldn't possibly comprehend prior to. We encounter entirely new responsibilities and limitations that greatly challenge us beyond anything we've encountered before.

Saturn is a force of considerable pressure; the friction it often ignites forces us to change our act, to “get with the program”. As we mature, we soon realize that we have to conform to certain rules and codes of conduct if we wish to successfully participate in the world. Human society, as well as the natural world, has strictures put in place which everyone must eventually learn to follow if they wish to survive.

Saturn teaches us how to play the game. Those that fail to conform, to some extent at least, often spend their lives fighting a battle with the world around them—like constantly pushing upstream, against the current. Too much conformity can of course stifle true individuality and change, but there must be a balance between playing the game and breaking the rules.

Uranus, the planet just beyond Saturn, allows us to find the loopholes. But Uranus’ secrets are unveiled only to those who master the Saturn passageway. So in reality, it isn’t until one has completed the Saturn return that Uranus fully emerges into consciousness, inviting us to transcend the limitations of the physical world.

Once we pass Saturn’s test, we gain access to the Uranian/Promethean landscape; we now have the opportunity to create our own rules, to step up and govern our own reality—to do as we please. The Saturn return is really the introduction to Uranus which culminates at the Uranus opposition at around age 42. To responsibly utilize Uranus, we must master Saturn.

True Uranian consciousness requires maturity and integrity. In astrology, we associate Uranus with creative genius, sudden revelations and technological breakthroughs. Uranus allows for the manipulation and control of earthly matter; but without maturity and integrity, this can turn ugly.

We have to wonder whether the technological advancements of our modern era were created by those who had truly mastered Saturn. In looking at the polluting effects of fossil fuel consumption and nuclear energy, we eventually come to the conclusion that without Saturn, Uranus can bring havoc and destruction to the world. 

This is a critical insight in understanding the Saturn return, or any significant transit of Saturn in the natal horoscope. If we don’t master the rules, if we don’t learn to respect and honor the limitations of the natural world, we succumb to destructive tendencies and are overwhelmed by the chaos that is ubiquitous to the universe.

 

Saturn with a scythe, sitting on a stone and clipping the wings of cupid. By Ivan Akimov, 1802.

Like a child that is raised without boundaries, free to do as he or she pleases, they eventually find themselves untamed, out of control and lost in the world. Saturn’s structure is a vessel we must construct to make our way in the world. In order to properly build this vehicle, we need to follow directions and paths previously laid.

Embracing Saturn means having respect for the wisdom of our elders, ancient knowledge and the traditions of the society we’re a part of. To successfully break free of tradition, we must have fully acquainted ourselves with it and assimilated its essence. All great artists mastered the techniques created by previous masters. Uranus cannot successfully blossom without the foundation of the past, without the wisdom of its forebears. 

In many spiritual traditions the ego is an obstacle to be overcome, mastered and transcended. In western society, the ego is a primary focal point. Modern day popular culture glorifies the ego to the extent that we idolize individuals who have exemplified the height of egoic development. In a world of Facebook and American Idols, the “false” self truly has a powerful grasp of our collective psyche.

So, in reality, in the western world at least, a strong, developed ego or sense of self is paramount to functioning in the world. The ego can be defined as the “I” or “Me” within an individual. It is a conglomeration of likes or dislikes, preferences, and external inputs that make up “who we are”.

From a more spiritual perspective, the true self is beyond this ego mask. Behind the façade of ego, lies the true soul essence, which is free of attachments or concrete forms of identification. This more authentic self rarely finds expression in modern western society. We cling to ego in order to survive and interact with others.

So, depending on your perception, ego isn’t necessarily a “bad” thing, and there are periods in our life when we should actually be more focused on its development. That initial period of life is the time prior to our Saturn return. While Saturn makes its way around our natal chart for the first time, back toward its natal position, we are in a process of ego development; that is to say we’re in a process of defining ourselves as separate from the external world.

The first hard Saturn aspect to its natal position occurs at approximately the age of seven, when transiting Saturn squares its birth position. This is a time when a child first develops its own individuality as separate from its mother. Logic and rational thought processes emerge within the psyche, so that a child is able to comprehend the rules, boundaries and limitations presented by the external world and society at large.

It is evident that fairly young children who have yet to experience their first Saturn square exist in a world that is more unified and cohesive than more fully developed adults. Trying to teach a very young child “do’s” and “don’ts” or complex rules or codes of social conduct can be very confusing for a child because they have yet to develop the capacity to comprehend it.

[To discuss this issue at length is beyond the scope of this article, but an excellent take on the subject is presented in Magical Child by Joseph Chilton Pearce.]

Saturn’s transits prior to the first Saturn return work to segregate the individual from the external environment, to create a separate sense of self that is unique and distinct. After birth, Saturn slowly creates barriers and separations between the internal and external world.

After all, Saturn is the last of the planets visible to the naked eye. It is quite literally the boundary of the visually perceptible outer reality. The period leading up to the Saturn return is a period of preparation and quite appropriate for ego development. 

We could say that Saturn contains the contents of the natal horoscope within a clearly defined structure we call the ego. The “unseen” or recently discovered planets thus symbolize the aspects of the psyche imperceptible upon first glance. They are the concealed forces within the psyche churning in the background of consciousness.

Thus, Uranus, the first planet beyond Saturn, symbolizes the confrontation between the ego (the self) and the hidden persona that lies just beyond the threshold of conscious awareness. At Saturn return, we each experience what we could call an apotheosis of ego—the process of the past 30 years culminates and takes concrete form.

 

Promethus by Stephan Kovarik, 1969.

This is crucial to understand, because without allowing for the healthy development of individuality prior to this state, we can end up stunting our own growth, we can end up feeling lost and unable to express ourselves to the fullest. This can lead to feelings of anger, frustration and resentment later in life. The Saturn return is a time to step up and into this fully developed sense of self—a time to announce who we truly are, what we stand for and to make our own way in the world.

These are all obvious Uranian issues. After successfully crossing the Saturn return threshold, we now have access to these “higher” planetary vibrations. We are no longer confined to the limitations of Saturn and the ego template. But with every process of blossoming and culmination, comes the subsequent breakdown and decay.

Just as a new self emerges, the ego begins a process of deterioration. The period of life proceeding the Saturn return becomes far more conducive to the pursuit of spiritual interests and inclinations. This instinctive desire for spiritual attainment is a response to the unconscious realization that there is something more to us than the false and fleeting ego identity. There are higher laws and codes of conduct than those presented by society and the natural world.

Thus, as we move beyond the Saturn return, we learn to live by our own more spiritual laws. Having learned, mastered and conformed to the limitations of the social complex we live within, we now have the opportunity to transcend, challenge and even overwrite the strictures that once bound us.

When the Saturn return presents us with a crisis, we have to ask ourselves some serious questions. Am I actually pursuing the dreams and goals conducive to personal ego fulfillment? Am I dreaming too much and not taking the practical steps and actions toward the fulfillment of those dreams? More than at any other time in life, the Saturn return can truly make it or break it for many people.

What you have conceived of doing as you mature needs to concretely take shape and form at this time. Ego fulfillment is at its peak and there’s a definite sense that it’s now or never. When we fail to take the leap during a significant Saturn transit, we often feel stuck in situations that are no longer suited to our growth and development; we feel stagnant and bored with life.

When Saturn passes with little effort on our part we find ourselves trapped in a life devoid of passion--mundane and unfulfilling. The Saturn cycle helps us to define ourselves in our own way. When we consciously work with Saturn we are able to not only create the life experience we always dreamed of, but we’re able to do as we please, free from the demands or expectations of others.

A clearly defined sense of self allows us to be who we are, say, do or think in our own way, but in order to do that we have to step up and take responsibility for our own lives. To accomplish our dreams, we also have to do the work necessary for mastering techniques and acquiring the appropriate skills. That means no shortcuts—just pure hard work and effort.

But the rewards are long lasting. While Saturn may feel difficult, cold and sometimes overbearing—the greatest joy and sense of fulfillment accompanies a successfully navigated Saturn passage. When Saturn arrives at your doorstep, either through transit or the return—it’s a time to push yourself beyond the threshold toward growth and maturity.

When you feel the urge to move on, to step up and evolve past stagnating and worn out structures, it's time to follow your inner guidance. The soul seeks only to evolve. When we get in our own way through resistance and fears, external circumstances force us to grow up and the experience is generally rather unpleasant to endure.

During any Saturn cycle, just remind yourself to keep moving, to keep pushing beyond the threshold. Know that if you’re responsible and accountable for your actions and that you’re doing the best you can do, Saturn will assist you in the manifestation of your dreams. After all, no one else is going to create them for you; you have only yourself and Saturn to help you out. 

Eco-Ego by Laís F. Camargo via Wikimedia Commons.

Open the Door to the Numinous

Combined color and near-infrared image of Neptune by the Hubble Space Telescope.

As the Sun approaches Neptune proceeding its ingress into Pisces, we may be feeling a strong urge to drift in more ethereal realms. Artistic and creative inspiration is highlighted alongside a pronounced psychic and intuitive sensitivity. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, to feel the urge to withdraw into your own intimate chasm. Neptune is a beacon of inspiration but can equally tempt us to "check out" through drug or alcohol consumption. As always, moderation is the key.

Drift into this Solar/Neptunian conjunction with a certain level of consciousness. Exact on Sunday, February 23, the Sun and Neptune conjunction will be felt in the days before and after their precise rendezvous. Gather from these freely flowing wells of imagination and creative vision, quench your spiritual and visionary thirst. Neptune is a transcendental force that takes us beyond the mundane, crystallizing ideals into concrete and palpable constructs.

When Neptune touches us, we can become a vessel of higher energies--a mediator of physical and spiritual realities. But its presence is often confusing, mysterious and difficult to fully grasp consciously. When working with Neptune, it’s important to have a firm handle of reality, to stay grounded and centered within yourself. The next several days are far more conducive for abstract and subjective pursuits. Trying to pin down facts or attempting to deal with purely mundane material will prove difficult.

Our mind is elsewhere, floating in ethereal space. With Neptune so active in the collective psyche, we’re looking for larger and all-encompassing experiences or universal truths. Pisces, the end of the tropical zodiac cycle, symbolizes the apotheosis of conscious experience. At the end of the journey through the 12 signs we've reached a reflective state and a sense of having seen it all. In Pisces, we’re looking for something more, something often undefinable.

Mercury’s retrograde cycle, still going strong yet winding down, pulls us backward in time. Creative projects we may have put aside may suddenly reemerge, inviting us to bring them to completion or a more perceptible state. Familiar spiritual encounters with the unknown may break through the cracks of the veil separating dimensions. This is a moment calling for more awareness and sensitivity to the external and internal environment.

Use this time to connect with something just beyond your reach. It’s not every day that we experience such openness and fluidity with the world around us. As the Sun and Neptune meet, we’re encouraged to drift softly and freely through each passing moment. Subtle sense impressions are stronger and more ubiquitous than usual. As the barriers between each of us momentarily melt into a Piscean/Neptunian glaze, see reality with a renewed sense of vision; but keep at least one foot on the group, lest you float away, carried by the ethereal stream. 

Closing Chapters, Letting Go: Solar Pisces, Mercury Direct and the New Moon

As the Sun enters Pisces on February 18, the season begins its gradual transition, in the northern hemisphere, from the bleak winter months into the rebirth that takes place at the Spring Equinox, the astrological New Year. In the southern hemisphere, the transition from summer to fall initiates this new beginning.

While many of us celebrate the New Year just after Christmas, on Jan 1, those more attuned to the natural rhythms of the cosmos will find new found motivation for setting intentions/resolutions in March when the Sun enters Aries.

Pisces is a rather mysterious sign, symbolizing the end of the tropical zodiac cycle. There's inevitably a sense of completion inherent to Pisces, a sense of having seen it all. It would be quite a stretch to say that anyone with a Piscean emphasis will innately feel like an old soul, but there's definitely an aura of timelessness etched into their being. Pisces imbues all things with an ethereal quality, a softness and mystique either haunting or glamorous. 

While the Sun burns its way through this watery, final gateway, our collective focus is geared more toward the numinous, the "hard to pin down" elements of reality. In this fluid and often spacey water sign, meditation and deep reflection on the mysteries of the universe take precedence. Pisces directs our gaze away from the petty details of mundane reality into a larger, unifying perspective, toward the nature of consciousness itself. 

So while we journey alongside our solar companion, we may find ourselves more reflective and more interested in observing reality, seeing it for what it is or what it could be. More than any time of year, solar Pisces invites us to flow more smoothly through the experiences unfolding around us--no attachments or judgments--just pure unbiased observation, experience and contemplation.

Read more at Astrology.Answers.com

Tough Love: Full Moon In Leo 2014

A woman holding a heart shaped decoration and flowers from an early 20th century Valentine's card, circa 1910. Via Wikimedia Commons.

Full Moon @ 26 degrees Leo 13'

February 14, 2014

3:53 PM Pacific

6:53 PM Eastern

This month’s lunar cycle culminates in the tropical sign of Leo on St. Valentine’s Day. This presents a rather uncanny synchronicity, since Leo is a sign associated with romantic love, affairs and playful, sexual escapades. As a sign that correlates strongly with creative self-expression and pleasure seeking activities, Leo perfectly complements this internationally celebrated holiday.

A Full Moon in Leo brings to culmination a creative process that’s been gestating—providing an atmosphere of playfulness and child-like curiosity conducive to the spontaneous eruption of creative talents or sexual desires.

While Leo reminds us of the importance of taking time out for ourselves; to have fun and to enjoy the pleasures of life, a square from Saturn brings a potentially challenging element into the picture. Saturn throws in the cold hard truth and an awareness of the boundaries inherent to reality—the way things really are.

In order to take advantage of the fun and playful creative energies brewing with this lunation, we must also consider responsibilities and commitments previously made. This isn't a time to throw important matters aside or to evade responsibilities in favor of play. We may be confronted with uncomfortable repercussions that demand us to take account of our actions.

So, while Leo invites us to let loose and play a little, Saturn demands that we find a balance between hard work and recreation. If you want to play, you need to play by the rules, basically. So there’s inherently a serious tone to this lunation, a bit of rain on our Valentine’s parade.

But the good news is that Saturn favors those who put in the hard work and those that embrace integrity. If you've been putting in the extra hours and presenting yourself authentically, expect Saturn to give you the night off to enjoy yourself a bit.

An extra bit of excitement to spice up your love life (or inner creative life) is provided by a sextile from the Full Moon to Mars in Libra. An urge to mingle and meet new faces, or to express openly your heart’s desires to the one (or others) you’re already committed to takes hold.

Mars in Libra, beginning its retrograde on March 1^st, draws our attention to important relationship matters and considerations. There may be an opportunity to willfully balance things out between you and another.

Mercury retrograde conjunct the Sun in Aquarius and opposing this lunation provides perspective on the past that helps us see things in a new and more objective light. Perhaps a past lover pops in, or memories of love or “good times” long gone emerge from the shadows.

Mercury retrograde reminds us that we need to revise and reconsider or to see things from a totally different perspective. Open your mind to alternative or even radical points of view, they might just provide a shift of awareness you weren't quite expecting.

However you choose to celebrate this St. Valentine’s Day, whether with the one you love or by connecting more deeply to the love you have for yourself, or by cultivating creativity and your inner child, remember the love that’s all around you, every day. See it not just in the eyes of a lover but rather as a ubiquitous force comparable to gravity. Love is what binds us all together, it’s what makes us human; when you realize that, all the love in the universe flows your way, in abundance.

Kosmic Horizon: February 2014

The eroded terrain of Pinnacles National Park is silhouetted against the night sky, as the lights of King City, California glow in the distance. Photo by Joe Parks, via Wikimedia Commons.

The month begins just as Venus goes direct (Jan 30) after her retrograde cycle in Capricorn. Venus hands the baton to Mercury who begins its retrograde on February 6. We are currently deep in an incessant retrograde process involving the three inner planets:  Mercury, Venus and Mars.

Mercury retrograde occurs every three months, for three weeks. But Venus and Mars go retrograde the least of any planet, and thus correlate to more poignant and significant transitions. This month encapsulates the entirety of Mercury’s retrograde cycle in Pisces/Aquarius which I wrote about here.

All the usual advice applies when dealing with Mercury retrograde. This month will be a time to double check and reexamine a lot of things we’ve been dealing with up until this point. It’s best to rework those things that have already been established and launched previously, and to hold off on implementing entirely new endeavors.

That doesn’t mean that anything started now won’t work out, but that we need to pay extra attention to details and keep an eye out for loose ends that could potentially show up. Whatever we are involved with this month will certainly challenge our perception of reality, in many different ways. Mercury retrograde is a time to willingly look for weak spots in your world view, to see what new information you can uncover.

The retrograde archetype invites us to back up and take a good look at the progress we’ve made. There may be some changes that need to take place, or something we left out needs to be reconsidered. Then, we can’t forget the fact the Mercury retrograde is notorious for throwing a cosmic wrench in the gears, leading to all sorts of technical/mechanical hiccups. The best advice: be prepared for the unexpected and leave some room for possible schedule changes.

Mercury’s conjunction with Neptune before going retrograde symbolizes the realization or awareness of a vision or ideal. It’s backtrack through Aquarius is a chance to gain more objectivity and logical understanding—to see it from a different, altered or more sober vantage point.

Mercury turns stationary retrograde on Feb 6; this is the first significant event to occur this month. It’s best to pay more attention during the retrograde stations, as these are the most sensitive moments of the retrograde. Be extra clear in all your communications and double check to make sure that everything you have intended to convey is fully understood.

The Sun in Aquarius squares Saturn in Scorpio on Feb 11. Ideals may conflict uncomfortably with the reality of a situation. A positive sense of hope and newfound freedom may be greatly challenged by certain criticisms and high expectations. If you find yourself feeling discouraged; don’t give up that easily. Do what you can to make things right or to correct imperfections, then go about your business as usual. A lot can be learned from certain inadequacies that are revealed, but too much focus on imperfections can stunt growth and development.  

Mercury retrograde dips back into Aquarius on Feb 12 to cover some territory previously overlooked. From a higher perch, things are a bit clearer. With an open mind, new insights can be gleaned and properly integrated for everyone’s benefit.

The Sun makes a trine to Mars and the Full Moon in Leo occurs on Feb 14. The Sun trine Mars creates a sense of mental fluidity and mutual cooperation between people we are involved with today. High energy and an enthusiasm to communicate truths and ideals with others are strongly pronounced. The Full Moon in Leo adds more fuel to the passion and excitement that may be lingering around. But with Saturn squaring the Full Moon axis, we must err on the side of caution.

Practical strategies and a sober mindset are required so that things don’t get too out of hand. With the proper work ethic, there may be a lot that can be accomplished. But we’ll all be feeling the heat and pressure to give the best performance possible. Mercury retrograde conjoining the Sun reminds us that practice and repetition are needed to meet high demands. Don’t feel too pressured to get it all right straight out the gate. It’s okay to make mistakes; think of it as a practice run and you’ll feel less stress.

Mercury retrograde conjoins the Sun on Feb 15, symbolizing the peak or midpoint of the retrograde cycle. Now that we’re knee deep in the retrograde process, we should be clear on what needs to be reworked. After a week or so of subtle deconstruction, we can now work toward building things back up, putting on the finishing touches.

Mercury retrograde trines Mars on Feb 16. Helpful insights or information may come to us through those we come into contact with today. While these insights may not mesh with our current perceptions or assumptions, they have the potential to greatly alter our knowledge base, adding a fresh and wider perspective. With the right attitude and cooperation, there could be a lot that can be successfully reworked and adjusted. Don’t try to go it alone. Integration will be the key.

The Sun enters Pisces on Feb 18, adding a numinous, mystical and spacey tone to the collective vibe. The Sun in Pisces is a time to connect more fully with a sense of connectivity and oneness with the world around us. Mercury retrograde squares Saturn in Scorpio on Feb 19 which could bring up some serious challenges that could trip us up if we’re not careful.

While an open mind is useful in dealing with Mercury retrograde, too much receptivity to others criticisms can leave us feeling depressed, useless or unworthy. Do your best to fix what’s wrong with the game plan, but don’t beat yourself up just because it’s not perfect. But it’s important to maintain a strong sense of integrity today, and to take responsibility for you’re the part you currently play. Playing the victim or the fool won’t work out too successfully, so stay sober and be prepared for critical evaluations.

The Sun in Pisces conjuncts Neptune on Feb 23. Look out for the potential to overtly idealize a situation today, but don’t close yourself off from insight that comes from unexpected or unseen sources either. While it’s important to remain skeptical of everything coming at you, there’s the potential to tap into something beyond the mundane channels. It may be a good time to dream, visualize or meditate. But if it sounds too good to be true; it might be time for some careful fact checking.

Venus sextiles Saturn on Feb 24, creating an opportunity to aesthetically enhance your surroundings or to bring something previously concealed into a more concrete formation. Whatever it is, there is a desire to keep things simple and to savor every bit, seeing it for what it is.

On Feb 25, Jupiter squares Uranus, setting off a t-square between Uranus, Pluto and Jupiter. There may be a lot of collective tension brewing in the atmosphere in addition to catalytic creative or scientific developments. The past, the future and the uncharted frontier must all find common ground here, and reconciling all directions will be the challenge of the day.

Mercury turns stationary direct on Feb 28 in synch with the New Moon in Pisces and the Sun trine Jupiter. After three weeks of backtracking, back stepping and readjustment, we may feel more empowered and confident to move forward in the right direction. We’re likely to have a more solid footing now at the end of the cycle, and the watery influence from this New Moon helps us to gain more emotional clarity. The Sun/Moon conjunction with Chiron creates a sense of destiny and an intense focus to actualize dreams, while the trine from Jupiter creates a sense of warmth and confident determination to go for the vision.   

Feb 6- Mercury stationary retrograde

Feb 11- Sun square Saturn

Feb 12- Mercury retrograde back to Aquarius

Feb 14- Sun trine Mars; Full Moon @ 26 Leo

Feb 15- Sun conjunct Mercury

Feb 16- Mercury trine Mars

Feb 18- Sun enters Pisces

Feb 19- Mercury square Saturn

Feb 23- Sun conjunct Neptune

Feb 24- Venus sextile Saturn

Feb 25- Jupiter square Uranus

Feb 28- Mercury stationary direct; New Moon @ 10 Pisces; Sun trine Jupiter

Turning Over A New Leaf: New Moon In Aquarius 2014

Taro leaf underside backlit by Sun. Wikimedia Commons.

New Moon @ 10 Aquarius 55'

January 30, 2014

1:38 PM Pacific

4:38 PM Eastern

As usual, the conjunction of the Sun and Moon coincides with a new beginning. Deep inside, whether we notice it or not, a new start begins to gestate. It may be a subtle hunch that urges us to pursue some fresh new pathway. No matter how drastic or minute this new beginning manifests, and no matter how conscious we are of this process, new developments unfold in synch with the cycle of Sun and Moon.

This month’s Aquarius New Moon is the second to occur in the month of January. That might be significant depending on how much credence you give to the Gregorian calendar. In a way, it’s like a Blue Moon, only invisible to the naked eye. It’s a rather black Moon, actually, devoid of any noticeable hue. In addition to this oddity, the Moon is especially close to the Earth, at its perigee. 

Always, this amplifies the Moon’s lunar archetype. Emotions are little heavier than usual. Dramatic reactions to trivial situations have more prominence. We may feel more sensitive when the Moon is closer. There may be greater fluctuations and expression of either joy or sorrow.

With the Moon in Aquarius, this further amplifies the unusual dimensions of this New Moon. Due to Aquarius’ higher planetary expression via Uranus, there’s a flare of eccentricity that always ferments anything placed in this sign. Aquarius and Uranus forge their own path; they dance to the beat of a different drummer. 

Such is the nature of this particular lunation. Aquarius is a breath of fresh air—crisp, clean and rejuvenating. Uranus, the ruler of Aquarius, also makes a sextile to the Solar/Lunar duo. In addition to the dramatic t-square involving Jupiter, Uranus, Venus and Pluto—there may be some sudden changes taking place this lunar cycle. There may equally be a sense of heavy tension and impetus to move on.

Whether these changes are subtle or pronounced, they signal that the time has come to turn over a new leaf. Aquarius and Uranus urge us to break free of those stagnating circumstances that hold back the evolutionary current. But nothing is forcing us to. These changes are entirely voluntary. Such is the nature of the sextile; it stands as a suggestion, a helping hand. 

Uranus in Aries invites us to trail-blaze and to forge a new frontier. Whether we take up the offer or not boils down to a decision. If you do nothing else this lunation, take some time to breathe new life into something. Change something up. Look for ways to innovate anything around you. 

Horoscope of New Moon Jan 30, 2014.

This lunation provides a powerful jump-start that will segway us into Mercury’s retrograde cycle, beginning February 6. That may sound a little discouraging for any new beginning, but fear not. While delays, frustrations and communicative obstacles are common, Mercury retrograde invites us to reexamine the world around us, to see things from a new perspective.

This is completely conducive to the Aquarian and Uranian objective. As we move into new territory this lunar cycle, expect the unexpected. The events unfolding may be hard to predict or pin down, but that’s okay. Open your mind and humbly accept your limited vision. In the dark of the Moon, it may be hard to see the path before you; but trust the inner light, it will guide the way. 

The next few weeks, as the Moon waxes toward its culmination and then begins to wane, we are invited to reexamine our dreams, visions and ideals. Whatever “new beginning” you encounter, keep in mind that it is an opportunity to see your future path in an entirely new and different light. 

Uranus and Aquarius create a quickening or acceleration of energy. That means that things around you may appear to move at a much faster pace. But Mercury retrograde asks us to pause, reflect and reconsider. So, while things may be moving faster than usual, there’s no rush to make something happen. All will unfold in due time. 

Break out of the box this lunar cycle in whatever way you can manage. Step up to challenges and work through, carefully, to solving any problems. Ingenious solutions are likely floating around, creating a sense that anything is possible with the right amount of visualization and willpower. Welcome this fresh new start with open arms and an open mind. Changes are on the way. 

Into the Hot Zone: Mars Retrograde and the North Node In Libra

Mars Disarmed by Venus and Three Graces by Jacques Louis David, 1824.

Stationary retrograde: March 1, 2014- May 19, 2014

Stationary direct: May 19, 2014

Enter shadow: October 31, 2013

Leave shadow: July 22, 2014

Sun/Mars opposition: April 8, 2014

The planet Mars is in Libra for roughly eight months this cycle, due to his most infrequent retrograde cycle.  Libra and Mars are two very antithetical archetypes, logically because Mars rules Aries, Libra’s opposite sign. But, antithetical isn’t necessarily a “bad” thing. It simply means that two elements are coming from two distinctly separate points of view.

The collision can be messy, wrought with hostility and resistance; or a meeting of two complementary pieces that create such sharp contrast that both ends of the spectrum are more dignified and interesting in the presence of one another.

Traditional astrology has a rather grim take on planets in the signs opposite their rulership. Those old crotchety astrologers see nothing but doom and gloom for Mars as he travels this most foreign and offbeat of territories. But, there’s a definite logic that supports that perspective. Put simply, Libra and Mars aren’t cut from the same cloth.

That mixture of two distinctly different textures presents us with a certain kind of challenge, one that urges us to become more aware and conscious than usual. It takes a little hard work and extra effort to make something beautiful or worthy of visual digestion—Libra’s modus operandi. 

Whatever Libra comes into contact with, there’s a certain aesthetic response from that element. Libra seeks to make things more pleasant for the world—tasteful, elegant, harmonious and dignified. In order to achieve that visionary perfection, lots of different options are weighed and contrasted. Trial and error and prolonged gazes, scrutinizing from extended distances are all a part of that process.

Libra thrives on a multiplicity of perspectives, options and opinions. Finding common ground and reconciliation can be a time consuming process. Libra equally wants everyone, in some way, to have their cake and eat it too. That’s not always possible, but if any sign can get close enough to meeting the needs of all involved, it’s Libra.

Mars is a planet that’s all about action, assertion, willpower and facing fears—boldly stepping up to any challenge and meeting it head on. Mars thrives on the power of initiation, and the prospect of the new, uncharted frontier. Mars prefers more simplistic decisions.

While walking through the woods and coming face to face with a bear, there should be very few options in that moment. To make things easier, Mars distills it down to two choices: fight or flight. Okay, maybe that or with a little knowledge we may choose to duck and cover or play dead. Anyway, the point is, in that moment Mars serves us best.

Primal involuntary instincts come under the Martian terrain. When we need them, they serve us well. We don’t have to think about it. We just, somehow, know exactly what to do. With the help of a little adrenaline, we’re one step (or leap) from solving the problem.

Libra is an air sign. That means we’re dealing with a more mental and cerebral landscape. And that’s what really underlines Libra’s problem solving and diplomatic talents. While Mars is in Libra, his catalytic initiatory powers get rather muddled—filtered through this more unified and holistic Librian perspective.

Needless to say, that process can be a little frustrating for Mars. His actions are conceded. His instincts warped and contorted. Spending eight months in this state of pause and reflection can certainly ignite some irritation. Those of us more Martian prone—with a strong planetary presence in Aries or Scorpio, are more likely to feel this particular response.

Now let’s throw the retrograde into the mix. It seems a hopeless situation for Mars indeed. The planet of initiation, action and forward momentum going backwards in this antithetical element doesn’t look good for poor Mars.

But, fear not. If anyone can handle it it’s certainly the Martian warrior. I’m sure he’s gone through worse. I mean, the planet has probably seen some pretty intense cataclysms and climate reversals-- enough to make Al Gore shudder in horror. Yes, Mars is a tough guy. Don’t let the perceived direness of the situation fool you.

NASA image of Mars taken June 26, 2001 by the Hubble Space Telescope. NASA and The Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA)

So what’s the point? Well with Mars in Libra we’re forced to become more conscious of impulses, desires and jerk-reactions. That means that mindless activities that usually work in our favor aren’t likely to while Mars is in Libra. We’re forced to deal with very differing and contrasting perspectives.

We either resist these perspectives, resulting in a messy battle of egos and willpower, or we choose to make some concessions; to broaden our perspective with the inclusion of these antipodal worldviews. It’s certainly not an easy task, but if successfully accomplished we have a more comprehensive awareness of the world around us.

Because Libra is also a sign that rules relationships, Mars in Libra is a time when our energy is more successfully channeled into this direction. Wherever Mars goes, that’s where we are expending the most energy at any given time, and also where we’re confronting fears and meeting challenges.

On a collective level, Mars in Libra is about funneling energy toward more diplomatic efforts--learning to acquire agility and compromise within complex social situations and putting intense effort toward creating harmony in the world around us. Before we go rushing into something, before we instinctively react to any given challenge or situation, we’re required to really pause and consider what is arising from deep within us.

This process will become even more ubiquitous once Mars actually turns retrograde on March 1, 2014. While Mars is retrograde, we’re dealing more profoundly with the pause and assessment of our actions. Of any retrograde cycle, the Mars retrograde cycle is the least conducive for initiation and confrontation.

That doesn't mean to go into hiding or to avoid implementing anything of value or importance. But it does mean that whatever you do decide to initiate should be very carefully assessed and reflected upon—particularly giving time to carefully implement all the factors and all the other people's involvement.

When Mars is retrograde, desperate acts of impulsivity rarely turn out favorably. The launch of some important matter often ends up losing steam and dwindling in momentum once the planet turns direct. But just because this is a likely manifestation, doesn’t mean to avoid action. It simply means that this is a time to be more conscious of your actions, and to anticipate a change of course or direction later down the road.

As with any retrograde, we are in a process that requires us to reassess and reflect. It is a very introverted type of cycle. But with Mars in Libra (a more extroverted sign), we’re reflecting and strengthening our capacity to deal with multiple perspectives within relationships and more complicated social dynamics.

Hans Sebald Beham,Mars, from The Seven Planets with the Signs of the Zodiac, 1539 (Bartsch 116; Pauli, Holl. 118) , via Wikimedia Commons

Some other factors to consider: Anger is a common manifestation when the Martian energy is somehow blocked or stagnated. Finding a healthy outlet for the expression of anger is highly recommended. Because Mars is in Libra, and retrograde, this cycle is likely to bring up territorial issues or deeply embedded fears or unresolved anger within relationships.

Remain conscious of this reality. Do your best to deal with these issues openly and as civilly as possible. But do not suppress or attempt to hide what needs to be communicated or expressed cathartically. There is a fine line between consciously expressing frustration and allowing it to take over, resulting in violence or rage.

Because Mars is retrograde, it is actually much closer to the Earth than usual. This invariably amplifies this archetypal power within each of us. Be mindful that things may not go as you expect or anticipate. Projects launched are likely to encounter setbacks, delays or frustrations. Be wary of the fact that many people may choose to express the more unsavory aspects of the Martian energy; don’t be the one to set them off!

Mars retrograde is a time to strengthen and reinforce situations that have already been put into motion. Big initiations are best implemented once the planet has gone direct. With that said, don’t over think it. Go with the flow. Mars and Venus retrograde cycles are unique in that they often correlate with significant turning points and mile-stone transitions.

We sometimes meet new people, or come into contact with familiar folks who we have seemingly met in some prior lifetime. These karmic connections are often important, and will unfold and develop in synch with future retrograde cycles.

Follow the Libran North Node

Just prior to Mars turning retrograde, the North Node transitions (backwards) from Scorpio into Libra. This is an equally significant transit, since the North Node indicates our collective destiny and objective at any given time.

On Feb 19, 2014, a rather poignant conjunction of planets occurs here. The North Node conjoins Mars and Vesta in Libra and Ceres in Scorpio. This is a very interesting conjunction, foreshadowing the coming onset of Mars’ backward motion.

Mars is slowing down to stationary motion. That warrior-like initiatory drive is coming to a standstill. Our defenses are down. This is a point of tremendous vulnerability, but a moment that also provides us with a glimpse into relationship dynamics to point us toward things that likely need to be worked on and reinforced over the next few months.

Vesta’s conjunction with the North Node at the anaretic degree of Libra points to a critical turning point and transition, one that gives us a razor sharp look into how others think, to become more compassionately aware of where they’re coming from.

Ceres brings up issues of nurturing, compassion and nourishment. We are invited to make contact with others who may be of assistance to us in these areas, or who may provide important information that can help us to see ourselves or a specific situation more objectively.

The North Node will transit Libra until November 2015. While the North Node was in Scorpio, and Saturn in Scorpio, we have all been forced, in varying degrees of intensity, to face deeply embedded material that lay dormant in the unconscious. Fears, vulnerabilities, deeply buried emotions and issues surrounding death and joint finances were all prevalent themes that needed to be constructively integrated.

We are shifting our attention away from these deeply intimate and secret chasms, to redirect attention from seriously intense subject matter towards some semblance of calm and homeostasis. While the North Node travels through Libra, there is a collective need and desire to open ourselves to the perceptions and perspectives of other people.

There is a drive to seek out experiences and connections that can assist in creating cohesion, equanimity and balance. The North Node in Libra can help with integration and digestion of everything that has come up on a personal and collective level.

So, this is a cycle that allows us to transcend the limitations of personal and biased viewpoints, to gain more awareness of our place in the larger scheme of things. This North Node transit also helps us to realize that there is greater power in numbers and that by embracing cooperation and mutual understanding, a lot more can be accomplished with greater ease and efficiency.

Mars in the Cardinal Hot Zone

Because Mars is going retrograde in Libra, it is activating the Uranus and Pluto square, the sign of the times. On April 22-23 Mars will form an exact grand cross configuration involving Uranus, Pluto and Jupiter. This is known as a cardinal cross, involving the cardinal zodiac signs, which have been a rather powerful symbol of the current changes taking place worldwide.

With Mars retrograde, this will likely correlate with the rise of collective events that bring to our attention to the need to strengthen and reinforce our personal and collective willpower. It is a powerful opportunity that generates an impetus to make dramatic changes and transformations through the awareness of new perspectives or worldviews.

Due to the intense nature of this configuration, there is likely to be a lot of conflict and tension. It is through this overwhelming friction that the world can wake up to new realities and alternative points of view it was previously closed off from.

Whether this particular grand cross will correlate with a specific event or not remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: it symbolizes a significant milestone in the collective psyche, one that will likely put into motion massive cultural, political and economic changes.   

Of particular significance is the fact that this grand cross will be in aspect to the radix Sun in the mundane horoscope of the United States. Obviously we can draw from this the fact that the U.S. will be the most significantly impacted country by this event. This symbolizes the first exact contact that the U.S. will have with the Uranus/Pluto square—so it’s a little unsettling given the current circumstances.

Horoscope of the United States (Sibly) with transits on April 22, 2014. Note the grand cross hitting the radix Sun and Saturn.

Many astrologers are concerned that this may have a significant impact on the economy, since we’re already in the midst of much economic instability and uncertainty. I personally can’t say for sure whether it will or not. Astrology cannot predict the exact turn of events. But given the nature of the cardinal axis, this energy will not just affect the U.S.--it will have a broad and far reaching global impact.

Such is the reality of the situation. What happens in the U.S. doesn’t just stay here; it has many implications for the economies of other nations. Regardless of what happens collectively, of which we as individuals have little control of at this point, each of us will inevitably feel the need to look beyond our personal limitations and rediscover the power that is available when we integrate with like minds and souls.

Again, be on the lookout for rising frustration and anger that may manifest. Mars retrograde indicates that the collective willpower is somehow stuck and stagnant. This is not a time to incite a war of any kind; the momentum just isn’t there. This cardinal grand cross is more symbolic of an awakening, one that reminds us of the power we truly have and that has been there all along.

There is tremendous creative potential here, and regardless of the turmoil that may manifest collectively, we can each use this energy constructively and consciously toward more productive outlets. The Uranus and Pluto square is about dramatic, sweeping global changes—conflicts between an emerging new horizon and the powerful established order.

Jupiter in Cancer points to the past and to the collective desire to hold on to those nostalgic elements that support the foundation. Jupiter also expands whatever it comes into contact with.

With Mars retrograde, we can anticipate an explosive energy, one that creates many contradicting desires. There is the desire to break free and forge new frontiers, the desire to maintain the past and hold on to what has been proven to work (security), and then the desire to integrate foreign perspectives which can reinforce our current position.

If you feel yourself pulled into these multiple directions, you aren’t alone. A grand cross isn’t easy to integrate because it challenges the psyche to implement all ends of the square in such a way that neither one overpowers the other. I think that is really the whole point of this configuration, it urges us to implement massive checks and balances so that neither of these facets has more power over the situation.

Looking at all the planets involved, it’s easy to point out all the facets currently involved here. Pluto in Capricorn definitely represents the overarching government's invasion of our privacy, and amping up as a police state. It is symbolic of the all-seeing eye of the oligarchy and plutocracy that currently holds the reigns of the economy.  

But Pluto in Capricorn is also a symbol of the emerging wisdom of the ancient past; the unearthing of powerful secrets long concealed or forgotten by the world. As much as it symbolizes a clash with authority, it equally awakens the power of the people to govern themselves, equipped with this newfound secret knowledge.

Uranus in Aries is the nascent frontier; the spring Sun rising on the horizon, offering the hope and prospect of something entirely new. Technologically (of which Uranus aptly correlates), we are seeing the emergence of an entirely new paradigm of global communication which is greatly impacting the power of self-expression (Aries).

Uranus in Aries is entirely experimental; it also inspires us to forge new pathways in many unique and radical ways. It offers us the promise that there is always another way, a direction we’ve had yet to dream of or imagine. Jupiter in Cancer is the power pulling us toward the familiar elements of society that have withstood the test of time. It draws the collective into an introspective gaze, dreaming of the good old days.

Jupiter in Cancer is placing emphasis on the desire for security and economic stability. In many ways, it is resistant to the progressive changes symbolized by Uranus, and suspicious of the powers exhibited by Pluto in Capricorn. So as much as we want “change”, as promised by many politicians these days, we equally don’t want to rock the boat too much that it threatens the security of the floor beneath our feet.

Finally, Mars retrograde in Libra is the awakening realization of our collective power. It is the emerging awareness that we need help; we can’t solve all these problems by ourselves. As much as our collective ego has convinced us of our absolute independence, we must admit that input from foreign sectors is much needed now, and that with greater objectivity each of us will find that we have the strength and capacity to endure the hardships to come.

Onward Into The Great Unfolding….

In conclusion, there is a lot we need to consider over the next few months. Mars retrograde and the North Node in Libra urge us to consciously weigh the pros and cons. But don’t feel rushed to do so. Work with these cycles and allow the process to unfold in its own timing. Remember that Libra needs to take its time to consider all the perspectives it seeks to assimilate.

When in doubt, stop, pause and reconsider. Taking more time now to deeply reflect, and ask for the opinions and perspectives of those around you, will save you much time and pain in the future. If things aren’t moving in a timely manner, look to see what’s missing, or reach out for help when necessary. We don’t have to do this all alone. In fact, that would be completely counterproductive to the whole process at hand.

We are entering a very uncertain time politically and economically. Decisions and choices we have all made in the past, or that we have allowed others to make for us, are now revealing their consequences. The complexity of the grand cross reveals that the solutions to our current problems are not simple. They are incredibly complex and involve the participation of everyone on the planet, in some shape or form.

If you feel the call to break free of oppressive and stagnating circumstances, you are simply responding to the current energies flooding the collective psyche. How successful we are hangs on our ability to consciously and patiently work through these complexities and integrate all the conflicting desires arising from deep within us. But whatever we choose to experience, remember that it's all a part of the great unfolding. When in doubt, trust the process at hand, no matter how dire it seems.

Mars reminds us that we are far more powerful than we know. Awaken the power within you to shape your life and the world into something more aligned with your ideals and dreams. This isn’t an end, but rather the birth of a new beginning. Don’t fight the current, flow with it; you never know how things will eventually unfold.

Conscious travels. 

Revising The Vision: Mercury Retrograde in Pisces/Aquarius

False color image of Mercury's surface. NASA/JPL/Northwestern University.

February 6, 2014- February 28, 2014

Enter shadow: Jan 22, 2014

Leave shadow: March 20, 2014

This year’s first Mercury retrograde initiates the transition from water signs to air signs. Each of the three retrograde cycles this year has us literally on edge between these two elements. We can anticipate quite drastic and varying transitions and reflections to occur with each of these, since Mercury is backtracking through two very distinctly different elements.

We hear a lot of rules and codes of conduct while Mercury is retrograde and I’ll admit that I've often propagated a few myself. The problem is that astrology is never so cut and dry. Prescriptive formulas for astrological cycles inevitably fail. Like consciousness itself, astrology is fluid, multivalent and always changing.

But the retrograde reminds of just that thing. So, if one thing is consistent with every Mercury retrograde cycle, it’s the awareness that something needs to change—either our perception or our approach to something we've been working on.

Of course, those slight annoyances and technical/mechanical mishaps do in fact occur with greater frequency while Mercury turns retrograde; It’s just hard to predict whether they will or not for you personally. So, as usual, double check the details: tighten loose screws and reiterate anything important that you need to communicate to others. Better safe than sorry.

This Mercury retrograde arrives right on cue just as Venus finishes her retrograde cycle in Capricorn on Jan 31. Of course, each of the three inner planet retrogrades [Venus, Mercury and Mars] that occur at the onset of 2014 overlap and intermingle due to their shadow periods.

That means that we are in the midst of a rather lengthy cycle of incessant revision and uncertainty. So, first off, relax and take a deep breath. It would be a grave mistake to say that we should barricade ourselves in our homes and avoid contact with the world until this all blows over—a grave mistake, indeed.

Retrogrades are excellent times for us to creatively experiment—to playfully explore the relationship between the inner and outer worlds. It is during these times that there is less pressure from the universe to get it all right and to be at our peak performance. While that may in fact happen, this is a time to be gentler with yourself.

(Of course, if you’re planning on launching a space shuttle or some other expensive feat of engineering, you may want to be less playful and more anal about those loose screws, see: Hubble Space Telescope)

That doesn't mean to avoid initiating anything of value or significance; it means that this is a time to take things much slower and to practice considerable consciousness; heightening your awareness. With each step that we take, we’re asking ourselves some very important questions.

“Is this what I really want?” “Where will this path inevitably lead me, and is it right for me?” Uncertainty is a healthy expression of this energy, because it invites one to probe deeper into one's true desires and motivations. The only way to answer these questions is to allow yourself to take chances and possibly even make some mistakes.

Mercury turns stationary retrograde on Feb. 6 while conjunct Neptune in Pisces. Needless to say, this retrograde may greatly enhance both psychic and intuitive perception. It may urge us to probe deeply into the root of perceptions and personal illusions.

Neptune is a planet that encapsulates our collective ideals and creative/artistic fantasies. Mercury’s backtrack allows us to step back and deeply reflect on those visions, and while dipping into Aquarius, we will have an objective viewpoint from which to scrutinize.

The ideal and the vision always loom before us; it’s the cosmic [carrot on a stick] incentive that keeps us motivated to reach for our dreams. While Mercury is retrograde we may find ourselves reconsidering that vision, or rediscovering that we actually have one and that we just lost sight of it.

Mercury dips back into Aquarius on Feb. 12, changing the watery tone, and transforming the arena into a more mental/cerebral zone. While in Aquarius, Mercury retrograde urges us to a get a little more serious.

While Neptune and Pisces are anything but realistic, this phase of the retrograde has us deeply skeptical and cautious about information coming out of thin air. Mercury in Aquarius has us looking for facts to support intuitive hunches and intellectual assumptions.

That glossy and seemingly glorious game plan that was channeled out of the ether should probably be put under a high powered microscope, just in case. Before you go rushing off with any new found sense of destiny, Aquarius says to “hold back” and look for supporting evidence.

This is to say that when we encounter some profound revelation that strikes us like a bolt of lightning, it’s always best to sit with it and let it digest before announcing it to the world. Many crucial pieces are often lost in translation. Just read the Bible.

Mercury’s retrograde through Aquarius helps us to think for ourselves and to reconsider what may have been perceived (previously) as radical or taboo ideas or subject matter. As with any Mercury retrograde, our perceptions are changing.

A portal is opening allowing us to peer deeply into other realms, however real or imagined. A closed mind is a stubborn mind. Allow the mental currents to wash away the clutter and filter everything out. If it sounds too good to be true—it’s best to sit on it and work through all the details, carefully.

If it sounds too radical and far ahead of its time, it’s probably exactly what you need to entertain.  As always, keep an open mind while Mercury is retrograde. You never know what you may uncover, or how shocking and potentially life changing it may be. 

You Eat Me, I Eat You: Full Moon In Cancer 2014

Lilith by John Collier. Via Wikimedia Commons.

Full Moon @ 25 Cancer 58'
January 15, 2014
8:51 PM Pacific
11:51 PM Eastern

This month's lunar climax (Full Moon) occurs in the protective, nostalgic and security seeking sign of Cancer while the Sun lies in opposition in Capricorn. Allow me to emphasize the climactic nature of this Full Moon, since the "Black Moon" Lilith so closely conjoins this illumined and yet obscure Moon.

A heightened sense of desire, sensual or food related, may become greatly amplified by the presence of Lilith. A desire for security, comfort and protection is equally strong (Cancer). Lilith is not really a planet or a Moon in the physical sense; she is a phantom she-devil, subjugated to the unseen and mysterious cavern of the unconscious.

Lilith invokes desire, not like Mars or Venus, but rather she awakens our hidden, suppressed primal urges that scream for inclusion, awareness and replenishment. Lilith is an astral contagion who, like all of us, requires nourishment through the act of incessant feeding.

To feed Lilith is to generate a two way street of pleasure. In a way, it is a mutual sharing of orgasmic forces which generate a highly desirable astral "food-stuff", a pleasure filled ectoplasm fit for fourth density consumption.

We are human with human desires. While the mastery of desire is the noble pursuit of the aesthetic, most of us cannot simply deny our bodily cravings without some intense psychic repercussions. In that sense, Lilith can become a symbol of anger, rage and frustration reflecting our refusal to acknowledge and find equanimity between our ideals and our desires.

Yet, to constantly respond to bodily cravings is the pathway to addiction. In a sense, Lilith can assist the psyche in discovering that ability to consciously and cooperatively work with that which we subjugate and reject because we fear its power and its ability to overpower the psyche to such an extent that we lose all control.

Astronomically, Lilith is a mathematically contrived point, the 'mean' position of the lunar apogee. That is, the point along the Moon's semi-elliptical orbit that is the furthest from the Earth, even when the Moon isn't actually there [a diagram would probably be more helpful to visualize]. There is also an asteroid by the name of Lilith, as well as several other means of calculation.

This hypothetical point we find conjoining this Full Moon is more unanimously accepted among astrologers as the most potent symbol of the Lilith archetype. The patronized mythos of Lilith designates her as the "first Eve", who refused to submit to male dominance and authority. While having sex with Adam, she always wanted to be on top, which led (I imagine) to frustrating power struggles between the nascent couple.

Horoscope of Full Moon January 15, 2014. The Moon in Cancer naturally opposes the Sun, conjoins Lilith, and squares Mars, Vesta and Ceres.

Eventually, Lilith was fed up with the whole thing and fled her paradisaical abode and wound up having sex with demons (who may have liked to bottom and were probably a little kinky), producing demon children by the Red Sea. Legends described Lilith as a demon goddess who seduced men in their sleep, resulting in nocturnal emissions. She was also described as an entity that abducted children and babies from their beds, sometimes killing (or eating?) them.

Much later Christian versions of Lilith described her as a succubi, which has many similarities to our modern alien abduction mythology. Well, one thing is clear: Lilith is one feisty bitch. Lilith can represent a place of insatiable hunger (desire), that requires healthy outlet and expression, which could otherwise result in messy, sticky wet-dreams.

While it's not recommended to always scratch every itch (which for the meth-addict can lead to a rather unpleasant complexion), to constantly ignore that itch will eventually drive you mad. So, occasionally it's okay to scratch; it provides relief. But also, there may be some deeper reasons underlying the source of that hunger, which we may choose to explore in psychotherapy (talk to Pluto).

With the Sun, naturally in opposition in Capricorn and with Mars, Vesta and Ceres square this lunation, there is some obvious tension and a potential point of reconciliation. Sometimes what may be "bad" for us most of the time, is good for us some of the time. Sometimes our perception of what's "bad" is merely a delusional social ideal and taboo that needs to be seriously questioned.

The line between nourishment and pleasure becomes blurred here, where what is nourishing most of the time, can become restricting, thereby suffocating our sensual and creative potential. To consciously work with Lilith is to dance in the darkness uninhibited--wild and free. To play with Lilith is to shed those shackles momentarily and to feed the unseen, while conscious that the risk of losing control lies in the shadows.

To find that balance between noble aesthetic pursuits and untamed libidinal urges is a challenge. To allow the whole world its unique and specific form of nourishment takes incredible consciousness. But down here this low on the dimensional totem pole, we all eat each other. Life is an orgy of replenishment so don't pretend it's anything otherwise, you're only fooling yourself.

Kosmic Horizon: January 2014

Two time-telling systems collide at the beginning of 2014, emphasizing a momentous and significant year ahead.  Image: An astronomical clock in the Marienkirche in Rostock, Germany. Photo by Schiwago.

The New Year has finally arrived and it begins alongside a rather powerful and symbolic lunation. Jan 1 happens to coincide with a seriously striking new Moon in Capricorn, conjunct Pluto and Mercury. That places this nascent lunation in the cross-hairs of the Uranus/Pluto square, and I think this is a pretty important statement about the year ahead.

While the Gregorian New Year has little connection to any natural or astrological cycle, it does have a significant symbolic role within the collective consciousness since we’ve been using it for quite some time. Interestingly, there are moments when the astrology appears to be in synch with our synthetic calendar. This year is definitely one of those times.

Of course, we can’t disregard the fact that the tropical zodiac used by western astrologers is equally synthetic, but it is, at least, in synch with the Sun’s natural seasonal cycle. The Gregorian calendar is really a mystery. Who would have ever thought to begin a New Year during the coldest and darkest time of year, while the Sun is in a sign that symbolizes culminating maturation as opposed to new beginnings?

There may have been a conspiracy with that one. Capricorn is of course a very deep and spiritual sign, but it does have a strong focus toward worldly achievements and physical or sensory pleasures. We’re a part of an entire culture that begins its year with this mental orientation. It’s very possible that this further solidifies our cultural emphasis on social status, consumerism and a naive trust of authority.

The year ahead is rather interesting, to say the least. We are inching closer to some of the most precarious astrological configurations. While things have certainly been hectic and eventful so far, it seems that we haven’t really seen anything yet. I’m not saying that to frighten anyone. That’s certainly not my intention. 

We can never really know what lies ahead, specifically. But in looking at the situation politically and economically, it’s clear that we don’t exactly need astrology to tell us that there’s a long and arduous road up there.

Also, just because a particular configuration looks challenging theoretically, that doesn’t mean that it will actually be as profound or pivotal as we may imagine or anticipate. Lots of seemingly significant astrological cycles have come and gone throughout history without much really going on—at least on the surface. We certainly cannot exclude the reality that astrology tells us as much about our inner world as it does the outer.

So regardless of how eventful or significant this year proves to be—we’re all in for some serious shifts and changes within the unconscious realms. That’s where it all starts anyway. Personally, we’re each going to feel this in one way or another. Unless you’re completely numb and oblivious, there’s going to be some interesting changes happening, catalyzed by this year’s powerful alignments.

Venus retrograde is just heating up at the month’s entry. It’s the first of three very significant retrograde cycles in the early portion of 2014. There’s a lot of reconsider this year, for sure. Retrogrades, especially among the inner planets, urge us to back-track and reassess our position. Venus retrograde is fairly interesting in that it also has the power to bring significant relationships back into focus.

That most likely involves people, since Earth is so well populated. But we may rekindle a relationship with lots of other things while Venus is retrograde, it may not always be human or sentient (or appear to be). Venus retrograde can mend bridges we burned or left behind. She may remind us of the contracts we made long ago, sometimes beyond this lifetime.

Often many significant changes and pivotal turning points coincide with this cycle. A change of direction is definitely brought about by any retrograde; there will be plenty of opportunities to grow and expand into new directions the first half of this year. Here’s this month’s rundown:

As mentioned, Jan 1st begins with a momentous and significant New Moon in Capricorn; it’s a part of a dynamic t-square with Mercury, Pluto, Uranus, Mars and Jupiter. If that isn’t a poignant statement, I don’t know what is. Whatever resolutions you have this year, you’re likely to feel rather ambitious about pursuing them right as the New Year begins.

There’s plenty of incitement to keep things going this month, and if anything spurs things into action, it’s a tension building aspect structure like we see here. Mars will turn retrograde in March, so this new Moon is a key stepping stone and introduction to a lengthy retrograde process that lies ahead.  

Mercury in Capricorn opposes Jupiter in Cancer on Jan 2nd, heating up a conversion that challenges us to find a compromise between traditional beliefs and our own intuitive and emotional insights. Strike up a dialogue between the inner and outer realms and see what you learn.

The Sun in Capricorn opposes Jupiter in Cancer on Jan 5th, helping to boost confidence and to establish a firm position within the confines of a structure. All this energy concentrated in Capricorn this month gives an extra boost to help us achieve goals, plan for the future and to further take responsibility for our life path.

Mercury sextiles Saturn on Jan 6th. Saturn, the ruler of Capricorn, lends a helping hand to further structure and solidify an evolving and maturing perspective of the world and our place within it. If you’ve been doing your Saturn in Scorpio homework, the depth of insight and understanding of yourself will help you to truly grow and gain wisdom.

Mercury catches up with Venus retrograde on Jan 7th. Venus pulls the mind into a subtle yet powerful vortex which allows us to reevaluate personal values against traditional or cultural values. There may be a lot communication with past relationships or thoughts about unresolved events that played a critical role in growth or development.

Mars in Libra squares Jupiter in Cancer on Jan 8th. This is the first of three squares that will take place this year. Be conscious of a tendency to waste time and energy as this aspect comes to exactitude. Be equally mindful of a tendency to get everyone else to jump on the bandwagon; just because it feels right for you, doesn’t mean others will be as enthusiastic or interested.

Jan 11th brings the culminating point of the Venus retrograde cycle as the Sun conjoins Venus. Today Venus crosses the threshold, slowly transitioning from evening to morning star--as she does so she sextiles Saturn in Scorpio. A period of reevaluation makes way for a critical restructuring of an inner landscape that drastically alters the outer universe.

That distinction between day and night, sunrise and sunset becomes momentarily blurred. The past, present and future meld into a whirlpool of pure being. Connect deeply with inner wisdom and instinctive insights to more authentically converge with what it is you truly love.  Additionally, Mercury enters Aquarius. The collective mind becomes more progressive and forward thinking, lending well to a clearer and sharper focus and perception. Mercury in Aquarius generates a more encompassing worldview, but one that deeply challenges more traditional perceptions.

A culminating full Moon in Cancer occurs on Jan 15th. Trine Saturn in Scorpio, a firm foundation solidifies beneath our feet. We may feel like we’re finally more established and rooted, since the month launched us full force toward some specific destination.

Mercury in Aquarius sextiles Uranus in Aries on Jan 16th--lighting up the neural pathways of genius and ingenuity. Thinking outside the box is almost second nature today, but making an effort to see things differently and to forge a new path will be required. While thinking and perception appears slightly enhanced, there may be a conflict of desires. Venus retrograde squaring Mars in Libra ignites friction within relationships, particularly involving past and unresolved emotional material. There is always tension between the image we want the world to see, and the role our relationships demand that we play out. Trying to please everyone will likely burn you out, so be mindful of where you expend energy.

The Sun joins Mercury as it transitions into Aquarius on Jan 19th. Something new and possibly unusual appears to be floating in the wind. The collective energy is gradually shifting away from structured and secure approaches and leaning more toward cutting edge and innovative strategies.

The collective mental pathways are again activated by Mercury trine Mars on Jan 24th. There is a strong drive to communicate new ideas or solutions to others, an easy flow and exchange of information flows all around. This is an excellent aspect to share unconventional thoughts or concepts with people who may normally resist otherwise.

The energy drastically shifts on Jan 25th as Mercury squares Saturn in Scorpio. Radical and progressive concepts must find practical and useful applications in addition to adding to a deeper understanding of life. Pre-established beliefs and tried and tested methodologies may meet resistance to any new and seemingly unusual thoughts or ideas.

The month ends with the Sun in Aquarius sextile Uranus in Aries on Jan 29th. Clean, sleek and simple solutions are a highlight of this aspect. This also creates an opportunity to easily express an unorthodox aspect of ourselves to the larger community today.

Jan 1: New Moon @ 10 degrees Capricorn 57’

Jan 2: Mercury opposite Jupiter

Jan 5: Sun opposite Jupiter

Jan 6: Mercury sextile Saturn

Jan 7: Mercury conjunct Venus

Jan 8: Mars square Jupiter

Jan 11: Venus sextile Saturn; Sun conjunct Venus; Sun sextile Saturn; Mercury enters Aquarius

Jan 15: Full Moon @ 25 degrees Cancer 58’

Jan 16: Mercury sextile Uranus; Venus square Mars

Jan 17: Mercury sextile Uranus

Jan 19: Sun enters Aquarius

Jan 24: Mercury trine Mars

Jan 25: Mercury square Saturn

Jan 29: Sun sextile Uranus

Step up and Step In: New Moon in Capricorn 2014

A mountain goat overlooks the village of Axams, Austria. The mountain goat is an apt symbol for Capricorn's determined, ambitious nature. Photo By Svickova  via Wikimedia Commons

New Moon @ 10 Capricorn 57'

Jan 1, 2013

6:14 AM Pacific

9:14 AM Eastern

This month’s new Moon just so happens to coincide with the first day of the Gregorian New Year. That’s an interesting coincidence, since our calendar has no connection to anything natural or astrological. The astrology seems to be telling us something important here. It seems to say that 2014 is a critical year, so pay attention.

The new Moon occurs in Capricorn, a cardinal earth sign. Cardinal signs are all about action and initiation. Earth signs help to consolidate, condense and practically actualize intentions, desires or goals. Once Capricorn has fixated on a certain position or ambition, there’s no stopping it.

Thus, the start of the year may give us all a sense of unstoppable determination to actualize our goals or to clarify who we are or what we stand for. If there was ever a year to set resolutions, this would be it. To make an even more impactful statement, this new Moon conjoins Pluto and Mercury, forming a grand cross with Uranus in Aries, Mars in Libra and Jupiter in Cancer. It's also a Supermoon*, a term coined by astrologer Richard Nolle to describe any lunation that occurs at the Moon's perigee, it's closest approach to the Earth.

That’s a whole lot of energy to deal with since the Moon's power is greatly expounded. There’s also a lot to be cautious and mindful about. There is a strong need to publicly define ourselves and to break free of a limiting social role that restricts authentic self-expression. Use this energy consciously and wisely to make a statement, but make sure this statement is a truly authentic representation of who you are.

Also, be mindful of intruding upon the boundaries of those in your life. While it’s important to be true to yourself, be mindful of the bigger picture, and how your actions affect everyone around you—the people you love and care about. Be on the lookout for shortened tempers and people who appear a little on edge; you don't want to be the one to set them off! 

As we enter 2014, there is a clear message that big changes are needed and must take place this year. That's kind of the theme lately, isn't it? Stagnation and procrastination are best left at the door. That worn out persona you've been carrying around is clearly outdated. It’s time to step up and step into an entirely new role. This new Moon can help us all do that, as long as we have a plan and a clear intention.

The powerful tension that accompanies this lunation will naturally bring about resistance from others, specifically people closest and most important to us. But that tension is a powerful catalyst, and it helps us to more clearly define our motives and to get things going.

Mars in Libra squaring this new Moon foreshadows many elements that we are likely to encounter during its lengthy retrograde cycle beginning the first of March. With Mars in Libra, the battleground is relationships and the never ending fight to maintain peace and homeostasis against the chaos of the universe.

Pluto’s conjunction to this lunation gives a sense of immense power, which can boost confidence or appear as a daunting, overwhelming obstacle we must surmount. Mercury’s presence means that communication and an open mind will be our allies as long as we’re conscious of our shadow, lest it usurp us.

Be on the look-out for secret, occult or esoteric information that could drastically shape your outlook on life. There is a strong urge to uncover and communicate something taboo or merely concealed from everyone else; but be careful how you use this information, and don’t let it go to your head (and inflate your ego).

The pull into the future is a strong one, but the past has equal say in the matter. Mars in Libra opposite Uranus in Aries presents the challenge of the moment: finding that ideal balance between independence and mutual cooperation (i.e. conscious co-creation). There are a lot of needs that require acknowledgement and validation—the challenge is to give just the right amount of attention to all of them.

This powerful moment encourages us to dig deeply and express something very real to the world. This is a powerful catalytic lunation that offers plenty of fuel to truly make leaps and bounds. Whatever you decide to do with this energy, remain conscious of the world around you. As you take off full speed, just be mindful that the blazing trail behind you doesn't cause some kind of damage, or that you somehow unintentionally leave everyone else behind in the dust. 

*Supermoons can sometimes stir up anomalous earth changes, i.e. erratic weather patterns, earthquakes, etc. Just something to be mindful of as a possibility. 

Full Moon in Gemini 2013: Listen to the Crumbling Tower

The Tower tarot card from Aliester Crowley's Thoth Tarot deck.

Full Moon @ 25 Gemini 36'
December 17, 2013
1:28 AM Pacific
4:28 AM Eastern

This month’s full moon occurs in the mentally energized sign of Gemini. As if time wasn’t already whizzing by fast enough; a culminating full moon in this cerebrally speedy zodiac sign can further enhance that feeling of intense time acceleration.

On the other end of the spectrum sits the Sun and its close companion Mercury in the sign of Sagittarius. Of special significance is the fact that the Sun additionally sits close to the galactic center—a super massive black hole at the epicenter of our milky-way galaxy.

So, while the illusionary perception of time is emphasized here, there is a space of timelessness opening with this full moon as well. That’s a bit of a contradiction; but imagine buzzing by so fast, quicker and quicker until suddenly, a boiling point is reached and something pops.

And in that instant, there’s a sense of suspended animation while timelessness shrouds consciousness. It’s a beautiful, all-encompassing moment. The Gemini/Sagittarius polarity is all about that delicate balance of rational and irrational, factual and abstract.

Gemini seeks to construct a logical framework of what reality really is. The catch is that it never fully understands it because reality is truly beyond complete comprehension. We fashion theories based on our perceptions of how things actually work. But our theories are always ultimately flawed, because our perceptions are ultimately limited and finite.

So, things aren't ever what they appear to be. Collectively we have accepted theories about how nature works and functions. But one day, those beautifully crafted and carefully constructed ideas will come crumbling down.

Eventually our ideological tower collapses. We’re left with a shocking and jostling revelation. Another layer of the onion has unfolded revealing yet another enticing perception of the truth. And so it just goes on and on.

None of what we think or believe is ever how things actually are. We can greatly humble ourselves by embracing this truth. But each theory, idea or perception is important. It’s part of a seemingly endless evolutionary process [or maybe that’s just how we currently perceive it].

Each layer of the onion activates an awakening and blossoming of new awareness. With each unveiling further fueling our curiosity of what else there could be, what more we can attempt to comprehend? Gemini, in its full and healthy expression, is ever seeking to know and understand while filled with child-like awe and wonder.

Unhealthy Gemini clings to its petty little theories out of fear. A made-up mind is a closed mind. It has shut itself off from the bountiful, flowing revelations and mysteries of the universe.

The galactic core, a black hole, is something really beyond our comprehension.  Looming in opposition to this full Gemini Moon, the galactic core reminds us to continue seeking and exploring the great mysteries of the universe. But, in order to understand the curiosities of life, we must interact with it. Evolution requires active participation and engagement in the here and now.

What is culminating invites us to involve ourselves with it in some intentional and meaningful way.  The vibrant and stimulating energy that is emerging calls on us to engage and experiment unattached to any particular end result or outcome.  

A new awareness and reality waits. Pay attention, because this solar/lunar conjunction is a momentary and fleeting event. Keep your mind and awareness open to signals that you don’t usually perceive. Something revelatory is floating in the wind. You just have to listen.

Reweaving Fate: Venus Retrograde In Capricorn 2013

Venus and the Pleiades star cluster, April 6, 2012. Image copyright Fred Espenak.

Venus Retrograde In Capricorn 2013

Dec 21, 2013- Jan 31, 2014

Shortly after the Sun enters Capricorn on the day of winter solstice (here in the northern portion of the globe), the planet Venus turns retrograde.  You may have noticed her brightness and captivating beauty gracing the night sky just after sunset. She’s hard to miss. Venus is always at her brightest a little over one month before she conjoins the Sun.

One look at her stunning visual brilliance and it’s certainly no surprise the ancients named her in honor of the goddess of beauty and desire.  For those so attuned to the magical and energetic pulsations of the cosmos, one glance at Venus creates a slight tug on your heart chakra.

Venus has a powerful magnetic appeal and resonance. Aside from her obvious visual beauty in the heavens, her cycle around the Sun, from our geocentric perspective, is mind boggling in its precision, perfection and accuracy.

Venus’ synodic cycle forms a near perfect rose shaped pattern. And within this perfectly symmetrical natural formation lies a stunning pentagram--each end formed by her retrograde stations that alternate between five zodiac signs.

[For those visual learners or for the people wondering what the hell a synodic cycle is, check out an article I wrote for the last Venusretrograde in 2012.]

The cycle of Venus moves to a very predictable rhythm and beat, with her retrogrades occurring in approximately the same location (within 2 or 3 degrees) every eight years.  

This knowledge alone explains her archetypal affinity with aesthetic beauty, symmetry, homeostasis and equilibrium. These qualities are embedded and etched into her cyclic structure.

As Venus travels through the great firmament, she weaves a beautifully intricate web that interconnects various timelines. She weaves our fate, so you could say, and when Venus turns retrograde many “fated” encounters begin to emerge from the shadows of time.

The same could be said of a Mars retrograde cycle too (which will begin in March of 2014). New people, or creatures, with a familiar vibe suddenly emerge. Have we met them before? Perhaps from another life—perhaps a long time ago in another dimensional plane of existence, or another planet, maybe.

That sense of familiarity is important, and it’s all that matters. From that point on you know: there’s some important business to settle, some desire to exhaust fully. If not now, then maybe later, maybe next retrograde. If not, we’ll meet again, that is, until we feel complete with this whole crazy trip.

Venus is magnetic and attractive. These connections reemerge because of this attractive force field inherent to the psyche. This whole matrix, this web of Maya, the illusion, it’s enticing. It draws us in; it draws us deeper.

We associate Venus with Libra and Taurus, which reveals some level of deeper understanding. Libra is all about making associations (between people, objects, concepts, creatures and constructs), building bridges, and maintaining balance and homeostasis. When Venus turns retrograde, we must re-connect bridges we may have burned but regretted. We must balance the scales in some way.

We turn our gaze backward; our “karma” attracts some “unfinished business” with a particular association or experience our soul (or maybe ego) felt was incomplete, unresolved or unfulfilled. Something deeply fateful begins or comes to conclusion.

Either way, the pain, the joy, or the indifference is curiously familiar. It’s all happened before. This is a familiar crossroads. There was a lesson we didn’t learn, and now we get a chance to see it.

Taurus is all about the moment—the beauty of the here and now. Taurus also deals with personal values, our sense of self-worth, and what we accumulate that makes us feel valuable. That equates to physical objects, ideas, beliefs, people or places.

When Venus turns retrograde, as with all retrogrades, we must reassess some things. With Venus one keyword is reevaluation. Our value system gets scrutinized, by ourselves or by others. Our relationships reveal shadows and blind-spots we usually push aside to keep the peace or to maintain a veneer of social grace or politeness.

A Venus retrograde can bring about a reevaluation of issues of dependency, self-sufficiency and emotional communication within relationships. Whether her dark side or light side emerges, something shifts, something changes. Values are called into question, as well as the personal sense of feeling valuable, lovable and worthy.

Into The Heart of the Sea Goat

Venus will be doing a sort of tango with Pluto. As she turns stationary retrograde, in Capricorn, she slowly makes her way back to conjoin Pluto and fire up the “sign of the times”, the Uranus and Pluto square.

That’s pretty significant. But probably not worrisome like the upcoming t-square with Mars retrograde in April. I’ll get to that later (in another article). Venus, even when retrograde and revealing her more “unsavory” or shadowy side, has a calming and rejuvenating nature.

Venus is more aesthetically, artistically and peacefully inclined. Coming into contact with the Uranus and Pluto square could set off some truly remarkable and “out of the box” artistic, scientific and philosophical creations.

This retrograde cycle can be incredibly useful because it helps to create or reevaluate strategies to effectively and precisely break free of controlling or stifling circumstances. The seriousness and focus of Capricorn lends well to getting to the bottom line, dealing honestly and authentically with things we don’t usually see, and very efficiently dealing with unresolved and deeply embedded karmic issues.

I would imagine this cycle in Capricorn will direct our attention to tremendously stifling material that’s inhibiting forward growth and the ability to direct one’s own life they want to; or preventing the collective energy from moving forward in more positive creative directions.

Radar image of the surface of Venus. Photo by NASA via Wikimedia Commons.

Venus retrograde in Capricorn is about changing and reevaluating priorities, ambitions and social roles. Use this time to seriously examine all the things you give the most attention, time and energy toward. Look intentionally into the dynamics of your relationships and the people currently in your life.

In addition to her conjunction with Pluto, Venus will oppose Jupiter in Cancer. The past and the future are at odds here. A desire to mature, grow up and restructure our lives finds a strong counter desire to remain in the past, to keep from rocking the boat.

And because the past hits us like a tidal wave of nostalgia via all this retrograde madness (just beginning, mind you), we may feel that sense of paralyzing immobility. But while Venus is retrograde, we must keep in mind that this is a natural time of reflection and reassessment. The ghosts of the past come out to bring us messages and reveal lessons. This is a highly growth oriented cycle.

At the heart of Capricorn is a profound need for solitude and inner validation. Capricorn requires time alone to deeply reflect and rejuvenate its soul. This may be more of a time for intimacy with oneself, to practically restructure personal goals, relationship needs, and inherent values. This may also be a time of sorting through or processing painful emotional material.

With the presence of Pluto in the sign of Capricorn, this is a cycle that deeply emphasizes letting go and allowing those decaying elements to leave our experience. This may be a time to sever connections with rotting attachments we are afraid to let go of.  

With Venus turning backwards, there may be a profound change of heart. There may be a need to face deeply embedded fears and realities that are holding us back. Whatever happens, Capricorn, and its ruler Saturn, teach us about trust. Can we trust the process at hand? Can we trust that letting go will eventually lead to something new and rewarding?

Technical details

The last time that Venus was retrograde in Capricorn was Dec 2005-Feb 2006. You are likely to find yourself dealing with similar themes and issues from that cycle.

All cardinal signs will be the most impacted by this retrograde process: Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn. Significant planets or placements in any these signs, such as the Sun, Moon or Ascendant—and to a lesser extent Mercury, Venus or Mars—will respond most strongly to this particular retrograde.

Venus turns stationary retrograde at 28 degrees of Capricorn and 57 minutes, and will turn stationary direct at 13 degrees of Capricon and 34 minutes, closely conjunct Pluto. The 28 th-29 th degrees of any sign are highly sensitive points. They tend to indicate a critical process of culmination, or events with an explosive quality or symbolism.

Venus entered the shadow of her retrograde on Nov 20, 2013. Venus will turn retrograde on Dec 21, 2013, the day of the solstice transition, when the Sun enters Capricorn. Venus turns direct Jan 31, 2013 and will leave the shadow on March 5, 2013, just after Mars turns retrograde.

The Venus/Sun inferior conjunction takes place on Jan 11, 2014, sextile Saturn in Scorpio. 

Big Plans, Small Steps: New Moon In Sagittarius

The Milky Way from Wellington, New Zealand. Photo by Andrew Xu.

New Moon @ 10 Sagittarius 59'

Dec 2, 2013

4:22 PM Pacific

7:22 PM Eastern

The Sun and Moon conjoin in the sign of Sagittarius--a dark Moon in a bright, expansive sign. The contrast of archetypes is explicit, but natural to any mutable sign. This solar lunar conjunction breaks through the intensity and heaviness of the placid Scorpionic waters that have flooded the collective vibe.

Every new Moon brings about a sense of new beginnings; the emergence of some new process or development takes hold. Sagittarius is a sign that opens consciousness to the infinite and ever expanding cosmos.  It is a sign that reminds us that there is far more to reality than we can possibly comprehend.

What we see with our eyes is a mere fraction of what actually exists. That truth is inspiring but equally frightening. The unknown is much vaster than the mind will allow us to entertain; but feel that sense of infinite potential just within your grasp. It is a powerful feeling; it drives humanity toward ever increasing vistas of achievement and aspiration.

This dark and invisible Moon opens the flood gates to higher consciousness; it directs our gaze to the ever churning stardust that envelopes the solar system. In this dark of the Moon, feel that primal connection to something larger, something omnipotent, that sense that somehow, divinity underwrites the world.

But infinite potential and higher density inspiration must be harnessed and brought down to human levels. Big plans, dreams and goals need practical strategies to make their way into reality. That’s sort of the theme with this new Moon, since it finds itself in the midst of t-square tension between Chiron in Pisces and Pallas Athena in Virgo.

Chiron can direct us toward our life mission, our soul’s purpose. Athena, a warrior goddess, is a mastermind strategist that can clairfy the path ahead. In Virgo, Athena’s strategies hone in on intricate steps and maneuvers, demanding precision. Chiron points to our debilitating wounds and blind spots so that we may strive toward wholeness and completion of our potential destiny.

The tension is strong, but it effectively wakes us up, it gets us thinking, planning, moving. The significance of any new Moon differs for each of us, but use this energy to simply open a dialogue about the bigger picture, the broader path ahead and the priorities that need to be put in place.

Are you going somewhere? Is there a clear intention, ambition or focus? Sagittarius draws our gaze upward and skyward, toward larger questions and meaningful ambitions.

Maybe take some time out with this lunation to reflect on or remember the bigger picture. Use this powerful t-square tension to find the passion or motivation to pursue something, but to make an effective plan toward that pursuit.

If you aren't where you currently feel you ought to be, trust in your ability to change it, to make things different, one step at a time. Are we always where we need to be, or where we choose to be? When things aren't moving, isn't some form of resistance holding things back?

Whether its fear, apprehension, ignorance or pride; we always have a choice to face the truth and step up to the next challenge. What challenge, whether big or small, have you come up against? What must you do to get to the next level? Have faith, and as Sagittarius reminds us, always strive for the higher truth, no matter how daunting the path.

Kosmic Horizon: December 2013

The winter night sky from the Swabian Alb. Photo by Til Credner. Wikimedia commons

As December begins, we approach the second solstice point of the solar cycle. For those in the northern latitudes, that means gradually increasing darkness reaching a nadir as the Sun enters Capricorn halfway through the month.

Whichever portion of the globe you happen to live in, the solstice point can be described as a magical or mystical transition. For me, the winter solstice creates a subtle sense of increased lucidity and even slight, psychedelic awareness.

Modern consumerism has many of us running about mindlessly, increasing the incessant stress-load during the rush of the holiday season. Culturally, we’ve lost our connection to the astro-theological origins of the celebrations and traditions that form the basis of the Christmas traditions.

For the extreme northern lattitudes [where our holiday traditions originated from, such as Siberian shamanic santa claus, aminita mascara mushrooms and reindeer] the Sun completely disappears on winter solstice. From the perspective of ancient peoples, enmeshed in the natural world, the Sun would die for three days. Its rebirth was anticipated on Christmas morning; the Sun would no longer descend, and would continue rising until the summer solstice.

This astronomical event was perceived to mirror an inner transformational process—it was a collective spiritual communion with inner and outer divinity. That doesn’t sound too much like what we celebrate today. Christmas has been subjugated to meaningless gift giving and painful family gatherings. But as we approach this sacred and indeed magical time of year, remember that it all started with the stars [and possibly, well, most likely, psychedelic mushroom trips].

The Resurrection of Santa Claus. Copyright 2004 jimmy b

As much as our attention is drawn externally this season, Capricorn is a sign more inclined toward deep self-reflection and solitude. That need is strongest this time of year, and it is deep within that we discover the magic we’re really looking for.

If you feel more inclined toward soul searching and reflecting on the deeper meaning, you’re simply responding to the collective vibe. Go with it. Pay attention to that deep and subtle transition within yourself this solstice. Both Sagittarius and Capricorn hone in on the bigger picture and perspective.

As the month begins, we’re greeted by a Sagittarius new moon on Dec 2. The Sagittirian directive is about stretching outwardly, physically or mentally, toward unlimited new horizons. Sagittarius is a sign that propels consciousness toward searching for something it has yet to attain or comprehend. Allow this New Moon to pull you out of the intensity and claustrophobia of the Scorpionic realm we’ve been so focused on.

The further amplify the need for more breathing space and expansion of awareness Mercury enters Sagittarius on Dec 4. While both Mercury and the Sun sojourn through Sagittarius, we are reminded that the end of the autumnal season is about opening our soul to the unlimited potential of the universe.

Mars enters Libra on Dec 7, entering the battleground of its retrograde cycle that begins in the spring of 2014. I’ll be publishing a more extensive article on the Mars retrograde cycle in a few weeks—it’s kind of a big deal. Mars will be in Libra for roughly eight months.

Needless to say, we can anticipate relationships to be a significant theme; but also decision making and the maintenance of homeostasis in our personal lives. Mars finds itself in foreign territory while in Libra. Mars wants to act and assert itself, and yet it will be spending a good amount of time in a sign that needs to think things through, while weighing the pros and cons.

As Mars enters Libra pay attention to the subtle themes that begin emerging, because as Mars enters its retrograde shadow, we’ll be covering this material quite extensively come March 2014.

Jupiter makes its third trine with Saturn in Scorpio on Dec 12. There appears to be an easy flow between growth and consolidation throughout these contacts. Take advantage of this time to invest energy or resources into something sustainable—but don’t be too optimistic about it, because the calmness and stability won’t last forever.

The present lunar cycle culminates into a Gemini full Moon on Dec 17. This full Moon may invite us to question certain assumptions we have about reality. An opposition from Mercury in Sagittarius brings awareness to contradictions and potentially shocking revelations that allow us to mentally or intellectually cross new boundaries.

The solstice occurs on Dec 21 as the Sun reaches the topical sign of Capricorn. Just hours later Venus turns stationary retrograde, and begins her backtrack through Capricorn until Jan 31, 2014. This is a powerful karmic portal where “new” connections appear vaguely familiar. This cycle creates a reevaluation of strategies, intentions and goals—an opportunity to go within and to more authentically connect what we project with what we really are.

On Dec 24 Mercury’s transition into Capricorn adds more structure and focus to the mental currents. This creates an opportunity to mentally zero in on more specific areas of concern, beyond the smorgasbord of possibilities during its transit through Sagittarius.

Christmas day, Dec 25, presents some rather tumultuous and potentially hostile transit activity. Both the Moon and Mars make an exact opposition to Uranus, creating a rough T-square with the Sun and Pluto in Capricorn. Any anger or frustration that’s been lingering beneath the surface could potentially explode from specifically targeted emotional triggers.

There’s a collective surge of strong rebellious and freedom seeking tendencies which will violently resist anything that attempts to control or stifle it. Be on the lookout for moodiness that turns into rage. Today is a day for full self-expression and having the courage to break free of blockages in certain relationships or personal routines. Just be mindful of impulses, and keep emotions in check.

Mercury’s sextile to Neptune helps to soften the collective intensity on Dec 26. Useful or practical insights are floating about in the ethers, but require a sustained focus and concentration to invoke successfully. Allow this brief moment to flood the mind with subtle impressions or clairvoyant perceptions that can be used constructively and intentionally.

The intensity picks up again with a Sun/Mercury conjunction square Uranus, creating a more precise t-square with Pluto and Mars on Dec 29. Used constructively, we can verbally communicate intentions in an impactful way that allows us to break free of stifling and limiting patterns.

But on the darkside, communication may be used destructively to dominate others or to attempt to dictate or control situations that appear threatening. Break free of perceptions that limit or control reality to the extent that creativity no longer flows. That may require a confrontation with uncomfortable personal truths, but facing them will lead to lasting maturity and growth.

Dec 2- New Moon @ 10 Sagittarius 59

Dec 4- Mercury enters Sagittarius

Dec 7- Mars enters Libra

Dec 12- Jupiter trine Saturn

Dec 17- Full Moon @ 25 Gemini 36’; Uranus stationary direct

Dec 21- Winter Solstice; Venus stationary retrograde

Dec 24- Mercury enters Capricorn

Dec 25- Mars opposition Uranus; Moon opposition Uranus, conjunct Mars

Dec 26- Mercury sextile Neptune

Dec 29- Sun square Uranus; Mercury square Uranus

Dec 31- Mercury conjunct Pluto 

Bring It Back To The Body: Full Moon in Taurus 2013

Leonardo Da Vinci Trunk of female human body-Quad. Anat. I, fol. 12 r.

Full Moon @ 25 Taurus 26'
November 17, 2013
7:16 AM Pacific
10:16 AM Eastern

As always, the full moon is a boiling point of culmination. It brings something to a head or apotheosis. Occurring in the sign of Taurus, November’s full moon condenses and stabilizes collective energies. There may be the impression that things have settled down into some solid, predictable routine. But the intensity of Scorpio is still seething beneath the surface.

The Sun, Saturn, Mercury and the Moon’s north node lie in the shadows directing us to the bottom line. Not all is as it appears to be. This is further punctuated by a rather wide square from Neptune in Pisces which seems to suggest that looks can be deceiving.

With the Moon’s south node in Taurus, the shadow side of this earthy sign is emphasized. The temptation to “keep the peace” to maintain an illusion of stability is enticing.

Who the hell wants to hang out in those dark trenches with Saturn in Scorpio, anyway? While on the surface all seems calm and serene, something intense is bubbling beneath. There’s some seriously deep territory the evolutionary impetus requires us to tread.

The pressing question that arises is this: can we stay calm, stable, solid and grounded while embracing an uncomfortable or unfathomable truth?

Can you keep your cool while standing on the razor edged precipice above that abysmal black hole? Naturally, a little vertigo sets in. We might feel slightly queasy thinking about it. This is a time to go deep. This full moon juncture, ideally, allows us to integrate psychologically challenging material into our bodies.

Neptune demands that we equally acknowledge the larger spiritual force guiding the whole show. Venus, the ruler of this full moon, is separating from a conjunction with Pluto in Capricorn--placing emphasis on the “sign of the times”, the Uranus and Pluto square.

That brings about some deeply penetrating structural changes within relationships. A lightning bolt jolts the collective out of sexual and creative stagnation. This is a transformational and potentially cathartic passage for sure, as long as we allow it to penetrate.

Clinging to a safe and limiting perspective or routine is an invitation for an unwelcome and possibly painful shock to the system. 

Mercury’s approaching conjunction with the north node of the Moon brings about an equally powerful highlight and message: your perspective of reality may be dull and confining; if you want real change, you need to break out of the mold, challenge yourself intellectually, and hold nothing back.

Mercury’s retrograde cycle allowed us to process and sit with some rather heavy and pressing emotional material the past three weeks. Its direct passage over the Moon’s north node is a green light for us to do something with it, to share it with the world in some way.

Uranus’ quincunx with Merucry creates a radical revision of deeply ingrained worldviews—popping paradigmatic bubbles left and right. And yet, with all this seemingly erratic energy, this Taurean full moon may feel like a saving grace--pulling it all together into something tangible and substantial.

The minor planet Sedna also conjoins this Full Moon. She calls out from the icy depths of the disowned unconscious demanding that we face whatever we've drowned out, or were afraid to deal with consciously. 

With an array of emotions and desires generating crossfire, Taurus reminds us that everything is centered in the physical body. When the intensity becomes too much to handle, remember that your center lies not in your mind or emotional currents, but in a physical vessel your soul temporarily calls home.

We are physical beings with limitations that need to be respected, and needs that require our acknowledgement. As this lunation culminates, we reach a point of integration within the physical vessel. We are reminded of the power of the body, and its own innate intelligence. Let it guide you; listen closely. 

Kosmic Horizon: November 2013

Photo by Chad, Temecula, 2013.

This month begins in the heart of Mercury’s retrograde cycle in Scorpio. To further amplify the perception that reality seems to be turned entirely upside down, a hybrid/total solar eclipse in Scorpio occurs just three days into November. I wrote about this and Mercury retrograde in an article here.

To reiterate: this eclipse conjoins Saturn—a planet that governs real, tangible results which stem directly from our efforts in the world. Saturn is serious, disciplined and focused. It is the archetype of pure structure and consistency. Think of Saturn as a containment vessel, or the framework that supports an entire system.

What Saturn touches needs to be strong; it needs to withstand the chaos inherent to the universe. Scorpio is a water sign; its nature is fluid and ethereal. But it is also a fixed sign. When these archetypes come together, we get a hardening of fluid, like ice, or a condensing of spiritual or psychic forces.

Imagine this: the earth is a solid mass composed of hardened minerals. At some point in our planet’s evolutionary process it was a hot mass of molten rock. It eventually cooled. Today we see great mountains of solid structure and stability. That process of cooling and condensing chaotic and turbulent liquid is sort of an apt analogy for this eclipse.

During a solar eclipse, the Moon passes over the Sun. For a brief period of time, the hidden, unconscious and primal lunar archetype casts a shadow over the visible and conscious awareness. It presents the ego with a crisis. It reveals the absurdity of the illusionary self. In that brief moment of time, things get real.

The effect is even more powerful if you can actually see it. The eclipse is a mysterious, beautiful and ominous event. This one is pretty heavy, but it isn’t an omen of doom and gloom. Of all the planets, Saturn brings us the greatest sense of purpose, accomplishment and strength.

Hopefully, for most of us, we will feel the solidity of this eclipse. We will glimpse deeply into places within ourselves we have forgotten or pushed aside. We will embrace our own darkness and learn to love it the way that it is. Along with Mercury retrograde, we may reconsider some aspect of the world we have been afraid to look at, seeing it in an entirely new and different light.

Saturn is also the archetype of death. As the lord of time, Saturn confronts us with the reality of finite existence. Scorpio also deals with death, decay and unnerving, uncomfortable truths. But death comes in many shapes and forms. In a way, we die each and every day.

There are usually two responses to Saturn. One is that it overwhelms us, and we succumb to depression, futility or hopelessness. The other, we step up to the challenge and let go of the shell we have outgrown. Push through this eclipse, charge your way into the darkness; light will once again return.

If we’re “on track”, doing what we need to do—taking responsibility, allowing ourselves to grow—Saturn reminds us of our hard work and effort, we feel a sense of fulfillment and meaning. If we’ve been slacking off and evading responsibilities, we feel that Saturnian “kick in the ass”. Ideally, the latter response simply gets us back on track without too much drama. However, sometimes, more serious measures are required.

As the month continues on, we gradually find our way out of the eclipse passageway and Mercury’s retrograde cycle, back into calmer waters. The most significant events are compressed at the very beginning of the month. In way, we get a slight reprieve and some time to get back into the normal flow of things.

Due to other projects and responsibilities, this month’s Kosmic Horizon is a bit shorter and simplified than usual--my apologies to those who enjoy these posts.

As the month begins we’re greeted by the fourth square between Uranus and Pluto--the sign of the times on Nov 1. This is a powerful background transit that generates a profound urge to incite social reformation. This kicks the intensity up a notch as we move into the solar eclipse energy field. This is also a pivotal day because Mercury retrograde conjoins the Sun; and both planets sextile Pluto and trine Chiron.

It feels like a new beginning. The Sun and Mercury’s synodic mingling incites a new creative cycle. Whatever we find ourselves reworking now will likely carry on and have significance until the next retrograde. We’re more interested in deeper subject matter that has a transformative impact on perceptual awareness.

Today could be a potentially insightful and meaningful day. Mercury sextile Mars generates an energizing excitement that propels us to probe deeper. The key is to allow yourself to feel insights--analyzing them to death will get you nowhere. Give the mind a break, and try to go at it psychically or intuitively.

Also be on the lookout for Mercury retrograde mishaps (communication breakdowns and technical foibles). While initially annoying, they often point us to highly relevant weak spots. What pops up today may actually be a lot more helpful or useful than usual.

On Nov 3 the solar eclipse in Scorpio creates a sense of transparency of the world around and within us. Perhaps certain aspects of reality are suddenly more visible, obvious or apparent. While the eclipse sextiles Mars, the planet of action, take more time to tune out of the constant barrage of activity and simply pay attention to your own awareness.

Channel any sudden surge of energy into exploring inner and intimate realms. Some of us may feel more inclined toward isolation, while others won’t be able to stand the silence, requiring social distractions. Directing your gaze inwardly will be illuminating and rewarding.

The eclipse energy may feel pretty heavy and intense. It’s certainly not a day for making any serious decisions. If you can, take some time out and just tune in with yourself or get more intimate with a partner.

Venus entering Capricorn on Nov 5 adds another layer of seriousness and focus to the collective backdrop. Practical strategies and intentional action are more in vogue. The collective taste leans more toward simplicity, practicality and minimalism.

The Sun’s exact conjunction with Saturn on Nov 6 allows for an integration of material stirred up by the eclipse over the past few days. As the Sun and Saturn meet today, a razor sharp focus helps to facilitate a deeper penetration of personal issues. The conjunction is also supportive of self-discipline and an ability to pursue goals or ambitions.

Mercury will make a unique double trine to Neptune Nov 9 through Nov 11. As Mercury retrograde slows to stationary, it trines Neptune first on Nov 9, and then makes another contact after it turns direct, exact on Nov 11. This creates an interesting and unusual double take. That flash of inspiration or vision may not be so as fleeting as usual.

These three days may bring about a powerful opening within the mind. Vast spiritual insights come pouring in, changing perceptions and assumptions about how reality really works. Mercury trine Neptune gives us several days to verbally articulate elusive concepts and personal dreams. You might be surprised by what comes out of your mouth, and how deeply and profoundly it comes across.

Venus forms a t-square with Uranus and Pluto, entering the tumultuous cardinal zone Nov 14 through 15. This has tremendous collective impact. Venus seeks peace, diplomacy and aesthetic expression. This configuration could trigger artistic inspiration that motivates and encourages radical social change.

It equally brings up issues within relationships, and asks if we’re ready to make some critical changes and compromises. If conflicts arise, Venus in Capricorn suggests that going inward and taking some time out to reflect in isolation will help bring about a clear intention of what needs to be done.

Venus conjunct Pluto brings out all those blind spots we’d rather just push aside. Taking responsibility for the shadows in your relationships will help you to transcend the blame game and truly grow past stagnation. Power tripping or an attempt to dictate everyone else’s life will likely backfire instantly.

The Full Moon in Taurus on Nov 17 effectively breaks up the energy of the past few weeks. It brings about a grounding sense of stability. With so much acceleration of energy from the eclipses and the Uranus/Pluto square, this Full Moon allows us to take stock, slow down and come back to Earth.

The Sun enters Sagittarius on Nov 21. In a way, this helps to lighten up the intensity of the past few weeks. The Sun’s journey through Sagittarius can stir up collective enthusiasm and a pursuit of truth. However, the truth may be a bit elusive as the Sun squares Neptune on Nov 24.

Reality may not match ideals or carefully laid out philosophies. Before jumping on the bandwagon or enthusiastically espousing a convincing revelation, you may want to take some time out to ponder all the possibilities and the veracity of supposed truths.

Mercury makes its third conjunction with Saturn in Scorpio on Nov 25. Serious and deep conversations may be ubiquitous. Psychic communication can be directed to acquire incredibly useful insights. Projects that have been on hold or delayed may begin to finally come together and solidify.

November’s final significant event occurs on Nov 28 with Venus opposite Jupiter. Venus and Jupiter usually get along quite well—but sometimes a little too well. Coinciding with Thanksgiving in the United States (a holiday where we celebrate the mass slaughter of Native Americans and the confiscation of their land by eating a lot of Turkey and tubers), I would imagine this aspect may result in over the top self-indulgence.

For everyone else not stuffing their face on this day, Venus opposite Jupiter is all about moderation. It can go either way. A desire to stick to necessities and essentials may be at odds with the desire to find happiness, however fleeting, by any means possible.

Uncertainty about what’s really wanted can likely send us chasing tails and going in circles trying to figure it out.  If you stick to the middle road, without going to any particular extreme, things should work out more favorably.

 Nov 1: Uranus square Pluto; Mercury sextile Mars; Mercury conjunct Sun sextile Pluto trine Chiron

Nov 3: Solar Eclipse @ 11 Scorpio 16’; Sun sextile Mars

Nov 5: Venus enters Capricorn

Nov 6: Sun conjunct Saturn; Jupiter stationary retrograde

Nov 7: Venus sextile Neptune

Nov 8: Mercury sextile Venus

Nov 9: Mars sextile Saturn; Mercury trine Neptune

Nov 10: Mercury stationary direct

Nov 11: Mercury trine Neptune direct

Nov 12: Sun trine Jupiter

Nov 13: Neptune stationary direct

Nov 14: Venus square Uranus

Nov 15: Venus conjunct Pluto

Nov 17: Full Moon @ 25 Taurus 26’

Nov 19: Mars sextile Jupiter

Nov 20: Mercury sextile Pluto

Nov 21: Sun enters Sagittarius

Nov 23: Venus sextile Saturn

Nov 24: Sun square Neptune

Nov 25: Mercury conjunct Saturn

Nov 27: Mercury sextile Venus

Nov 28: Venus opposition Jupiter

Nov 30: Sun trine Uranus

Crossing the Threshold: Lunar Eclipse in Aries

Photo by Chad Woodward, 2010, Murrieta, Ca.

Penumbral Lunar Eclipse @ 25 Aries 45'

October 18, 2013

4:38 PM Pacific

1:38 PM Eastern

October’s full Moon is a lunar eclipse in the sign of Aries. As this powerful lunation approaches, we may notice a slight shift in our awareness of the world around and within us. Things are a- changing, fast. As we enter the final eclipse season for 2013, we have little time for adjustment. This lunation appears to hit us like a ton of bricks! Aries is a dynamic sign.

While this eclipse certainly grabs our attention, there may be a sense of ambivalence and uncertainty permeating the atmosphere. Mars, the ruler of Aries, approaches an exact opposition to Neptune the following day. Shifty Neptune tends to cloud, distort and confuse the assertive forward momentum that Mars usually exerts so decisively. It may be hard to pin down a specific target or goal; and the ultimate directive may appear to avert our grasp.

And yet, welling up inside of us is this urge to break off into a new, unexplored frontier. So, where are we going exactly? It appears that the destination is, for the most part, unknown. If you can let go of a need to have it figured out, make it happen or take control, you will likely find yourself guided by some “higher” omnipotent force.  Trust and surrender are two keywords we should get well acquainted with. Look around for signs and clues; synchronicity may be louder than usual.

But don’t just blindly follow everything that appears to be divine guidance. Reflect on the meaning of the messages deeply; they can be interpreted from a variety of perspectives. Be wary of any impetus that urges you to charge forward with a sense of invincible, divine mission. The key is to let change happen as opposed to trying to force it to.

Blindly rushing into a battlefield is not a wise tactic. You need to know what you’re actually getting into. This eclipse will bring about an acceleration of changing circumstances. How well we handle them is entirely dependent on our ability to be receptive, observant and conscious.

Jupiter in Cancer makes a dynamic square to the full Moon axis. Jupiter is slowing down as it approaches stationary retrograde on November 6. Jupiter retrograde is a time to go back and nurture what is growing and expanding in our lives. This square challenges us to integrate something that culminated in the past, to bring it into the present moment.

This too can spur one into action. Jupiter can inflate egos with overconfidence, excessive enthusiasm and mindless optimism. If we aren't mindful of what we’re doing now, we could end up facing several setbacks and obstacles once Mercury turns retrograde. But with the warnings aside, here’s the deal: something must change, but that is ultimately an internalized process.

This lunar eclipse brings about a powerful shift of focus, priorities and sense of direction. It serves to wake us up, and get things back on track, even when we may feel unclear about where that track is leading. If you have found yourself drifting, wandering and uncertain about what you need to pursue, this is a critical turning point to take advantage of. Ultimately, Jupiter assists us to grow deep roots and expand into something that will require great stability.

To effectively step up to the challenge requires letting go of whatever is holding things back. The Mars/Neptune opposition is also a challenge to gain clarity, awareness and an expanded consciousness. So, do what you need to do now, but know that we walk a fine line right now. Reality is much harder to pin down and make sense of.

Things that were once solid and dependable are dissolving and dissipating. Paths and directions we once charged toward are suddenly irrelevant, ambiguous or lack meaning. Be honest with yourself and what you’re actually capable of—avoid blowing anything out of proportion or exaggerating things just to make a point or to get attention.

The trickster is afoot. The lunar eclipse roughly conjoins Eris, the planet that upstaged Pluto. Eris has a powerful warrior like quality, but it also carries the archetype of the trickster. And what does that mean exactly? It means that whenever Eris is prominent we are crossing a threshold; we are entering into a new reality. However, the trickster tends to incite chaos and make a mess of things, but it does so for a very specific reason: to create new forms, to change the way things work.

Nothing is safe from the trickster’s grasp, because the trickster is a boundary crosser; it blurs the lines between black and white, up and down, left and right. It confuses distinctions. This is just another warning to remain open and flexible to change. If something falls apart, there is a specific reason for it. The less attachment, the easier it is to let go and embrace the new.

Something powerful and strong is culminating with a lunar eclipse. In Aries, its influence is about taking center stage and refocusing our priorities. If things turn in unexpected directions, let it happen and accept that it’s all for the greater good. Anger, frustration and impatience will be common side effects. If you should succumb to such feelings, take a time out and center yourself.

Cross this threshold with confidence and consciousness. The uncertainty keeps us humble. Boldly step up to the challenges ahead, and no matter what, just keep going. Push through it. This first eclipse portal is a strong one, but don’t let it fool you into taking things too seriously, or giving up entirely, overcome with futility. There is a powerful process at work deep within each one of us, and great changes are taking place. Move with it, flow with it, and simply go along with the process. We will move into new lands eventually. 

How Deep Is That Rabbit Hole?: Mercury Retrograde and the Solar Eclipse In Scorpio

Mercury Retrograde In Scorpio: October 21—Nov 10, 2013

Hybrid Solar Eclipse In Scorpio: November 3, 2013

Mercury entered Scorpio on Sept 29^th, where it will stay until Dec 4^th due to its final retrograde cycle of the year. That’s nine weeks in Scorpio. With a Solar Eclipse on Nov 3^rd (conjunct Saturn) in the sign of Scorpio; we get a heavy dose of depth, intensity and transformation this fall. Back in April of this year, a lunar eclipse conjoined Saturn in Scorpio; so we’re already familiar with this terrain. The difference is that Mercury’s retrograde cycle will occur alongside this weighty hybrid solar eclipse of the Sun.

A solar eclipse begins a powerful process of change and brings about an overwhelming sense of renewal. And in this case, occurring in Scorpio, that meaning is amplified. Scorpio is the sign of the zodiac that completely embodies the word transformation and all that we associate with it.

Letting go, releasing, dying, emptying, shedding, and rising from the ashes—these are all keywords inherent to Scorpio and its modern planetary ruler Pluto. And these qualities often accompany an eclipse of all kinds, because eclipses signify moments of deep inner personal change and transmutation. During eclipse season the personal self becomes porous and translucent. Our identity is a bit like putty; we have an opportunity to change or shape it into alternate forms. These are also moments of tremendous growth, but only if we so choose. They can just as well pass with the current they arrived upon—to become like a faint memory of some uncertain or seemingly precarious moment.

With the exception of this year when we experienced three eclipses this past spring, eclipses generally occur in pairs twice a year. Not too rare, but their interest lies in the peculiar ambience they generate and the impactful force of their presence within our own psyche.

During eclipse season, we may find ourselves more uncertain of who we are, and most of all, where we’re going. Eclipses are opportunities to adjust our course ahead; we get a chance to significantly alter the timeline we currently travel. That’s exciting and equally terrifying. The eclipse has the power to reveal just how much of an impact our choices and decisions have on our lives. It is a portal of transformation, and whether we participate or not, we come out the other end a slightly different person. With Scorpio, we can double the significance of that statement.

Saturn’s involvement brings a sense of seriousness and challenge. And Scorpio, as a fixed sign, suggests that this is likely to be a highly demanding eclipse passageway. The only way to work with it is to do your homework and show up on time. This is no time for slacking off, putting things aside, evading responsibilities, or sweeping unsettling realities under the rug. Mercury retrograde reveals that this is a time for making critical adjustments within very deep chambers. Failing to do so could be detrimental, and I’m tempted to say, that in specific cases, even life threatening.

So Mercury’s retrograde cycle in Scorpio, alongside this rather intense solar eclipse, seems to ask the question: How deep does that rabbit hole really go? This has tremendous personal and collective meaning. Just how deep? Well, ultimately, we may never know completely. The true workings of the universe are shrouded in secrecy, and possibly for good reason from an evolutionary standpoint. Most of the time, we’re quite contented with superficial explanations; they get us through the day; they keep us sane and productive.

Other times, like we’re experiencing now, we’re likely to have a little more curiosity than usual. But as the saying goes: curiosity killed the cat. Consider it a warning. There are secrets that humankind was never meant to know. Secrets that could destroy the feebler minded. Unless you’re well equipped with strong planets in Scorpio or the eighth house; be careful where you tread, and how deep you go down that abysmal rabbit hole—and actually, even if you meet the above criteria, be careful anyway; it might actually get you into even more trouble!

However, if you approach this passage with maturity, discipline and focus—you will reap the valuable rewards and revealing insights it offers-- all in due (and lengthy) time (it is Saturn we’re dealing with here). A critical and sharp focus and an eye for miniscule details will be required. This retrograde cycle brings about a hyperaware state of consciousness, maybe a little paranoia, and an introspective gaze and focus. Saturn’s involvement lends well to a process of reflection and a bout of solitary confinement. So, unlike many retrograde cycles, this one isn’t much of a break or vacation; there’s important work do be done.

The sign of Scorpio symbolizes our raw and primal instinctual urges. They keep us alive in more ways than one. When we encounter danger, it is the Scorpionic influx that gives us that “funny feeling” that something isn’t right; that feeling like, “maybe I shouldn’t turn down this street”, or “I just don’t feel right about this”. Mars, the traditional ruler of Scorpio, infuses Scorpio with an inherent fight-or- flight reaction, even a sense of premonition.

Scorpio also symbolizes that instinctual drive that contributes to the boon of overpopulation. All of us who made our way past puberty are well familiar with its seductive allure. There’s no denying its power and influence, with its arsenal of hormones and chemical release. Healthy and balanced sexual expression is a potent psychic force. Unfortunately, modern western culture completely distorts it in grotesque and dysfunctional ways. And also, while Saturn is moving through Scorpio, it can stagnate and gum up the wheels of our sexual instincts and desires.

Perhaps this a time to refocus and recharge our sexual energy-- which, by the way, it isn’t solely reserved for sex or an orgasm. Sexual energy is a current of personal power, creativity and magnetic attraction. And like all energy, it can be wasted if it isn’t employed wisely or strategically. We use it in our everyday interactions, whether we’re conscious of it or not.

It’s a magnetic force that attracts us to other people. It brings us together. It’s the reason we’re drawn to a certain person without knowing why, even when that certain person isn’t necessarily sexually attractive to us. And when we band together with like souls, with a shared creative interest, goal or desire—magic happens and amazing things result.

At the heart of Scorpio is its relation to the osmosis of souls. In the realm of Scorpio we become something more than we currently are; we fuse with an external symbol. But that in itself is some risky business, because naturally, we risk losing ourselves. There are times when this is completely appropriate, but in all cases, it requires a strong sense of self and a hefty amount of discipline and solid boundaries. Be mindful of this.

As usual, Mercury retrograde warns us of making permanent commitments, and if we must, it is highly suggested that we deeply reflect on the matter and look at it from a multitude of perspectives. This retrograde cycle suggests the notion of resurrecting critical elements from the past, building off of previous foundations, and looking for missing or hidden essential pieces to the puzzle we’re working on.

With the eclipse, this is a potent retrograde cycle. Powerful emotional or psychological breakthroughs are possible, especially for those of us with significant natal placements in the sign of Scorpio. Deep inner personal insights are floating around like CO2, so don’t resist the inner work these two events are pulling up for us. Embrace it and shine your light into those places you usually avoid like the plague.

Oh The Horrors….

Yes, Scorpio is a “dark” sign. It gets a bad rap for that. But that’s just because Scorpio and its 8^th house associate deal with some of the most sensitive and taboo of subject matter. Ultimately, our repulsive reaction to Scorpio has more to do with cultural conditioning than anything else. Sex, death, collective power, early childhood trauma, inner psychological terrain and so forth; they’re all elements our society suppresses or significantly distorts.

There’s a multitude of distractions to keep us from thinking about it all. The more time we spend on the surface, the more productive we are and the more we contribute to the current industrialized civilization. “Keep calm and carry on”…right?

Well this certainly isn’t a time for ignoring what lies in the deep. Willingly and consciously make your way down that rabbit hole. It beckons. Scorpionic material is generally uncomfortable to the ego. It points us toward that one undeniable truth: eventually, you’re going to die. You are impermanent. It’s unsettling indeed; nobody really wants to think about it. Even the most dark and macabre of souls, when it gets right down to it, will have some resistance to their own death. It’s natural.

In a society that glorifies youth and outer achievement--the inner world, the sensitive zones of life experience, goes on quite neglected. As a result, it takes on more ominous forms within cultural expression. At certain moments, when we least expect it, something explodes, there’s a collective catharsis. The external world is merely a reflection of the inner world. What happens out there is inside of us, a part of us; it is us.

That means that in order to heal, grow, and evolve toward our collective potential, we must embrace the horrors. We need to look them straight in the eye and process their realities and truths as we see them for what they truly are. This retrograde cycle and Scorpionic/Saturnian solar eclipse also urge us to step up and take responsibility for the horrors of the world. Instead of running away, or pointing the figure at everything except yourself, really step into it and see your part in creating it.

It is you and you are it. The segregation is an illusion. With that said, we may encounter some material that makes us uncomfortable, perhaps a little squirmish. But if it shows up in your awareness; there’s a reason for it, and it’s important that you look at it. It will help you mature and grow.

The Mind Hath No Substance

We all agree that Mercury is a symbol of the mind, the vehicle of ego consciousness. It’s the hardware that runs the software of the personal self. The mind is a network of pathways within the body, not particularly the brain. It is the intelligence within the nervous system. Without Mercury, and without a mind, we would have little success navigating the “real world”. But too much attachment to the mind, and we end up missing a whole heck of a lot.

The mind doesn’t like paradox. In fact, its sole purpose is the reconciliation of dichotomy. That’s how we make sense of the world. Mercury seeks to assimilate disparate pieces to make an intelligible pattern or formation. Without Mercury, what would we see? Without a mind, what would the world look like? Well, there are a few chemical substances that could quickly answer those questions, but there are also a few cosmic events which can momentarily provide us a glimpse beyond the veil.

The truth is that the universe around us is utter chaos. Order, symmetry and structure are created by conscious beings. What we see around us was created by focused awareness and attention. 

Does that mean that you’re “creating reality”? Well, not exactly. You aren’t that omnipotent. But yes, you’re definitely directing the scenes and arranging the scenery around you. Every choice you make alters what you experience in every moment. You’re thoughts play a crucial role in what comes into your life.

Your level of awareness and your beliefs about life severely affect what unfolds. The mind, in reality, has no substance. It’s a software program, and so is our identity. It can be readily deleted. But behind the software, there’s a ghost in the machine. We refer to this as the soul. Whatever you call it, we all know deep down that there’s something else inside of us, something behind the façade of the personal self.

That something else is what you really are. No matter what, it cannot be destroyed. Perhaps then, the soul is the only real thing that exists at all. And ironically, it is the most mysterious and intangible of concepts humanity has ever entertained. When you die, something lives on. That something isn’t necessarily who you think you are. It’s only your essence and your awareness.

My point here is to illustrate this image for you because it will play a critical role in this upcoming passage. Understanding it will allow you to benefit most deeply from the insights it offers.  When Mercury turns retrograde, the mind reconfigures itself. During eclipses, we enter a mild psychedelic state of awareness; we see the mechanizations of consciousness more clearly than usual, and we step outside the illusion of the personal self.

Pay more attention to yourself and to the people around you. This is a time to more authentically peer beyond the masks we wear in our daily interactions. It is within this altered state that we can actually make structural changes to the ego. We can let go of what no longer works, and we can release our attachment and enmeshment more than at any other time. Take advantage of this, because once eclipse season passes, it all comes rushing back in, as we attempt to further tighten that illusionary barrier.

Side effects may include:

Mercury retrograde is notorious for all sorts of technical mishaps, setbacks and annoyances--although, that’s not always the case. Mercury is a trickster. The trickster has the ability to work between realms, densities and realities. The trickster’s intention is to break down structures so that new forms can emerge. It’s a noble mission indeed. Reality would become rather sterile and banal if it weren’t for the trickster’s deeds.

When Mercury retrograde strikes, it initially appears as an inconvenience. But its lesson is always the same. Stop, pause, reflect and slow down. Notice the wind, look at the trees, and see the geometry in your lover’s eyes. What do you see now? How does it appear differently than it did before? What can you create from it? How can you do things differently? Take a few steps back, and really take a good hard look.

Mercury retrograde is not conducive for active forward movement; it’s a time for reflection and for making adjustments where needed. Usually, the more we push the more resistance we encounter. We may make adjustments to things that are solely tangible and mechanical, or we may adjust the way we see the world around us. Always, with each retrograde, we’re offered an alternate perspective, and it would be wise to consider it deeply.

Often, a specific outlook needs to change. We attract people or situations which seek to bring our attention to this need. Let go of the old and make way for the new—it will make you a more complete being. Take stock, double check, and reiterate everything you communicate. This is a time to be clear and direct in your dealings, because all sorts of blind spots and loose ends frequently emerge.

If you’ve been delaying or putting aside something, a Mercury retrograde cycle often serves as an opportunity to deal with it—sort of like a second chance. Often this comes together without much planning or foresight, it seems to be a natural consequence of Mercury retrograde. People and situations from the past may come back into your reality, to surprise or haunt you.

So don’t panic, worry or freak out. Even though this happens to be a pretty significant and heavy cycle—considering the involvement of Saturn and a Solar Eclipse—it could serve as a rather productive and insightful period of time.

But, also keep in mind the fact that we’re entering into a sensitive and deeply personal process. There may be some very significant insights and revelations about your own nature—a perspective about yourself that you didn’t see before. This can only come about by paying very close attention and observing yourself from an objective perspective.

Naturally, those of us who would rather stay on the surface and maintain the status quo are likely to have a far more difficult time with this. Uncomfortable truths are never digested easily. But, if you’re aware and well prepared for some challenging, yet deeply rewarding work, it won’t be such a shock when it arrives. 

Shake It Up: New Moon In Libra 2013

Photo by Chad Woodward, Palm Desert, Ca, 2011.

New Moon @ 11 Libra 56'

October 4, 2013

5:34 PM Pacific 

2:34 PM Eastern

This month’s New Moon occurs in Libra, the sign of balance and equilibrium. Libra contains the potential for equanimity—composure and poise amidst the chaos of the universe. It is a unifying sign. Venus, the ruler of Libra, governs our relationship needs and desires as well as our need for peace, healing and rejuvenation. The antithesis of Aries, the cosmic big bang, Libra brings a unifying sense of order, meaning and clarity to disparate elements.

It truly is a work of art to find cohesion within the complexity of individual identities (egos). Such an art can only be mastered through patience and inner peace. So what happens when a Libra New Moon occurs within the current battle field rendered by the Uranus and Pluto square? I would say a critical test and challenge to see whether we have truly mastered this Libran art form.

October’s New Moon sits in a rather precarious t-square with Uranus and Pluto, the current sign of the times. The Uranus and Pluto waxing square is a critical stage of the new Uranus/Pluto cycle which began in the late 1960’s. I’m sure you’ve heard of it. Its cycle appears to bring about a radical reformation of society and culture worldwide. Often its expression is violent and chaotic as it stirs up considerable social unrest and upheaval.

Due to the New Moon’s placement in Libra, it sits in direct opposition to Uranus and square to Pluto. Uranus resonates with the Promethean archetype, giving it a trickster like quality, defiant toward the Gods. Pluto embodies primordial wisdom and power, but also governs a process of entropy, of breakdown and decay. When these two get together, especially in conflict, ubiquitous change is demanded by the cosmos.

So, needless to say, this lunation brings an overwhelming impetus for change, an urge to break free, and a desire to move beyond stagnating environments. There is a catalyzing thrust alongside this New Moon which can be harnessed and directed in our personal lives. We can each ride this wave to free ourselves of oppressive circumstances. But, the challenge arises due to the fact that we must take in to consideration those we are in relationship to. We are guided to see the powerful change created when we band together in cooperation.

Venus, the ruler of the New Moon, is separating from a square aspect with Mars. Venus in Scorpio seeks to find peace and acceptance with uncomfortable realities. Mars in Leo wants to take charge, dominate, and lead the way. Venus is more inclined toward other viewpoints and perspectives, merging on a deeper level. Mars in Leo seeks to defend its territory and express its individual needs and desires directly. This reveals another undercurrent of friction contained in this New Moon—between assertion and receptivity.

We are guided to see that in order for us to truly break free, to change something; we need help to do it. On the flip side, if we’ve been too dependent in certain relationships, we may feel an urge to gain more independence, but to do so in a way that doesn’t necessarily burn bridges or sever connections in the process. It’s a tricky balancing act indeed. Pluto demands that transformation and evolutionary growth be our top priorities.

Libra also teaches about reciprocity, the sacred art of giving and receiving. The square between Venus and Mars ignites the potential for a breakthrough in our ability to share ourselves with others. Whichever end of the spectrum you fall (giving too much or not enough), there is a tipping of the scales taking place this lunar cycle, which invites us to see our relationships from a renewed perspective, and to bring more balance and equanimity into the picture.

This might also require deep and meaningful communication. Mercury’s approach to a conjunction with the North Node and Saturn opens the way for authentic conversations—where speaking the truth is about being vulnerable and learning to trust. It’s also about taking responsibility for our feelings by letting those we are most intimate with share in our own personal process. A sextile to Pluto means that through honesty and clarity we can break up outmoded routines and structures within our relations, if only momentarily.

The dark side of the New Moon creates an inflexible mental rigidity which socially isolates us and leads to depression, hopelessness and futility. An inability to see other viewpoints or perspectives limits our choices and decisions. Confronted with potentially difficult or harsh truths or realities could leave a lasting imprint, paralyzing us in fear or paranoia. On the other end, there’s the risk of losing our own vision or purpose by a more powerful collective goal—getting swept away.

The higher road leads us to move beyond personal needs and desires and to find that happy balance between giving and receiving love, without losing our own sense of self. Perhaps we glimpse a collective vision or ideal which creates a new perspective or solidifies a collective mission. We are entering a portal that invites us to channel our own personal power into the larger purpose or collective goal, but to do so without losing sight of our own goals.

There is much tension building up here, and there is much need for release. Whatever you’ve been holding back, suppressing or putting aside needs to be dealt with in some way. That might not require some drastic action or maneuver, but simply acknowledgment, awareness and honest communication. This New Moon culminates into an Aries Lunar Eclipse on October 18. As we approach this lucid and revealing time, look around and strengthen the support system around you.

That might mean rekindling connections or sharing your time or energy with people you’ve been neglecting. Whatever you do, intentionally shake something up in your relationships. Bring new life and fresh air where it’s most needed. The more we try to just keep the peace, the more likely something will force us out of our relational rut. There is far more happening than your own self-interest and concerns; and Libra’s perspective helps us to briefly put ourselves in someone else’s position, which can drastically alter our own.

Upcoming Events:

Oct 18: Lunar Eclipse in Aries

Oct 21-Nov 10: Mercury Retrograde In Scorpio

Nov 4: Solar Eclipse in Scorpio

Nov 6: Jupiter Stationary Retrograde