Category: Current Astrology

Mars Conjunct The South Node: Recapitulation

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Recapitulation: (n) From a metaphysical perspective, the act of reclaiming one’s energy from the past.

Something interesting has been going on since about late May – collectively, it’s like we’re all being asked to confront memories and events from the past (either in this life or perhaps even past lifetimes) to reclaim lost energy. This may occur via current situations/interactions that serve as a memory trigger, or perhaps replaying/revisiting something that elicited a strong emotional reaction within us, and/or it’s also possible some of this past material we’re tackling may be surfacing in our subconscious through dreams. Whatever the case, it’s as if a portal to long ago has opened so we can face and release any “unfinished business”.  We’re in the process of reclaiming our power from the Past, and whether it’s a memory from our own history or our soul’s history there is the sense that we’re freeing stuck emotional energy that has been trapped in some bygone era.

Sometimes strong emotional experiences leave an imprint upon the psyche or soul and the resulting residue left behind either 1) gets us nowhere or 2) actively prevents us from moving forward in life.  It’s as if a vital part of our energy has  been “stolen” from us in a sense, and going back to confront and release those scenarios, interactions, actions, and – in some cases – inactions that left us feeling diminished, weak, or powerless can have a positive impact at this time. There are a variety of techniques one can use to accomplish this; from mundane to spiritual – it’s not so much about the specific method we’re using to achieve these ends, but our willingness to actively engage with the process.

It can be as simple as allowing a memory to transport us back to a place or time and reviewing/addressing deeper feelings that may be unconsciously influencing our Present.  If we permit ourselves to temporarily re-live that event or feeling, we can in fact alter the Past; say by consciously affirming how we’re handling things differently in the current moment or asserting how we’ll do things differently moving forward.

It might also look like this: Perhaps we’re engaged in a (contentious?) process of hashing  something out with another party and something about that dynamic seems somehow vaguely familiar.  Conflict seems to stir up all kinds of weird stuff now, and perhaps this is our prompt to review something that happened to us “way back when” that is actually impacting the Now.

We don’t have to necessarily have a past life regression done (though that’s certainly an option at this time!); we can also sit in meditation and see what comes up for us, pay attention to our dreamscape for clues as to what our subconscious might want addressed, or do some shamanic Journeying either on our own or with the assistance of a trusted and reputable shamanic healer. These types of techniques may be most helpful in situations where something happened to us very young (Think: baby/toddler), where we may have packed an experience away because the emotional impact was so violent that we didn’t *want* to remember it, or when it’s something we have no conscious recall of because it didn’t happen to us in *this* incarnation; rather a past one.

Whatever the case may be, do be particularly aware of any themes that surfaced circa late May and then subsequently culminated around June 7th/8th when Mars made its first exact contact to the South Node.  The story is far from over; the other dates we want to pay very close attention to are July 20th when a retrograde Mars revisits this old stomping ground and then Sept 25th/26th when the Red Planet makes final contact with the South Node.  During the next couple of months, no matter what is brought up we must remember that our Past does not have to be our Now/Future; we can *be* and *do* differently!  There’s definitely an element of “behavior modification” inherent in this astrological alignment; it’s all about how to make our actions less directly informed by habits of/ingrained patterns from the past so we can break free rather than allow them to derail us from our destiny.

07/05/2018

Mars Stationary Retrograde Vibe

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Foreigner’s “Urgent”: For those days (like today) when everything seems to be a federal f***ing emergency 😡

Happy? Mars Retrograde, ya’ll – don’t make any rash moves, allow cooler heads to prevail, and diligently monitor any feelings of impatience, irritation, anger, or frustration.  We’ve got 2 months of this vibe to ride out, but this energy is strongest for about a week surrounding the days this planet stations; that would be now and then again around August 27th.

06/25/2018

Pulling Into The (Neptune) Station

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With Neptune pausing to halt and shift into retrograde gear today, its vibes are ultra strong in the cosmos at the moment!  Pay attention to messages in your dreams, during restful states like meditation, savasana, or prayer, and listen to that “still small voice” welling up from Within or even whispering in your ear right now.  Weird and wonderful things can happen when Neptune is stationing, and especially with it currently supported by Mercury and Jupiter the messages from Spirit are apt to be big and loud.

For example on the way home from my run this morning, I petitioned my Guides aloud to please send me a feather – as I returned home not 10 minutes later, what do think I noticed had conspicuously materialized on my lawn somehow, LOL? A hawk feather! Not only did my Guides deliver, but they delivered in a huge way; somebody was definitely listening! The veil between mundane and non-ordinary reality is gossamer thin at this time; the invisible membrane separating our world from the spiritual world is indeed ultra-permeable.  Keeping lucid and clear-headed while consciously opening up lines of communication to Divinity through methods like prayer, Journeying, meditation, or even divination pays off big time now.

I mention clear-headed quite deliberately because Neptune is such an exquisitely sensitive vibration that it’s easy to miss its subtle intimations if/when we’re in an artificially altered state of consciousness, and so much valuable guidance can be lost this way!  Besides, with this planet stationing adverse effects from substances of all stripes – ranging from allergic reactions to problems with anesthesia – are more likely to occur.  Those in naturally altered states – say, those with narcolepsy or Alzheimer’s, for example – may find this energy can indicate experiences with lucid dreaming or even a lessening of dementia symptoms.  When Neptune turns retrograde, it’s like the fog temporarily parts and we can see more clearly with our 3rd eye.  And speaking of lucid dreaming: If we’re tempted to experiment with this using the aid of natural sleep aids/enhancers like herbs or supplements, just go easy!  Echoing the aforementioned theme of increased sensitivity as we reach the Neptune station, this is understandably not something we would want to overdo because they’re apt to be more potent than usual.

One other facet of Neptune turning retrograde is that it often tends to unveil some kind of illusion we’ve been living under; whether that’s some kind of outright deception surfacing or just a skewed perception we’ve had about something/someone.  Our Guides are trying to help us see beyond the veil created by the effects of smoke and mirrors, ruses, lies, and fantasy now, so be sure to thank them for their tireless service to our Highest Good if this happens. Perhaps you’ll even find some feathers, too, as evidence of this; supposedly a tangible sign that angels are indeed watching over us. 👼🕊

06/18/2018

Pulling Into The (Mars) Station

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We have less than two weeks to go now until Mars stations (AKA pauses and turns) retrograde!  Mars stationary retrograde in Aquarius is like an itch you can’t quite scratch that’s driving you, well, crazy. Things chafe at us now but there’s no immediate relief in sight.  Speaking of immediate relief: Sexually frustrated? Fuhgettaboutit! It’s like our motors are all revved up but we’re not going anywhere; at least not in a hurry!  Mars is super carnal energy – on a symbolic level it’s both the libido of what turns us on and the orgasm of what gets us off.  In Aquarius, Mars wants complete freedom of sexual expression – he wants to experiment, do things outside the bounds of normal social convention, innovate, and try novel techniques.  But with the retrograde station in the mix, it’s like he’s hung up; caught in some kind of invisible energetic groove like a planetary skipping record.

So don’t freak if your sex drive or life seems to get a little…strange…under these skies.  This astro merely represents some kind of “deviation” from whatever our “norm” is; with the aim that by the end of this retrograde period we’ll find a newfound level of freedom outside the confines of self-imposed limitation or denial.   With Mars ping-ponging between the signs of Aquarius and Capricorn, there’s a direct relationship between self-denying vs. giving ourselves full unfettered permission to be and to do whatever we want; perhaps even in an act of rebellion.  Question all default settings of being and doing now, in *every* sense.  Because with this retrograde approaching, there’s a general feeling of inflammation, irritation, or impatience surrounding something we want to be different in our lives.  It’s something we’re inclined to want quite badly, however we can’t *quiiiiiite* reach it yet.  And it’s just as well, because right now any action we might take toward this end is liable to lead to a premature…release of energy (kundalini or otherwise)…that has unintended consequences.  Not necessarily the ones we think, either – metaphorically this energy is not unlike someone who had a vasectomy unexpectedly getting you pregnant; surprise!  It could absolutely be something that defies the laws of science/nature/probability.  Though this isn’t *always* a bad thing, most of the time we wind up better off if we can avoid doing something crazy in the heat of the moment – this is likely to be one of those times.

06/12/2018

Sun Conjunct Mercury In Gemini TOTD

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With the Sun presently conjunct Mercury in Gemini, it’s time to derive creative inspiration from our innate inquisitiveness about life! Recall which core topics joyfully absorbed your intellectual attention as a child; way back before you started to care who was watching and what they thought of your interests. It’s these little threads that appear early on that so often tie together and gather into something greater to come full circle later. Everything else is a distraction – the soul communicates the information vital to its mission of self-actualization in youth; frequently though play/our pastimes. So think back to all the natural curiosities that consumed your mind as a kid; whether this encompasses subjects you enjoyed learning/reading about, topics of conversation you loved talking about, or any intellectual pursuit that may have filled your heart with joy – especially if it was in any way precocious. The glowingly radiant spark of Divine Child that we all carry inside of us ignites and comes alive if we blow on the ember but a little…

Image c/o the Rider-Waite Tarot

06/05/2018

Neptunian Idealism In The Land Of Saturn In Capricorn

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With the Neptune vibe super strong for the foreseeable future c/o its occupation of Pisces, we need to have a discussion about this planet’s idealism for a moment.  Planets in Pisces, the 12th House, or in aspect to Neptune tend to distort our view of reality; it’s just how this energy operates.  When this applies to the planet Venus it can affect how we see our partners or women in general – the same is true of the Moon, with a slightly different flavoring that it’s inclined to skew our views on maternal figures or the mother of our children (if we partner with women, that is).  Neptunian energy affecting either the Moon or Venus tends to broadly impact our relationship with women and this can mean we may ignore/miss some major red flags regarding females.  Now if it’s Mars or the Sun in Pisces, the 12th House, or in aspect to Neptune, men tend to get idealized instead – both are Masculine planets, and again there’s apt to be this distortion thing going on.

Neptunian energy affecting anything is prone to projecting worship onto false idols – I have this theory that may times we may do so due to early disappointment with a parent.  For example, they may have been absent, addicted, or ineffectual and we were so let down by this we cope by (consciously or unconsciously) fantasizing about a mythic “savior” or “saint” who never disappoints us in this way.  However, human beings have a very difficult time living up to this fantasy.  They’re often tragically flawed so when we fling these glamorous qualities onto the blank canvas of someone else serving as a stand-in, we risk repeating the cycle when the blinders finally do come off.  Unless we just keep them on and continue glossing over the fact that our suffering has led us to project illusory qualities onto a figment of our imagination.

Here’s the thing, though: Denial never makes it better.  When “The man behind the curtain” is finally revealed for what they are, we mustn’t excuse or enable. We have to learn to live with disappointment for what it is instead of perpetuating cycles of sickness.  And if we cover for someone, make excuses for them, and/or enable them, we’re not only victimizing ourselves without realizing it (because it gives them permission to do it again) but we also potentially risk victimizing others via our blind devotion.

There’s this unconscious defense mechanism that can be triggered as a result: Denial. Instead of allowing this insular bubble of fantasy to be burst, the individual views everyone criticizing the person on their pedestal as “lying”.  This is where the blind devotion comes in; you see it time and time again with sexual abuse in families, for example – “Oh he would never do that”.  Meanwhile, the person they’re defending has been arrested and arraigned on charges of soliciting a minor and there’s evidence for days; including emails, texts, and photos.  But when Neptunian energy holds sway, none of that matters.  An individual will just bury their head in the sand and insist the charges are fabricated rather than face the crushing disillusionment that their precious so-and-so is actually a very sick individual.

So here’s the TL;DR version: If you have the Moon or Venus affected by Neptunian energy, know your views of women aren’t likely to be very realistic.  If it’s the Sun or Mars, how you see male figures is prone to the same kind of distortion. Either way in these Saturn in Capricorn times, it’s time to straighten this out. Saturn’s power is equal to Neptune’s now, and this = a Reality Check; particularly when Saturn moves into a sextile with Neptune in 2019.  It’s time to pump the brakes and stop projecting fictitious qualities and “can do no wrong” innocence upon real life figures who are just as human and fallible as the rest of us.  We mustn’t genuflect to the cult of fame, either; rather look instead to those using their social status/position as a platform to make a real difference in the world via humanitarian causes – these are the ones who earn our respect in this Saturn in Capricorn era.

05/18/2018

Welcome, Uranus in Taurus!

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One of the biggest astrological shifts of the entire year is about to occur – as of 11:16am EDT today, Uranus officially enters Taurus!  Uranus moves quite slowly; spending about 7 years in each sign, so it takes about 84 years for this planet to make one full lap around the wheel of the zodiac.  Needless to say this represents a big, BIG energetic change – whenever the Transpersonal planets (Uranus, Neptune, or Pluto) move into a different sign it brings a whole new energetic backdrop to operate under for the foreseeable future. So what’s in store for us? Well,  I’ve written about some of the manifestations of this energy in an earlier post for starters, but supplemented with an enhanced view of this energy published in my free monthly astrological newsletter at the beginning of May. So in case you missed it, here’s a link to the excerpted article for your digital viewing pleasure: https://conta.cc/2GfPOwp

By the way, if you enjoy the article you can always sign up to receive future editions of my newsletter via the button over on the right sidebar of this post.  It’s only sent once a month – usually on or around the 1st – and contains special offers available only to my readers.

05/15/2018

The North Is Nice

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Image courtesy of the RWS tarot. Note the scales!

Benefic Jupiter has just passed over Fixed Star Zubeneschemali for a second time due its current retrograde motion – Zubeneschemali represents the North Scale of the constellation Libra and Jupiter passing over it is considered a fortunate influence for writing and public speaking, for finding favor with the courts or clergy, and gaining influential friends.* Because there’s also a South Scale (its counterpart Zubenelgenubi; situated about 4 degrees earlier in the zodiac), when I first started learning about the Fixed Stars and their effects it was easy to mix the two up.  So I came up with a nifty little mnemonic device to help me remember which was which – “The North is nice”.  The North Scale of Libra – which actually used to be the pincers of Scorpio until mankind decided to re-assign this parcel of celestial real estate – is considered the fortunate stellar influence of the two.  It was thought to be “The Full Price” side of Libra’s money-weighing scale.  By contrast, The South Scale – Zubenelgenubi – is the Insufficient Price of decidedly malefic nature.

There’s nothing not to like about the North Scale, though – “It gives good fortune, high ambition, beneficence, honor, riches, and permanent happiness.” *  Love that last bit – “permanent happiness”….!  It has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?  Jupiter passes over this point for a third and final time during September’s second week; a blessing from the heavens if you need to give any kind of presentation, if you’re working on a research paper, thesis, or novel, and certainly if you could use a little help from friends in high places.  Sagittarius and Pisces benefit strongly from this energy since Jupiter is the ruling planet of both signs (Modern vs. Traditional rulership), as do Scorpios born near the 10th of November and/or those with planets/points around the 19 degree mark of Scorpio.

05/03/2018

Mars In Capricorn Conjunct Pluto

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We have a simmering – or perhaps festering, depending on your view – astrological event on our hands as the biennial conjunction of Mars with Pluto in Capricorn occurs this week (exact Thursday, 4/26/18).  While this can be a “Darth Vader meets Office Space” kind of deal that requires careful energy management, more generally I will say at this time that it is particularly prudent to use the absolute minimum amount of (restrained) force required for any situation.  This is not a vibe where we want to wind up in an “overkill” scenario where we’re metaphorically bringing a gun to a fistfight, because this particular energetic combination tends to bring out repressed violence within the psyche.  It is therefore crucial to be nuclear conscious of how we choose to confront/engage situations or people this week to prevent any potentially (self?)destructive actions that would be irrevocable – think about this if tempted to take lethal aim at someone’s jugular, because the (astrological or other) triggers are there and it’s entirely possible to be baited into making a bad move that would be very hard to come back from.

This is, however, excellent energy for conquering any hoary old demons within that seem to be resurgent now – especially via the therapeutic process.  With Mars exalted, there’s the ability to tame the animal nature and transmute it into mature, wise, and potent insight.  It’s difficult to do that, though, if we allow ourselves to be drawn off mission via the rising ire stoked by haters, trolls, leeches, and other generally crap human beings who prey off negativity.  Don’t engage them at their level, but play it out a few chess moves to realize it’s ultimately not productive to lower yourself to go into battle when it’s energy that would be better spent on leveling yourself up instead.  So the takeaway is: Manage all conflicts or irritants at an appropriate degree and realize that not everything is a Boss Battle – expend that energy powering yourself up rather than taking others down to save it for when it’s *really* warranted.  Reactivity ultimately tends to be disempowering at this juncture; control your demons rather than allowing *them* to control *you*!

Addendum: Do also be careful when using sharp objects this week – especially if handling anything rusty.  To me this energy has the feel of not only the potential for grave injury, but the possibility of picking up some kind of serious pathogen (like Tetanus) that could lead to an infection.  Care regarding things like needle sticks and the proper disposal of hypodermics can also prevent bloodborne pathogens from infiltrating.

04/24/2018

Chiron At The Last Degree Of Pisces

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Chiron now stands at the last degree and final arcminute of Pisces as it prepares transition out of its Omega zodiac position.  Consequently, there is a rippling ache within the Collective Unconscious that potentially creates a subtly pervasive “Suicide Is Painless” kind of vibe.  Now please don’t get any ideas or misinterpret this as a pro-suicide post in any way, shape, or form – I assure you the intention is quite the opposite.  But what I mean to convey is this: Given certain atmospheric/energetic/astrological conditions, sometimes pain can seem to permeate everything. This is an optical distortion, of course – it’s not as if the pain isn’t real; it’s that it tends to skew our current experience of life in a way that can make it very difficult to separate ourselves from the anguish.  We’re inclined to merge with it and see it as a chronic condition – this is obviously very hazardous territory to wade into, so please be extra gentle with yourselves and each other during these last few hours of Chiron in Pisces because if there is a moment where one might be energetically tempted to throw in the towel and find an escape hatch, this astro could do it.  Know you are not alone – whatever you are going through at this particular moment in life, you matter.  To me.  Right now.  So regardless of anything your mind or feelings may try to tell you at this particular moment in time, your life matters.  You are loved.  Divinity is asking you to please surrender your hurt, ask for help, and step into the new cycle of healing Chiron into Aries brings with it.  Recovery is possible, and tomorrow is indeed a brand new day – sleep on it.  ❤  And if you can’t, understand that insomnia can certainly exacerbate this issue by messing with our optics even further.  Please call 1-800-273-8255 to speak to someone now and share your story.  It’s completely confidential. Help is available and there are kind and caring souls willing to listen – if you feel like you are drowning, please don’t hesitate to grab this life preserver  because your life matters!

04/16/2018