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It’s that most talked about of Astrological phenomenon - that Horoscopic experience that defies intelligence. Mercury Retrograde — It happens again starting July 4th (Happy Birthday USA). But to hear most people talk about it you would think that the sky is falling!! Is it really that BAD?
NOT BY A LONG SHOT.
Astrology is a variable experience. Any Retrograde Mercury is only as bad (or GOOD!) as the aspects that it makes. And that is far too complicated a subject to go into in this brief blog. I can (and will talk about some of the aspects that this Mercury is making for us ALL over the next three weeks - but really the important thing you want to know is - how will this Mercury Retrograde effect YOU! And that question can’t be answered in a Blog, or a Horoscope or on TV, or by your grandmother. Unless she’s a really good Astrologer, and even then I wouldn’t recommend it, after all, how objective can she be?
OK, this time Mercury is Retrograde in Cancer - again Happy Birthday USA. Actually, this time Mercury starts in Leo and then backtracks into Cancer on the 11th of July - just in time to hang out with the Full Moon (at 18″ Capricorn that it is governed by. OK, OK enough technical Astro - Jargon. The bottom line here is that it means there will be some serious messages, important messages. Maybe very tough, strict or ‘hard-ass’ messages. Especially around the 10th of July, then around July 31 - Aug 1 there may be some ‘close calls’ which finally pan out or ‘land’ around August 21 when Mercury reconnects with this 18th degree of Cancer.
My educated prediction here is that we will here news OF or FROM the Government that is rough. Reason #1 - the USA is a Cancer, reason #2 Government is ruled by Capricorn. Reason #3 the USA has also got Venus, Jupiter and Mercury(retrograde) in Cancer. This points towards a vertible firestorm of controversy - and it’s probably impossible to underestimate the level of emotion involved. The USA Mercury is highly aspected at this time. Politics are not usual. The spin doctors are out in force - and which of us will be able to see the fact from the fuselage?
My guess is none but the few who were born with a Retrograde Mercury in their own charts. Is that you? My brother has a Retrograde Mercury. He is bona fide genius (I’m serious here); they put him in the mentally gifted kids programs in school. In High School he managed to simultaniously fail out of all his classes (it’s hard to pass if you don’t attend), and get the highest SAT score in my High School - ever. We have all been feeling the slowdown of Mercury for the past week (at least). I had a stunningly clear and heartfelt conversation with this same brother - which was long overdue. And he is normally hard to understand - which is putting it mildly (and I’m no dim wit). My point here is that those Rx Mercury people are the ones who really know what is going on at this point in time.
Another side of Retrograde Mercury in Cancer is that it is extremely emotional and very family oriented. Some sorts of parent archetypes, authority figure metaphores and Mom/Dad identity issues take a front and center role for all of us to some degree. The good news here is that it can give us the chance to release any old feelings or attitudes around these things that have been holding us back - but sometimes that takes outside help to accomplish.
The bottom line - pay attention to any authority problems or challenges that arise and understand that on the personal, community and national levels that these are the effects of this Mercury Retrograde. Do what you can to make the most of these situations, and release any old challenges that are uncovered. For more detailed info for yourself and what the Mercury Retrograde means for you - then click on the link and have a session.
Blessings, and may this Mercury Retrograde release you from any ancient baggage that you no longer need.
-Aura
General forecast for July:
July begins with a great deal of powerful synergy in the air which provides useful opportunities to put financial plans into motion as well as starting marketing or publicity campaigns. The whole first week of the month provides opportunity for those who are organized, prepared and geared up to take action. Don’t bite off more than you can chew though, and having powerful systems and support in place will allow you to take opportunity by the horns.
This month, a lot of the money lies in creating combined efforts with others and making plans to utilize resources, property, patents, copy writes and other income generating inventory.
As challenging as June was, July is able to provide an equal and opposite level of opportunity and growth. Usefulness will be felt most strongly through combined efforts and synergy with others of like mind. Now is definitely the time to join together with people who share your goals and begin getting your ideas and plans into motion. Great opportunities for career advancement or business growth emerge in Mid July especially for Cancer, Sag and Aquarius types.
Believe it or not; the Retrograde of Mercury (July 4 through 28) can actually help you with this. As Mercury makes his moon walk in Cancer along side the Sun we find ourselves able to re assess and figure out what we need and how we need to accomplish this. There are also opportunities to revise business and career plans that come along with the territory. USA planets are affected which means as a country we find ourselves able to revise, change and fix problems that have emerged in the last few years: the oil crisis for example. This is a time when I expect to see solutions, innovations and the needs of the public taking precedence. Perhaps we can look forward to alternative fuels and technologies coming to our attention as well. Let’s hear it for creative problem solving! This month true genius makes it’s presence felt, hopefully it is appreciated and put to work!
Aries (3/21 to 4/20) Finances and longterm commitments/investments are unpredictable in early July. Month”s end and early Aug finds you on a roll; optimistic and energetic; you get things done (you’re sexy too; serious fireworks around the 31st). Towards the end of July you have serious opportunities to make power alliances and join the movers and shakers of the world to “get it done”. I’d lay odds that you’ll come out a winner sooner than later; especially on any speculation or new business plans.
Taurus (4/21 to 5/21) Start July by launching your important cash generating ideas/plans for success. After 7/10 you are nearly untouchable, synergy/support is on your side; use it. Limit expense/fantasy at end of July. But you can enlist the support and assistance of your friends all month, especially with the hard work you’ve been doing; do not try that heavy lifting all by yourself! Get help; hire it if you have to!
Gemini (5/22 to 6/22) This Rx Mercury (7/4 through 28) stresses personal power and it”s use. Success is within reach; by solving people”s problems. The lesson of this Retrograde is all about, business, residual income, property, patents, minerals, and; especially; whatever has captured your imagination. Learn to Master you Mind and get it to work for you now; and there will be no stopping you later. This is a good time to study or learn a new strategy. 7/15 through 19 are super powerful dates for you. Family and Business responsibilities emerge at July”s end.
Cancer (6/23 to 7/22) This Month”s Full Moon/New Moon pair takes place at 10 Capricorn and 24 Leo. Obstacles/burdens in relationships clear in Early July. Month’s end brings financial revisions & new starts. The Stars are asking you to look at your feelings and how they motivate you with this Retrograde Mercury in Cancer. Look into your Subconscious for lasting answers and solutions to problems; especially emotional ones.
Leo (7/23 to 8/22) Identity/career confusion or review is possible - especially July 1-10/Aug 11 to 13. You’re beyond the reach of most problems in early July, but timing is extra important still. Ideas/plans swirl like fog mid/late July; how to see through it is the challenge. Uranus to Saturn aspects remind you to pay attention to the needs of humanity, the public; or at the very least your peer group. There are challenges and problems there; and as a team you are all much more powerful than you are alone.
Virgo (8/23 to 9/22) Dreams and your social life have important messages. Is it time to contribute to humanity in a bigger way? If you have nourishment/nurturing to give; now is the time. 7/15-19 give large scale opportunities; think BIG. Connecting to an emotional appeal or deep-seated need in the mass consciousness may leave you with a whole new sense of life direction, No matter how you slice it, there is wisdom in feelings, groups, community and the needs of your family; for best results, stay connected to it.
Libra (9/23 to 10/22) Like Taurus you have many opportunities for money this month, and also to express and deepen values. Share ideas, plans, take short trips in early July. After 7/19 align outer world with deeper feelings, needs and connect to home. Worries, concerns over career only limit you; think bigger. Some challenging thoughts or emotions are likely to emerge this month around your family. Perhaps a problem that you have been avoiding can finally be resolved this now; I know you can do it.
Scorpio (10/23 to 11/22) Public opinion or needs is the biggest thorn in your side in early July. Opportunity presents itself for teaching,/travel or overseas connections now. I certainly hope you have plans to make good use of the great reception that you are getting now. People are inclined to like you, respect you and listen to you. This does not happen every day, so make the most of it. In fact, you are in a brilliant position to make long-term plans, business deals and personal strategies permanent, Go make those “big deals”; they have got your name on them.
Sagittarius (11/23 to 12/22) Guarded optimism is still the best approach, as June problems get resolved. Save important decisions until July 24 to 27. Weather you realize it or not, you have a lot of information coming to you from a secret source; maybe even dreams, or maybe it’s an inside line on the scoop. Either way, this is your most valuable asset; so make sure that you use it; a lot! Later degree Sag’s (born around the 18 to 20th) will feel extremely invigorated; which is best used for athletic (not angry) pursuits at the end of July.
Capricorn (12/23 to 1/21) Organized timing is the focus as July begins. You should be able to get career/work matters in order early July. Your mind is sharp, and you”re not missing any detail. Late July/early Aug brings pressure from an imposing personality, possible ownership conflicts. Getting all your facts straight and staying “on the ball” keeps you in the drivers seat. You have to know how the rules work, in order to make them work FOR you; and that includes the rules of Karma. A little inner development could go a very long way now.
Aquarius (1/22 to 2/20) Organization is key, find ways to cut down on manpower in early July. Using good timing at months end allows new solutions to old problems. You finally begin to be able to break through the big obstacles. Strategize, prioritize, and make your plan and then when the moment is just right: pounce. And then like a hunting feline, you will have your prey just where you want them (probably either in the bank or in the bedroom). Enjoy!
Pisces (2/21 to 3/19) Avoid competition or interference early July. Pressure begins to ease after the 18th. A specific career opportunity peaks late July/early August, Aug 10 is a day when long term plans flower, use it wisely. Focusing on the small stuff will distract you from what matters and where you would be more effective. Take the big picture approach and remember, its not so much a matter of winning this battle; but rather a matter of having a long-range endgame in mind. Ultimately it is the whole war that you want to win.
Aura Galadriel Wright is the Author of “The Golden Path Book”. As founder of AstrologyChick.com her columns have appeared internationally in The Yogi Times, Zink, FindBliss and others. She has literally worked with 1,000’s of people to achieve their dreams.
What can an ancient comedian teach us about self improvement? Surprisingly - a lot. In the 16th century there was a humanist named Erasmus of Rotterdam who wrote a comedic piece about the tension that exists between the human emotion and human reason. In his writing he used the ratio of 24:1 to describe the power of emotion over reason. Of course, in the 16th century they didn’t use the term, self improvement! The exactness of this ratio may or may not be accurate, but it is a powerful visual to show us just how much the emotional side of our being rules us.
If you think that this is ridiculous, then try to remember if you have ever:
A) Dated someone you knew wasnt good for you, but did it anyway.
B) Eaten something on impulse that wasnt on your diet.
C) Spent money that you didnt actually have at the time.
D) Said something in anger that you later regretted (or tried to hurt someone for hurting you).
E) Taken a long time to get over an emotional hurt or wound.
F) Sobbed uncontrollably because of grief.
G) Experienced anxiety or difficulty breathing.
Everyone, at some time, has experienced some of the things listed above. There are even times when the emotion to rationality ratio is greater than 24:1, specifically Addictions and Uncontrollable Fears (such as a phobia). And at these times there is nothing at all that thoughts or decisions can do to help the situation. This is why they are uncontrollable. can we self improve ourselves towards overcoming them? Let’s see.
We can call the rational mind the left-brain and the emotional side the right-brain. We can call it a conflict between the ID (emotion) versus the Superego (rationalism), but the words matter less than the content of this idea. The reality is that if there is something that your emotions are holding onto, desiring, fighting against, or intensely attached to, or running away from; then you are emotionally programmed by it.
This programming can be pleasant and give you enjoyable results; such as if you have an imbedded emotional need and desire to achieve and accomplish goals with a subsequent feeling of elation. This is an example of emotional programming working in your favor. But usually, most of us have some emotional programming that is standing in our way; such as anger at someone who hurt us, or anxiety or fear of making a mistake. These unconscious emotional blocks stand in our way, unless we find a way to confront and overcome them. The problem is that we usually dont know what they are. They are often the result of early childhood programming or experiences that we can no longer remember. We might even read a self help book on the subject. And even if we can remember them, we are still attached to the emotion they provoke. What do we do?
There is hope however. The entire field of therapy; and every self help book every written, are devoted to uncovering and resolving these conflicts, albeit very slowly. There are much faster methods to get to the roots of such emotional blockages, which are just as effective in much less time. Specifically Hypnotherapy and guided meditation work. These techniques work because they work with the language of image the native language of your emotional self. In hypnotherapy you have a trained and experienced therapist who first discusses what your specific concerns are or what habit you are trying to break. Then the hypno-therapist guides you through relevant images and visuals that allow you to break the negative emotional cycle; and therefore break the habit that you want to break. This really works. But there is one limitation, you can really only work on one area of concern at a time that is all that the unconscious can handle at once.
Guided Meditation works in much the same way, but it is you who are guiding yourself - the best form of self help. It is not quite as efficient as Hypnotherapy and can take longer to work, but the advantage is that it is you who are in control. This may be preferable for people who have trust issues or are unsure of the effectiveness of actual Hypnotherapy. The biggest drawback with guided meditation is that to quote Einstein: No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it. Therefore, in order to actually solve a problem, you would either need to enlist the assistance of a professional (like a Hypno-therapist) or change your own level of consciousness. So how do you improve yourself when your self improvement efforts are limited by your own point of view?
There are only two ways to change your own level of consciousness that I know of, they are to 1) develop a relationship with a higher power, or God, and 2) enlist the assistance of a teacher who has experience with what you are working on. In my experience both are required for a person to move forward with any great success. In other words, you can change your own emotional programming if you are in relationship with your sense of God and if you are getting assistance from a book: and this is why I wrote. The Golden path Book, person or other type of authentic teacher. Many people make the mistake of thinking they can do it alone, but Einstein would argue otherwise. Einstein was a man who also said that all his work with science proved to him the existence of God.
Change is an alchemical process, and all the elements must be together in the proper proportion before the transformation occurs. For any self improvement program to be effective, you must have both spirituality (God) and guidance from an experienced self help teacher. Neglect either and there is no magical “Bang!”
__________________
Aura Galadriel Wright is the Author of The Golden Path Book - A Guide to Deeper Fulfillment through the Inner Net. Her self improvement columns have appeared internationally in The Yogi Times, Zink, FindBliss and others. To learn more please visit The Golden path Book
In my years of research on signs and charts, I have noticed some trends in the signs and how they look. Here are a few of my observations. Pisces is pretty easy to spot, I have noticed they often have very watery eyes (often very rounded) and a pouty wet looking mouth.
Angelina Jolie has a lot of prominent water in her chart - especially scorpio. She has that look. Cancer likes to retain water or be in it - they often have soft curvy figures. Some Cancer’s are very angular and have the ‘Crescent Moon’ face, but it still looks like the Moon and the skin is often luminous and glowing - especially after dark.
Scorpio is sexy - even when they’re not classically good looking. They usually have that piercing ‘I can see through your clothes’ gaze that melts the pants off of their chosen conquest. Curly hair is common, and often dark. But, then with colored hair being as common as it is - drama is usually the favorite Scorp choice in color and style.
Water signs: Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces usually have a softness about them and a woman with a water Moon needs to be very careful about what she wears. If she shows skin or wears a body hugging style, or nude toned clothing men will think she is naked. That’s great on stage or in a strip club - but often a young girl won’t understand the reaction she’s provoking. Perhaps this is why nuns (a very Piscean profession) are dressed from head to toe in black.
Every Aries I know (and I know tons of them) really tends to bash the hell out of their heads - especially the men. It’s not just a cliche - it’s almost predictable and pretty comical, as long as they aren’t drawing blood or giving themselves a concussion. They also like hats (or walk as if they are wearing one even if they aren’t) or wear their hair with a certain ‘crowning glory’ sort of pride (or they are upset if it is thinning).
The hair pride is something that is shared with Leo. All the fire signs: Leo, Sag and Aries can be pretty flamboyant in their dress and choice of (usually warm or hot) colors. There is also that prominent arched eyebrow attaching to the nose which creates that Aries ram symbol on the face, and they often have strong teeth. Sometimes perfect, but not always - just very strong looking.
Also with Sagittarius, I notice that they often have a very long torso with shorter legs - like the proverbial centaur that is their symbol. Sag can be very, very athletic, but ironically they are often very clumsy and knock things over a lot too. They have a physical stance that is sometimes a bit comical and off-center looking - or as if they are about to run for the nearest exit at any moment. Always with a twinkle of amusement in the eye though.
Leo likes to get attention. They like to look like rock stars and want you to stand in awe of them - so most of them really make an entrance. Even the shy ones will have some standout quality. Like the proverbial king of the jungle, the lion dresses like royalty: the bigger the gemstones, the better. Leo is not often shy about being loud, cracking a joke, holding court and generally having a solar system revolve around them.
Capricorn is the opposite of Sag; long legs, short torso, angular features, and a serious expression. A complete shift in the center of gravity from one sign to the next. Earth is stable looking usually - especially Taurus who tends to a sturdy muscular build (just like their opposite, Scorpio). Earth signs:Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn often like muted earthy colors as well.
Virgo rules tailoring, so you can often find them in interesting cuts of clothing and style. Virgo likes to cultivate a healthy, comfortable approachable style - like a favorite t-shirt (but with a really great cut and shape to it). Warm and clean is how they usually like to look. They can be fashion critics too. Taurus cultivates beauty and all the pampering, sensual delights (and tortures) that go along with it. Taurus is attracted to luxurious, opulent fabrics - cashmere, silk, velvet and they often have the most classically beautiful, symmetrical features of the Zodiac. Many have wavy hair and their heavy lidded bedroom eyes broadcast a lazy sensuality.
You will often see Capricorns displaying a favorite status symbol or accomplishment prominently for all to admire. They like to be linked to their achievements. Capricorns can sometimes be accused of never loosening their tie, you will rarely catch them looking rumpled or disheveled; impeccable is more like it. But we all envy them when they get older and look like they are growing younger every day. If they have lived well, they learn to lighten up later in life - which cuts down on the wrinkles.
Gemini’s often (but not always) have an androgenous look to them - pretty girlish boys and girls who look like young boys. Aquarius has a devilish twinkle in their eye, like Dennis the Menace dressed in his church clothes. They can also be so distracted that they literally look like the ‘mad scientist’ that somebody just dragged out of the basement. Or else they go for the alien raver look - neon tennis shoes and silver duct tape holding the clothes together. All the air signs have a tendency to play with gender roles in dress and demeanor. This runs the gamut from full blown cross-dressing to girls with spiky boy hairdo’s and boys with long flowing ‘Breck Girl’ locks. And air signs often like sparkly stuff - especially when they are young.
Libra’s are often dashing and charming dressers, the women love to accent their waist and Libra’s usually know how to flirt until you roll over and give them anything they want. They can also be eccentric and fond of costumes. I know a Libra man who is 6′8″ and about 240 lbs. I went to a party he threw and he put on a performance in his back yard twirling fire and wearing a tye-dyed dress. That was not a sight I will soon forget!
I am very happy to announce that I will be writing the monthly Horoscope column for the glossy fashion Magazine Z!nk, which is an international newstand magazine. I am thrilled to be working with such a stylish and well put together publication and I look forward to a long and benficial relationship with Z!nk. Please pick up this magazine when you see it on newstands, my column will be seen in the November issue and after.
Also, please sign up for your weekly Chakra Horoscope column which is available through FindBliss.com to sign up for the column please go here: FindBliss
I am pleased to announce that I will be teaching a series of Astral Travel workshops in the LA and San Francisco areas in December, January and February. Details on the workshop will be available at the Learning Annex website, as well as in their upcoming class catalog. The Learning Annex is the largest adult education company in the country and they offer classes taught by leaders in thier field such as Donald Trump, James Van Praugh, Silvia Brown, Don Miguel Ruiz and many, many others. I am very proud to be able to announce my affiliation with this first class organization.
I have been hired to write for FindBliss
My monthly Horoscopes will appear in thier directory. This is a beutiful site and spa directory. I know that we could all use a break at the spa once in a while! So check it out and plan that perfect day of R and R!
Earth and Mars are converging for a close encounter–but not as close as some people think.
July 7, 2005: There’s a rumor going around. You might have heard it at a 4th of July BBQ or family get-together. More likely you’ve read it on the Internet. It goes like this:
“The Red Planet is about to be spectacular.”
“Earth is catching up with Mars [for] the closest approach between the two planets in recorded history.”
“On August 27th … Mars will look as large as the full moon.”
And finally, “NO ONE ALIVE TODAY WILL EVER SEE THIS AGAIN.”
Right: “Close Encounters” by graphic artist Duane Hilton.
Those are snippets from a widely-circulated email. Only the first sentence is true. The Red Planet is about to be spectacular. The rest is a hoax.
Here are the facts: Earth and Mars are converging for a close encounter this year on October 30th at 0319 Universal Time. Distance: 69 million kilometers. To the unaided eye, Mars will look like a bright red star, a pinprick of light, certainly not as wide as the full Moon.
Disappointed? Don’t be. If Mars did come close enough to rival the Moon, its gravity would alter Earth’s orbit and raise terrible tides.
Sixty-nine million km is good. At that distance, Mars shines brighter than anything else in the sky except the Sun, the Moon and Venus. The visual magnitude of Mars on Oct. 30, 2005, will be -2.3. Even inattentive sky watchers will notice it, rising at sundown and soaring overhead at midnight.
You might remember another encounter with Mars, about two years ago, on August 27, 2003. That was the closest in recorded history, by a whisker, and millions of people watched as the distance between Mars and Earth shrunk to 56 million km. This October’s encounter, at 69 million km, is similar. To casual observers, Mars will seem about as bright and beautiful in 2005 as it was in 2003.
Above: Painted green by a flashlight, astronomer Dennis Mammana of California points out Mars to onlookers on Aug. 26, 2003, the last time Mars was so close to Earth. Photo credit: Thad V’Soske.
Although closest approach is still months away, Mars is already conspicuous in the early morning. Before the sun comes up, it’s the brightest object in the eastern sky, really eye-catching. If you have a telescope, even a small one, point it at Mars. You can see the bright icy South Polar Cap and strange dark markings on the planet’s surface.
One day people will walk among those dark markings, exploring and prospecting, possibly mining ice from the polar caps to supply their settlements. It’s a key goal of NASA’s Vision for Space Exploration: to return to the Moon, to visit Mars and to go beyond.
Every day the view improves. Mars is coming–and that’s no hoax.
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Unfortunately this article came without a byline off of one of my Astrology discussion lists. I hope I have permission to reprint it, if the author objects, please e-mail me and I will take it down.
-Aura
————————————————————————- “NASA deformed my Horoscope” says Russian woman - sues for $300 Million
NASA’s mission that sent a space probe smashing into a comet raised more
than cosmic dust - it also brought a lawsuit from a Russian astrologer.
Marina Bai has sued the U.S. space agency, claiming the Deep Impact probe
that punched a crater into the comet Tempel 1 late Sunday “ruins the
natural balance of forces in the universe,” the newspaper Izvestia reported
Tuesday. A Moscow court has postponed hearings on the case until late July,
the paper said.The probe’s comet crash sent up a cloud of debris that
scientists hope to examine to learn how the solar system was formed.
Bai is seeking damages totaling 8.7 billion rubles ($300 million) - the
approximate equivalent of the mission’s cost - for her “moral sufferings,”
Izvestia said, citing her lawyer Alexander Molokhov. She earlier told the
paper that the experiment would “deform her horoscope.”
Originally posted in June 2005 - Saturn remains in Leo until mid 2007.
Saturn moves out of Cancer soon, real soon. On July 17th to be exact. But before he does we have a big party in Cancer with the attendance of Mercury, the Sun and Venus. Something big ends for Cancers this week, that’s for sure. The same is true - especially true - for those of you who have planets in the late degrees of Cancer (25′-29′). If you do not know if you have planets here - then you need to have your chart done (auracle@astrologychick.com for inquiries).
This change can be a very good thing. Just ask any Cancer who has felt saddled with duty, hard work and responsibility for the past 3 years while Saturn soujourned through the territory of their own personal identity. Now, just as the pressure gets ready to end, there is one last party to attend.
Possible results of this teaming of Astrological influences; Mercury and Venus join together and send messages that relate to home, family, the values and the property of these families, as well as highlighting some people’s desire for home and family. Protective and nurturing instincts become prominent. The addition of Saturn to this equation brings in an element of fear, duty and responsibilty to the emotions and needs of the clan - particularly as related to motherhood and emotional roots. The peak of this influence is felt on July 26th when the three way conjunction of Saturn, Venus and Mercury in Cancer is most powerful, but don’t be surprised to feel these influences up to a week in advance - particularly if you have planets between 25′-29′ Cancer. In fact, if you have a planet here, there is certainly going to be an event in your life that is indicated and described by this transit.
The final attendee at the party is the Sun - our ego identification. The Sun is at the party, but not in the middle of the action, sort of a bystander if you will, since he has just entered Cancer and is hovering around at the early degrees 0′-8′. The placement of the Sun has the net effect of chasing up the action, or following the news, much like an NBC reporter scurrying to get onto the scene and show the world what is going on. Essentially this means action on the personal level for people who are being effected, followed by conscious recognition by the ‘world’. Sort of an ‘ah-hah’ experience after the fact. We can expect to see more of these ‘ah-hah’s’ reach the light of day around the 17th-20th of July as the Sun finally catches up to the action that took place around the 26th of June. Also expect a major change of mood around July 17th when Saturn finally, once and for all shifts moods out of Cancer (home-loving, fearful, worrying and traditional) into Leo where he highlights issues of courage, ego, integrity, identity, honor, fatherhood, and success.
Here just a few of my forecasts for the next 3 years while Saturn is in Leo. Issues of identity theft and personal security will be highlighted and require solutions. Individual leaders and personalities will rise to public recognition and take on more responsibilty towards the public, and may get a lot of criticism for doing so. Leo people will have to deal with authority, hard work, responsibilities and duties a great deal. This can lead to great advancement in work and reputation, but whatever area is weak will require hard work to strengthen. Some people will take courageous stands in their social structures and others will confront their fear of doing so. Personal integrity is drawn into public scrutiny. Questions of fatherhood, paternity and paternal responsibility will be examined. And finally, we will be watching a lot more ’star powered’ performances in the media, which should be very entertaining, but the stars themselves need to guard against over-work and exhaustion.
How will all this effect you? It depends on the configuration of planets in your personal chart or Horoscope.
Originally posted on May 10, 2005
In case you don’t know about it yet the mutual reception of Mercury and Venus this month takes place from the 13th through the 29th. This combination lends a nice synergy of energy between communications and personal values or experiences of a sensual and heartfelt nature. This can be very romantic and sensitive. It is also very good for sales, marketing and conveying the value of a product to other people. Mercury is the divine messenger and Venus is physical sensuality, objects of beauty and value or luxury. Together they can create a lovely ability to communicate deeply and from the soul. It also provides a connection to the divine which can lead to messages from the soul or spirit level of the self as well. Mercury is mental and Venus is physical and tangible.
The only down side I can see under this influence is the tendency towards duality and seeing things as ‘either or’ that is created under Venus in Gemini. Many of us may feel faced with choices and find ourselves looking at the world in absolutist ‘black and white’ terms. The key here is finding the grey areas and learning how to live there instead. But with Mercury in Taurus, our minds are on the practical implications of actions, the bottom line, and how to create more luxury, prosperity and sensuality in our lives. Taurus, Libra, Gemini and Virgo people will be most effected by this mutual reception.
A good way to take advantage of this is to plan on getting a massage, or other luxurious experience, as well as putting together business plans and financial strategies for long term growth and productivity.
This Pope was known as the Pope of the Eclipses. He was born under an Eclipse, and now he has died under one - but how did the Cathilic Church know to call him the Pope of the ECLIPSES. My bet is that those Catholics are still using the Astrology that they learned in the 13th century.
Well, I just heard the sad news about the Pope passing a few hours ago. No matter what religion you belong to, he was a heroic figure who truly practiced the best in the teachings of his religion and will be deeply missed.
I had the opportunity to see him in person in Rome on the Pallazo. I am sort of, technically, Catholic - my father was a Catholic and so the Catholics can claim me, but I was not ever baptized. I am also sort of Jewish. My mother was Jewish - which is the definition of a Jew, and so the Jews can also claim me, but I never had a Bat Mitsvah. I saw him deliver his sermon in 7 languages on the Palazzo with a friend who came from a devoutly Catholic family - 7 kids, all redheads. Her Preist had gotten us the tickets. We were there with a third traveling companion - a girl who was of Arabic descent. Between us we represented all the warring factions of the middle east and together we listened to his presentation in all of our native languages - though we ourselves did not speak them.
Tina - my Catholic friend - was thrilled to see him. And when he came through the throngs afterwards, shaking hands behind tall sheets of plywood - protection from further sniper attacks - she jumped into line. As Pope John Paul the second came along his route, toward us, she pushed her way to the front and managed to unseat the competition and get a hold of his hand to shake it. Later she told me that she had pushed aside an ailing Nun (!) in her haste to touch what to her was the closest human hand to that of God. But I am sure he would have forgiven her. After all this was a man who forgave the man who shot him six times. What a legacy of forgiveness. To me this is such a high and difficult attainment. To be wronged, to be abused, to be tortured and harmed by others - and then to manage to forgive them - may be the highest of the teachings of any religion. The difficulty in ataining this is a truly human issue, that I struggle with often myself. It is also probably the only way we can truly heal and resolve the powder keg of pain, resentment and vengence that boils over in the Middle East - in the promised land. A land promised in the texts of nearly all the worlds religions. A seemingly insurmountable conundrum.
Perhaps the promise is not of the land itself, but rather the potential for healing that the land represents. This is how I like to think of it. One of my best friends is Palestinian, and she is the funniest person I have ever met. This year at the Sundance Film Festival, the most enjoyable film I saw was a short called ‘The West Bank Story’ which was a spoof on the musical ‘The West Side Story’ set in warring fast food joints - The Falafal Hut and The House of Swarma. Their kids fall in love. It was hilarious. Ah, the healing power of laughter.
Eclipse’s are traditionally considered bad luck in Astrology - especially for the two weeks before and the two weeks after they take place. This one took away the Pope, but left behind a powerful message that I for one am taking to heart. I may not agree with a lot of what the Catholic Church says and does, but this man represents something far beyond the institution that is the Church, and I truly hope that his message can transcend institutions and dogma.
The Astrology of this event is not over when the Eclipse ends. This 19th degree of Aries is reactivated on May 5th by Mercury (Cinco de Mayo - in the heavily Catholic Spanish Speaking countries) and again on July 11th by Mars. Perhaps this augers a movement of awakening to peace and the principles that this Pope represents on a mass level. I certainly hope so. The peace of the world may depend upon it.
-Aura
**Just a quick personal experience of this Eclipse. The Eclipse took place on Friday April 8th. When I woke up that morning and went to get a glass of water, I fainted to the floor, knocking over a standing lamp on my way down. I have only fainted one other time in my life when I was about 14. I can’t quite remember exactly when it was, but for some reason I think there may have been an Eclipse active at that time as well. Eclipses effect different people in different ways, and each Eclipse is different. But for various Astrological reasons this one caused me to faint!
Originally posted April 2, 2005
OK, I am an Astrologer, and as such I am prone to make statements like - ‘Oh, It’s only Mercury in Retrograde!’, but this one has been a comedy of errors. Here’s my most recent story, and I’m sticking to it! –
There is a glass shelf in our bathroom that sits into a metal tray, and was recently broken by a misplaced candle holder. It was an odd size and I wanted to have it replaced, so I took it out and put it in the car to show the glass guy at the glass shop where I figured I could easily have it replaced.
I also have a wall on which there are metal tracks for shelves. I have three thick glass shelves that are quite beautiful, but very dirty and covered in a rubbery cementy glue. I recently painted this room a lovely buttery yellow, and wanted to fix up the shelves. Sounds reasonable enough, right? Wrong.
It started innocently enough with a trip to Home Despot to get the metal shelf arms upon which to rest the three glass shelves. These shelves are 6 inches deep. I searched and searched and the closest I could come to that size was an 8 inch shelf arm. “Well, I’ll try it,” I thought and picked up 6. On the way home, I stopped at the glass shop, and showed the man my broken bathroom shelf, gave him the right length measurement and handed him the shelf itself, and which point I said something like, “It needs to be the same widt