Latest Astrology Articles

La Pensée Sauvage

2013-05-23T10:13:00Z

Lévi- Strauss's seminal book La Pensee Sauvage is translated into English as the Savage Mind, which is not quite right, of course, and sounds vaguely pejorative. Sauvage means wild, as in the opposite of domesticated. Pensée is thought. So you could read this more as Untamed Thinking. Another direct translation is Wild Pansy.

If you look at the myths of a culture collectively, you see that they are like a hall of mirrors. There is no one authentic, original myth. Instead the stories reflect and evolve in response to each other. It's like a continuous debate. Each tale takes the previous one and transforms it.; then maybe reflects it back and the previous one is changed. There is a binary, oppositional quality to this way of thinking, but it is not exclusively so.

I have just listened to this précis of some of the anthropologist Claude Lévi-Strauss' thinking on the Radio 4 show In Our Time, which you can listen to via the BBC website. The speaker was Adam Kuper.

Levi-Strauss spent a century – he lived to be a hundred – investigating universality in human thought. One of his chief inspirations was the thousands of Native American myths which he had learned by heart, much like his contemporary the mythologist Joseph Campbell.

His conclusion – very roughly – was that the untamed mind thinks in terms of myth and structure.

That is also how astrologers think. We are looking for patterns and stories. So in immersing ourselves in astrology, we are engaging with that deeper, pre-scientific way of thinking, trying to open our minds to the wild pansy.

Levi-Strauss by the way had Pallas Athena, the asteroid of pattern, weaving and structure, in Scorpio (depth) sextile his Moon in Capricorn (nurtured by the ancestors) and forming a Yod to his North Node on the MC in Gemini (stories and ideas as legacy and lifetime achievement).

If you want to read a mythological hall of mirrors, you could try The Marriage of Cadmus and Harmony by Roberto Calasso, which is an evocation of Greek myth.

Lunar Eclipse 24 May 2013: ‘The End of the Illusion’

2013-05-23T07:43:03Z

The final eclipse in a series of three occurs 24 May at 9:24:55 PM PDT at 4 Sagittarius 08, with …

The Astrologer Daily: May 23rd, 2013

2013-05-23T07:00:18Z

By Kelli Fox, The Astrologer

Don't waste time with superficial relationships today. Give your energy to someone near and dear to your heart. Showering a friend, lover, or relative with affection will provide emotional fulfillment. When the emotive Moon forms a supportive angle to passionate Pluto, you need to follow your bliss. If you feel like you're in a rut, this would be a great time to break a bad habit. Losing weight, quitting smoking, and ending a dead-end relationship are among the possibilities. Trust your instincts. You're ready to make a fresh start, and can't waste time on activities that drain your energy. Looking ahead, it will become increasingly different to cooperate. The Moon will oppose both Mercury and Venus, making it difficult to communicate and emphasize. Prepare to defend your interests. The Sun is at 2 degrees Gemini, the Moon is in Scorpio, Mercury is in Gemini, Venus is in Gemini and Mars is in Taurus. With this combination of planetary energies try to: Avoid getting into big debates over small matters. Try not to: Borrow what you can't easily pay back. Avoid collection agents. Today's exact aspects and their keywords are:

Moon Conjunct Saturn: A Time of Melancholy.
Moon Sextile Pluto: Emotional Compost.
Saturn, Pluto are retrograde.

And finally happy birthday to Jewel, Drew Carey and Lane Garrison. If it's your birthday today, the year ahead will give you deeper insight to your hidden motivations. Slowly but surely, you will pursue hobbies that captivate your interests. Following the crowd will no longer feel appealing. You'll stop making apologies for being an individual with unique tastes and sensibilities. What a relief! - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + -

Sagittarius Full Moon Lunar Eclipse: Blind Faith

2013-05-22T23:17:15Z

If you’re a sensitive you may be feeling foggy, spacey or tired this week as Friday’s Sagittarius lunar eclipse squares Neptune, the planet of sleep, dreams, spirituality, consciousness, deception and self-undoing. Neptune, like Twelfth House planets, is accompanied by that vague and fuzzy, dazed and confused feeling. If we want to nail down anything, a relationship or health problem, we won’t be able to. We can’t see very far into the future. Nay, we may only barely be able to see the next few feet in front of us.

Sagittarius is the sign of overarching perspective, of the big picture, and Gemini is the sign of information, data, questions and more questions. We may want more information, to have our questions answered, and maybe we even think if we had all the right answers and puzzle pieces in place, the answers would save us. But Neptune, square this “searching for answers” axis, doesn’t work that way. At this full moon, there is no one right answer, because what’s required in order for our confusing situation to shift is not a solution or answer per se, but an expansion of consciousness. This doesn’t arrive via email, Amazon.com or another person; you can’t clear things up with a big relationship talk, at least not right now. Instead, it’s a sloooow inward process of surrendering and opening. We may want to make a move but feel immobilized, paralyzed, uncertain about the future. At this moment, that’s exactly as it should be. Sometimes the only answer we can trust for sure is, “I don’t know where to go, what to do.”

This week, I’ve had poison oak spring up out of the blue, and then a parasite infection may be resurfacing. Neptune rules my Sixth House of Health – my Achilles heel. I wish there was one right answer for my ailing health, like taking an aspirin for a headache; experience has told me there is not. It’s more like searching for a needle in a haystack, and this act of seeking has impelled my life’s journey. Sagittarius rules the Journeyor and Seeker in all of us, the Gypsy and Philosopher, the hungry, searching part of us who is a stranger in a strange land, searching for an overarching meaning to life’s mystery and its endless questions, searching for home.

Neptune shares Sagittarius’ divine restlessness which comes in the form of a longing, a craving and hunger for something we want and don’t have. What are you most longing for? Are you sure? Murky Neptune can cause us to think we want something really badly, when what we actually need is something else. Eclipses are designed for cleaning up, letting go, in an area of life, and this full moon lunar eclipse asks us to slow down, to create the time and space for awareness and realization to occur. Hold the space for new consciousness to enter the natal houses in which Neptune and this eclipse axis falls, and for confusion to exit. This week don’t try to solve the world’s problems, or even your own. And don’t get distracted by your, or someone else’s, crazy. That’s Neptune, too. Nurture your Spirit. Trust. Know that the puzzle pieces will fall into place. Know that when the world becomes too confusing, flummoxing, bewildering, nonsensical, hard to pin down, the voice we can always trust is the small still one inside.

Here’s a list of ways to look at and work with Neptune, excerpted from Tracy Marks’ book The Astrology of Self-Discovery.

-Neptune may blind us to our real feelings and needs and keep us engaged in internal dramas which seem to lead nowhere and which have little relevance to our actual circumstances.

-We may be struggling with the wrong problems or asking the wrong questions.

-We may not be ready to make a change because pieces are still missing in our development, which will be provided in the future. We may not have become yet who we need to become in order to move further in one particular realm of our lives.

-We may not see clearly because seeing it can be painful…It (seeing clearly) might mean facing the internal emptiness, or lack of love in our marriage. It might destroy our dreams and illusions.

-Neptune rarely helps us cope with external reality and concrete issues; it is more concerned with awakening our inner self and our sources of inspiration. One of the more positive benefits of confusion is that it may motivate us to contact the center of our being and to discover the capabilities or our intuition and inner guidance.

image source: http://mickiekent.blogspot.com

Mercury, Venus, and Jupiter Triple Conjunction

2013-05-22T22:44:00Z

-May 23 evening sky

From Images 108

--NASA says Venus, Jupiter, Mercury to Align in Triple Conjunction in the Sunset Sky May 25th

Sunset is a special time of day. Low-hanging clouds glow vivid red and orange as the background sky turns cobalt blue. The first stars pop out in the heavenly dome overhead, eliciting wishes from backyard sky watchers.

The sunset of May 26th will be extra special. On that date, Venus, Jupiter and Mercury will gather in the fading twilight to form a bright triangle only three degrees wide. Read More

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The Penumbral Lunar Eclipse Full Moon of Gemini-Sagittarius 2013 Pt. 1 – Break Down, Break Through, Break Out!

2013-05-22T22:13:04Z

by Robert Wilkinson

The Full Moon of Sun in Gemini and Moon in Sagittarius, being conjunct the Lunar Nodes, is a Lunar Eclipse. What does this mean?

Since all Eclipses shut something down, this Penumbral Lunar Eclipse, which also happens to be the Third High Moon of Spring, known as “the Christ Fest,” begins a 17 day "shut down" in the houses it occupies in our charts. Given the aspects, this one will release a lot of energy for those with imagination and skill. This Eclipse is of extremely short duration, so its effects will be swift and done.

This Eclipse will only be visible from the Americas and western Africa. All of you lucky enough to be able to view this Eclipse remember that when it’s happening, you’re being shown a new way to integrate your body, feelings, and mind, as well as new ways of viewing, understanding, communicating, and knowing. The line of development is one of deeper ways to feel your relatedness to others as well as within.

Over time this will regenerate us, and show us how the subconscious mind and its imagery affect outer behavior. Ultimately this is showing us a deeper way to connect with life and others, and the growth patterns shown by this and other recent Eclipses will take effective shape this Autumn.

I’ll be discussing more about what this specific Eclipse is about in the next articles on this event. For now, I’ll just say that we began a long term process of elimination and shedding old ideas, perceptions, environments, and relationships in June of 2011. This was ramped up by the Sagittarius Solar Eclipse of November 2011 and again in the Gemini Solar Eclipse of May 2012 and Sagittarius Solar Eclipse of December 2012.

All the Eclipses in Gemini and Sagittarius, both Solar and Lunar, served to shut down old ways of life, thinking, and understanding wherever we have Gemini and Sagittarius in our charts. There's a lot about them in the archives if you want to know more about their ongoing influence.

April’s Wesak Lunar Eclipse began a time of shutting down old ways of life, feeling, and valuing wherever we have Taurus and Scorpio in our charts, opening us to a form of “Buddha Wisdom.” This one will shut down old ways of living and experiencing life areas wherever we have Gemini and Sagittarius in our charts, opening us to new forms of the world teaching.

So like most Lunar Eclipses, this one ushers in a transitional period, in this case a very short one of 17 days that will clear things out of our lives, and especially our past (the Moon). The space created can attract circumstances, people, and ideas opening new opportunities and adventures via the Mercury and Venus conjunctions to Jupiter.

We’ll still be under the influence of Solar Eclipses in recent years for a while. The very powerful June 2011 Solar Eclipse at 12 Gemini sent the Grand Irrationality into intense oscillation that still is helping all of us release ghosts from the past so that we can move forward without excess psychological (and maybe physical!) baggage. This will be pretty much over by mid-June.

This Lunar Eclipse gives us opportunities to continue to learn how to manage magnetism, and see “the appearance of the beloved on the balcony of our consciousness” if we can define role, function, and imagery precisely according to our heart’s desire. While there will be some gear grinding, there is also a lot of room to move about in our view, understanding, seeing the need for balance or perspective in some important area in our lives.

There will be shifts in the relationship to the larger field due to the T-square created by Neptune to the Eclipse. For some, fogs and confusion. If this is the case, come up for air, or double down on learning what you need to. For others, clarity of role, clarity of mission, clarity of what others aren’t seeing, and clarity of subtle influences others need to be made aware of.

Due to the Moon occupying the exact degree Mercury went stationary retrograde on in November 2012, some coming Eclipse effects will be related to what signs, signals, and understandings Mercury brought us in the period between early November and late-December 2012. We got a dress rehearsal or three during that time regarding finding peace and poise in a calm and mellow “translucid wisdom.” Now we get to demonstrate that over the next two weeks through what is released.

And now, here’s a bit from the NASA Lunar Eclipse page:

The second lunar eclipse of the year again occurs at the Moon's ascending node in Scorpius about 7° northwest of Antares (mv = +1.07). With a penumbral eclipse magnitude of 0.0158, just 0.5 arc-minutes of the Moon's southern limb will pass into Earth's pale penumbral shadow; such a shallow eclipse is only of academic interest since it will be all but impossible to detect.

Nevertheless, the Moon's contact times with Earth's penumbra are listed below.

Penumbral Eclipse Begins: 03:53:11 UT
Greatest Eclipse: 04:10:00 UT
Penumbral Eclipse Ends: 04:26:56 UT

During the event, the Moon will be visible from the Americas and western Africa. Figure 3 shows the path of the Moon through the penumbra as well as a map showing the geographic regions of visibility.

The May 25 penumbral lunar eclipse is the very first eclipse of Saros 150, a series of 71 eclipses in the following sequence: 8 penumbral, 23 partial, 12 total, 15 partial, and 13 penumbral lunar eclipses (Espenak and Meeus, 2009). Saros 150 peaks with a total eclipse on 2680 Jul 04 and it ends on 3275 Jun 30.

In the next parts, we'll explore the Ascendants around the world, the qualities of the Eclipse, the Sabian Symbols, the aspects, configurations, and other specifics of this fairly weak Penumbral Lunar Eclipse Christ Fest Full Moon in Gemini-Sagittarius. Check back in tomorrow!

For more about Eclipses in general, how they are timed for effects, and other seldom considered considerations (con = "to be with" + sider = "the stars"), please check out yesterday’s post, Astrology in May 2013 - On The Threshold of a Penumbral Lunar Eclipse at 5 Sagittarius-Gemini

For more on the Moon's Sabian Symbol of 5 Sagittarius, and some insights about what Mercury brought to us via that degree, please revisit Mercury Retrograde in Sagittarius and Scorpio in November 2012 – Finding Peace and Poise Through An Objective Approach to the Craziness

Virgo Sun 12th House

2013-05-22T19:53:23Z

With the Sun in Virgo in the 12th house, you take the details and make them timeless. You discover personal power by being perfectly in

Announcement: A New Offering!

2013-05-22T17:11:56Z

The beginning of Gemini season seems like a great time for me to offer the first booklet of a compilation of my posts. This one is titled “Using the Rulers of the Sixth House & Tenth Houses in your Job Search”. It is available in three different formats: pdf, Mobi (Kindle) and Epub(Nook).

Putting this together turned out to be far more challenging than I had thought it would be . . . isn’t that often the case? First step was editing the posts and I was reminded why there is such a thing as editors. Amazing what [...]

The Lunar Eclipse and Neptune

2013-05-22T15:59:00Z

The shallow lunar eclipse on Friday May 24 (9:25 pm, PDT) at 4 Sagittarius is square Neptune. In a previous post it was mentioned that the eclipse Moon is parallel Pluto (by declination) and contra-parallel Mars- suggesting a heightened Scorpio vibration. But the participation of Neptune adds a whole other quality, that is inspirational at best, or nebulous and confusing on the flip side. It's hard to know beforehand how Neptune will work out in real world events, as things are never quite what they seem when Neptune's a major factor.

Neptune was setting when bombs went off near the finish line at the 2013 Boston Marathon, and rising as World Trade Center building 7 began to collapse without sustaining a direct hit from a hijacked plane on that fateful day. Thus we may never know what actually occurred at either of these incidents.

The May 25 (EDT) Full Moon horoscope features the Moon and Pluto parallel the eclipse Ascendant (and contra-parallel Mars) in the U.S. capital. (Eclipse Ascendant -19*28', Moon -19*25', Pluto -19*42', and Mars +19*08') So we might expect some relatively forceful and/or violent events to occur in U.S. along with this lunation. Moreover, the critical position of Mars conjunct the malefic star Algol and on the eclipse IC/4th house cusp, is perhaps an indication of further deadly weather on the horizon.

From United States

When Mars entered Taurus on April 20, 2013, it just so happened to be rising with the Sun in Moore, Oklahoma. As Mars is generally considered more problematic in it's detriment (Taurus), this is certainly a foreshadowing of the violent tornado's that ravaged Moore on May 20. The May 9/10 solar eclipse Saturn (hardships) was on the Ascendant in Moore, with eclipse Mercury and Mars (violent winds) parallel the Midheaven there, as well.

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Red Sprite Lightning with Aurora

2013-05-22T15:08:00Z

From Images 108

What's that in the sky? It is a rarely seen form of lightning confirmed only about 25 years ago: a red sprite. Recent research has shown that following a powerful positive cloud-to-ground lightning strike, red sprites may start as 100-meter balls of ionized air that shoot down from about 80-km high at 10 percent the speed of light and are quickly followed by a group of upward streaking ionized balls. The above image, taken a few days ago above central South Dakota, USA, captured a bright red sprite, and is a candidate for the first color image ever recorded of a sprite and aurora together. Distant storm clouds cross the bottom of the image, while streaks of colorful aurora are visible in the background. Red sprites take only a fraction of a second to occur and are best seen when powerful thunderstorms are visible from the side. [APOD - Image: Walter Lyons]

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Astro-Notes on May 22, 2013 – addressing our wounds

2013-05-22T13:16:06Z

This morning did Pallas in Taurus perfect her semi-square to Uranus in Aries that is urging us to begin changing some of our

Image Source: http://4photos.net/en/image:138-194113-spring_scene

unproductive strategies and resisting politics, which have kept us from making progress on personal fronts. With Mercury in Gemini in square aspect to Chiron in Pisces, we are challenged to overcome victimizing conditions and painful situations by addressing our wounds and deal with them openly and compassionately, thereby uniting in solidarity and focusing on transcending and healing. After the Moon’s ingress to Scorpio at 4:55 pm EDT could things either get more complicated and taxing on our feelings or we enter a period of emotional regeneration and renewal.

Tarot card of the day is “Strength”, suggesting that we draw upon our inner strength and the power of our spirit and will. With compassion and understanding can we handle the most difficult situation and also tame the beast within. We have the ability to be tolerant, forgiving and accepting and thus can gently influence our environment. Furthermore, we can be assured that we have enough endurance to see things through to their end and get a lot accomplished.

In the news: Tim Bosma’s memorial is held today in the hall that hosted his wedding reception – the search for Oklahoma tornado survivors is nearly complete – children’s mouths allegedly taped shut at N.S. school

How to Spot a Romantic Deceiver

2013-05-22T09:00:27Z

Credit: TatyanaGI via iStockphoto

Wouldn’t it be great if there was a way to spot a romantic deceiver? There is, if you can have a look at their birth chart. Read on for some astrological red flags of the guy or gal who is so good at drawing you in, then letting you down. Some of these aspects will be obvious, some not. One caveat: although these aspects can be associated with manipulation or deceit, every person with these sign/planet combinations is not guaranteed to manifest their negative expressions. Everyone has a choice about how they use the energies in their chart. So if you have one of the aspects listed here, and you’re an upstanding partner — great! Speak up in the comments section with examples of how you use your powers for good.

The Dark Mother/Child: Pluto Squaring or Opposing Moon in Cancer

Moon in Cancer tops the list of planet/sign combinations that need security and nurturing. Cancer is the archetype of the Mother and the Child. Add a tough aspect from natal Pluto, and these needs can become twisted. Pluto intensifies, while adding an instinct for ferreting out vulnerabilities in others.

Vij’s Moon in Cancer squares Pluto, and he is a bottomless pit of need. He attracts, then grabs onto, a partner whom he senses can provide the comfort that was missing in his childhood. He’s the wounded animal, waiting to be healed. He appears deliciously vulnerable, and he’s usually in the middle of an emotional crisis. You just want to take him home. But his childhood featured some trauma (symbolized by the hard Pluto aspect) so he has become a master of emotional defensiveness. It’s all about feeling safe for him, and that means keeping you on edge (because an insecure partner is easily controlled). He insinuates himself into your life, so you feel like you cannot function without him. But the moment he feels threatened, he abruptly withdraws. Intensely loving, vulnerable Vij becomes cold and unfeeling. You’re left confused, hurt and desperate to experience that magnetic current of emotion that he offers (when it suits him). This is the dark, devouring Mother/Child archetype. The truth is, no one will be able to provide the security that Vij craves. He needs to find that sustenance within himself, rather than sucking it from his partners.

The Sparkling Distractor: Mercury Square or Opposite Uranus

You’d think this aspect would lead to honest, upfront communication. Isn’t Uranian energy all about clarity? It is, but it’s also the energy of disruption and detachment. In hard aspect to the planet of intellect and communication, it can indicate someone who lives in their head, and is uncomfortable with intimacy.

Su-Jin is a sparkler when you first talk with her. She’s flirtatious, unconventional, and seems to take an interest in every word you say. But if you look at bit closer, you’ll see her eyes darting around the room, searching for something more interesting. Notice how she interrupts you, or shifts the conversation on a dime? This is Uranus’ energy, stepping in when things get uncomfortable. She’ll talk about random things, or say something shocking, in an attempt to distract you from whatever topic she’d rather not confront (it will usually involve feelings, or something about her past). Making plans with her can be next to impossible, because she hates being tied down. Years of this communication style has alienated others from Sun-Jin, but her mind is so active that she’s created whacked-out stories about why this is so. She hangs onto these ideas (Uranus’ energy can create fanaticism), so having a rational discussion with her is challenging. But she is capable of deep feelings. She’s just out of practice, and needs to engage with people in a way that doesn’t hold them at arm’s length.

The Illusionist: Personal planets (in Gemini or Sagittarius) Square, Opposite or Conjunct Neptune

This is not a Gemini/Sag bashing article. Lots of folks with the above mentioned configurations are simply imaginative partners with a lovely romantic streak. But for some, Neptune’s dreamy energy — combined with Gemini’s ability to tell stories, or Sag’s ability to up-sell — can create a partner who weaves beautiful dreams with no basis in reality. Often, there’s no malicious intent behind these big (but empty) promises. They simply find it easier to express themselves in broad brushstrokes; the details are ignored.

Chris has a Venus/Mercury conjunction in Gemini (opposite Neptune) and has difficulty deciding what he wants in a relationship. He is continually aware of other options, so he’ll make pretty (but vague) statements to you. If he can’t be held accountable, there’s always an exit. Bill’s Mars in Sag (square Neptune) is focused on the thrill of what lies over the horizon. He would love nothing more than to have you join him on his next great adventure, and you get caught up with his evangelical fervor. The problem is, his actions (Mars) are undermined by illusion (Neptune). He gives up, overwhelmed by a sense of futility and disappointment (and lets you down in the process). The issue with any planet in Gemini/Sagittarius (that’s muddled by a hard Neptune aspect) is bringing the vision down to earth, and getting specific.

The Evolutionary Seducer: Pluto in 1st House Libra

Libra rising is appealing, sociable and flirtatious. Add magnetic Pluto (especially when it falls within a few degrees of the Ascendent) and you have a potent recipe for attraction. These individuals have something that draws people to them. But Pluto is the planet of evolution, and wherever it falls in the chart is where transformation must occur. The 1st House represents identity, so these people are driven to transform themselves through the relationships they experience. This can lead to many, many compulsive encounters, all with the goal of enlightening the Pluto person.

Arun attracts men and women, and while not all these encounters involve sex, the other person feels that they are being seduced. She hasn’t been without a partner since she was sixteen (she’s 32 now). Arun claims that she does not go looking for people, and she’s being honest; Pluto’s energy is instinctive, and she doesn’t have much control over who she draws in. She just senses that associating with a certain person will teach her something new about herself. She doesn’t seem like a “player,” because Pluto’s intensity, and her very real quest for self-knowledge, gives her depth. She wants to know everything about you. It’s thrilling (and unnerving) to have this beautiful woman fixated on every detail of your life. Being with Arun can feel like sudden, total immersion in a capital “R” Relationship, with no breathing room. She has to be with you all the time, on her terms. Until one day, she tells you that she’s met someone else, and she’s leaving. What’s happened is she’s learned all she can from you (about herself) and that’s it. This revolving door of relationships will continue indefinitely, until Arun learns her true (paradoxical) evolutionary lesson: that a balanced relationship involves two people, and she doesn’t need to be in one to learn about herself.

This is not an exhaustive list. But it does describe some of the more prominent aspects that could indicate a troublesome romantic partner. If you’re involved with one of these people, know that you can’t change them. Awareness of what’s happening is helpful, but in the end, it’s their call.

Related Posts:

The Astrologer Daily: May 22nd, 2013

2013-05-22T07:00:10Z

By Kelli Fox, The Astrologer

Today promises to be an intense time, thanks to the Moon's conjunction to Saturn in Scorpio. Let down your defenses with someone you love, or your relationship will suffer. If you're possessive, admit the reason why. Stop resorting to sarcasm. You like to pretend you don't care, but the truth is, you have deep feelings about this relationship. Fortunately, the Moon is also trine compassionate Neptune. The object of your affection will be a lot more understanding than you expect. The two of you have built a solid foundation together. Keep the lines of communication open to reinforce your bond. Looking ahead, a disappointing legal decision will be handed down. A Lunar Eclipse in Sagittarius will bring an end to a period of freedom. We may see restrictive laws being passed out of fear and prejudice. The Sun is at 1 degree Gemini, the Moon is in Libra, Mercury is in Gemini, Venus is in Gemini and Mars is in Taurus. With this combination of planetary energies try to: Make an effort to keep silent during a tender kiss. Try not to: Be afraid of the big 'L' word. See if you can even say it. Today's exact aspects and their keywords are:

Moon Trine Neptune: Finding the Spirit.
Moon Trine Jupiter: Sentimental Journey.
Saturn, Pluto are retrograde.

And finally happy birthday to Naomi Campbell, Ginnifer Goodwin and Jordan/Katie Price. If it's your birthday today, the year ahead will invite you to rely on faith. You're tired of analyzing relationships to death. When you trust your heart for information, you'll make much better choices. If you aren't wildly in love with your romantic partner, break things off and wait for the real thing to come along. - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + -

Aeolian Processes

2013-05-22T00:03:41Z

“Wind and Thunder Gods” by Ogata Korin, Edo period, 18th century

While May began with a brutal trudge, its last third is characterized by manic speed. Good tidings and ill are born aloft on potent winds, whose bluster shapes the land below.

From the 2013 Astrological Almanac-

“The Sun leaves the pastures of Taurus behind on the 20th, when it enters the dizzying geometries of Gemini. The real story on the 20th, though, is Uranus in Aries’ exact square with Pluto in Capricorn, the third installment in the multiyear series of clashes between the two bodies. This clash halos the days surrounding it with a cackling nimbus of chaotic but transformative energy. For more detail on the Uranus-Pluto squares, refer to the “The Uranus Pluto Squares.”

Uranus and Pluto’s clash kicks off the electric last third of May , which sees the Sun, Mercury, Venus and Jupiter all in Gemini. Mercury, Venus and Jupiter cluster as a bright trio in the evening sky. This triad of planets heralds a series of realizations and ideas, sending a surge through the collective nervous system. There is a manic euphoria here. As brilliant ideas fire in synapses, people connect and exchange mental energy. Wings spread and coast on mighty thermals.”

The Full Moon in Sagittarius kicks these configurations into overdrive. This Full Moon has been billed as a dramatic third eclipse, but this this is a hard case to argue, for the Full Moon of May 24^th will not be visibly darkened, nor reddened, from any place on earth. It’s shadowing is so slight that it is imperceptible the naked eye. It can thus only be considered an eclipse by the most technical definitions. It is, however, for a variety of reasons, a super-potent lunation.

From the 2013 Astrological Almanac-

“The Full Moon in Sagittarius occurs in the midst of all this mercurial mojo, on May 24th. This lunation calls for us to yoke this wild mental energy to a purpose, to give these ideas a direction. It is not so easy, though, for Neptune squares both the Sun and Moon here, dragging intentions sideways. The other blue planet, and the imaginative, mystical host it marshals demand to be part of this unification. The fabric of dream must be woven into the vision and the goal. The element of this power is not air, but water, and water does not move as the crow flies. It moves as a dream moves- circular and mysterious, yet ultimately efficient. The way forward is not a straight line, but a Phillip K Dick style journey through shifting layers of reality.”

This Full Moon occurs opposite the cluster of Mercury, Venus and Jupiter in Gemini, a combination which promises a bounty of benefic activity. While the honey of the gods may proceed from this trio, Mars spends the weekend in conjunction with Caput Algol, a fixed star with a fearsome reputation. The best and a pinch of the worst are blended together by the rapid motion of May’s end.

Learning To Let Go – Maybe

2013-05-21T20:41:00Z

Ceres by Antoine Watteau. The asteroid Ceres
was discovered more than two centuries ago, but it's taken astrologers
a long time to acknowledge her as a contender.
Astronomers now classify her on the same level as Pluto.
The sickle she holds here is also her astrological symbol.

One of the readers of this blog sent me a question last month, which I have been taking out of the files at the back of my mind every now and then, and turning over.

I print her email here since, in asking her question, she set off a whole chain of further questions in my mind.

Here is what she wrote:

"...Here's a little more info before I ask my question...

"Buz Myers was one of my favorite astrologers. Unfortunately he died in the 90s, but he left a legacy of recordings. One of my favorites is his lecture on the void of course planet in a natal chart. He felt that the VOC planet tells the story of the main life lesson.

[A planet is considered VOC if it will not make any more aspects to other planets before changing signs. I think Buz is using this definition, although other astrologers might not be. However, I think it's interesting to consider whether his idea might apply to the planet in the latest degree in your chart, whether or not it is in orb. Is that too techie? ed. ]

Here's an all too brief summary of his two-hour lecture:

VOID OF COURSE PLANET

[what you need to learn to let go of, what you need to learn in this life cycle]

Sun: ego

Moon: detachment; had to detach from a nutso family; detach emotionally; let go

Mercury: shares out (then releases) information; release brothers, sisters, environment; ties to agreements; brothers and sisters (in general)

Venus: lets go of money, resources and relationships

Mars: lets go of sexuality, doesn’t “need” it (it doesn’t mean you don’t want it or enjoy it!)

Jupiter: beliefs; philosophies; teachers, expansions, learning, belief systems-especially prejudices

Saturn: responsibility; let go of parent/authority figures; binding and cumbersome situations; laws of man; crap from parents; dutiful stuff; the “right” thing – even when you know it’s not the right thing

Uranus: transcendental; letting go of higher mind; letting go of 11^th house stuff (groups). Here to learn manifestation.

Neptune: space cadet; very intuitive and psychic; must release fear

Pluto: life and death; death and dying

What would you add to that for each of the asteroids?

This would be my hypothesis, thinking about the archetypes of the asteroids, but I would need to test this out quite a lot first.

Juno: let go of the need for partnership

Pallas: let go of the need for strategy, learn spontaneity

Vesta: let go of home or the need to serve

Ceres: let go of the need to breed

I think you could apply these ideas very well to progressed charts and solar returns too. In progressed charts the heavy and medium planets at 29° have this karmic feeling too.

Astrology in May 2013 - On The Threshold of a Penumbral Lunar Eclipse at 5 Sagittarius-Gemini

2013-05-21T15:20:32Z

by Robert Wilkinson

Because we’re having a rare event of three Eclipses in a 29 day span, it’s obviously an intense time! However, these Eclipses are not all the same in duration and effect. Today we begin the Gemini-Sagittarius Lunar Eclipse series. This one’s the Third High Moon of Spring, known as “the Christ Fest.”

Though I gave some of this to you a short while ago, I’ll remind you again that it's always good to remember that no eclipse of itself is "bad," nor do we have anything to fear. There is a lot of superstition about Eclipses, mostly focusing on "dreadful" or difficult elements that often seem to accompany them. However, while all eclipses take something away and/or shut something down, an Eclipse can have beneficial effects if we just know "when to hold 'em, when to fold 'em, when to walk away, and when to run."

What’s included in this post was also relevant in the recent Lunar Eclipse Wesak Festival on April 25-26 at 6 Taurus-Scorpio, as well as the recent Annular Solar Eclipse at 20 Taurus. Though this Full Moon is considered the “Vesak” celebration of the Buddha’s birthday in many areas in the East that use Sidereal astrological positions, for our purposes this Full Moon of Gemini-Sagittarius is the Christ Fest, where the World Teacher takes the “wisdom form” set into motion at the Wesak and distributes it to the world as a spiritual teaching for the rest of the year.

The Three High Moons this year include the Full Moon at 7 Aries-Libra, the Wesak Eclipse at 6 Taurus-Scorpio, and this Christ Fest Eclipse at 5 Gemini-Sagittarius. The first showed as the Life force for the year, the second set this year’s “Buddha wisdom” into motion, and this one will distribute it to the world.

The Wesak Eclipse will be particularly strong for just over 3 months, and still affect the entire year. This Eclipse is very short in duration, and in fact will only show Eclipse effects for about 2 weeks, the normal influence for a Full Moon. The recent Solar Eclipse will show effects for 45 months.

Eclipses are both dreaded and misunderstood recurring phenomena. Solar Eclipse effects last for several years, while Lunar Eclipse effects last for a few months.

This Penumbral Lunar Eclipse is also the fulfillment of the recent New Moon in Taurus. This “Christ Fest” or “World Teacher” Full Moon happens on May 24, 9:25 pm PDT, 12:25 am EDT May 25, and 5:25 am Greenwich Daylight time on May 25. It will last 33+ minutes, showing an influence that will last about 16-17 days. This is an Eclipse with a VERY short duration. In fact, the recent Wesak Eclipse, which will show Eclipse effects for about 3 ½ months, will still be in play after this Gemini-Sag Full Moon Eclipse fades.

Today we'll discuss a lot about eclipses in general and a little about this one. In following articles I'll elaborate on the Astro-physics of the phenomenon, who is most affected by this Eclipse, symbols, aspects, patterns, and what we can expect from this Penumbral Lunar Eclipse at 5 Gemini-Sagittarius.

Even if you already read this over the past several weeks, I’ll take this moment to offer that I've composed quite a few articles on past eclipses in the archives that bear re-visiting, since the Solar Eclipses of 2010, 2011, and 2012 are still manifesting results, if traditional Eclipse lore is to be believed. (The July 2009 Eclipse effects just ended in December, while the January 2010 Solar Eclipse will still be in play through September 2013).

Core material about the timeline of Eclipse effects can be found in the article, The Solar Eclipse - What It Means and Its Effect On Our Life, as well as many other elements of what we can expect from these recurring celestial events. Links to recent eclipses are at the bottom of this article.

Also, here's another important article explaining even more about what effects we can expect to result from Lunar and Solar Eclipses. For your reconsideration, The Solar and Lunar Eclipse - Is Any Eclipse Destined to Have Bad Effects?

To whet your appetites, here is a bit from the article:

There is a lot of fear and trepidation connected to Eclipses, an unfortunate leftover from previous centuries when Eclipses were believed to augur the fall of empires, dynasties, and powerful people anywhere the Eclipse shadow fell. While Eclipses do tend to shut down some elements in the area of life (house) in which they fall, this is not necessarily a bad thing, since we must bring some things to an end if we are to embrace newer, better ways of doing our Being. While the future effects of an Eclipse may be powerful, in that they last over a long period, they are not necessarily bad.

No Astrological event need be "bad," or have "evil" effects, regardless of whether we're using Vedic, Chinese, Western, or any other approach to defining "All-That-Is" within a precise system of space-time factors. Though a circumstance may seem to have "bad" omens for the future, we can always transcend any negativity and turn the future to beneficent possibilities. No matter where an Eclipse falls, we can turn it to good.

Here it is important to remember Astrology is NOT a "predictive" art, in the usual way this is understood. The craft is less deterministic than most believe, including we professional Astrologers who seem to be able to "hit the mark" regarding future manifestations.

Pattern is everything, and time is a continuity. By knowing the past and present, we can often extrapolate the future. But we can never know how a being will respond to any given life challenge, whether pleasant or painful. Each has their ability to respond as they choose in the moment.

This directly related to the concept that each planet has a duality of function. It is up to us to determine whether the Moon, Sun, Mercury or any other planet involved in eclipses, "bad" aspects, configurations and other phenomena manifests productively or non-productively.

To remind you, a square can be more productive than a trine, and an opposition can produce awareness. Polarization is only a problem on the ego level. Seen from a higher angle, oppositions are necessary for us to acquire objectivity and the ability to encompass duality within a higher view.

By all means, check out the entire article, since I explained how past eclipses affected my chart, and gave examples of the good that can come after an eclipse removes old patterns. This Penumbral Lunar Eclipse in Gemini-Sagittarius active for the next two weeks as an Eclipse and the World Teaching over the next year will show us the light and power of “reaching beyond established forms,” where the ideas we have that have been “bound in form” will show us other views and other realities.

This will lead us to a “translucid wisdom,” as well as a peace and poise in expressing whatever higher awareness we value. This takes the power of our ability to live our lives on multiple levels and find fulfillment and happiness on all of them expressed as a guardianship, concentrated in becoming good “bridge builders” expressed as tearing ourselves away from the known and familiar, and gives us the light of efficiency, sympathy, and reform expressed as “mellow judgment,” confidence, self-worth, and poise. This will shut down old Gemini and Sagittarius energy and open new potential wherever we have 5 Gemini-Sag in our charts.

This one will bring new discoveries in dimensions previously unknown to our minds, and those who can go deeper, understanding the role the subconscious mind plays in what’s going on, will find high specialization and interpretive gifts coming to them. This Eclipse has many quintiles, showing multiple opportunities to expand along lines we’ve prepared for since September-October 2012.

This is where “the God within” is showing us how to rouse our intention to grow and expand in some integral way wherever we have 20-23 Gemini. This Eclipse will be brief and intense in its effects, and while some things will explode beyond the old form, on the whole this will be an incredibly beneficial in opening us to new views, new ideas, new interpretations, and new ways to envision what we want to see presented to us in the near future.

Though ideas and communications will be prominent, deciding and acting are how we will approach the issues presented these next two weeks (and teaching of the year). This is a time to examine old ideas and approaches and get rid of those views that do not serve the expanding future. This is a time of multilevel integration practices, where we can allow our minds to be vehicles for the Soul, finding self-confidence in our Spiritual awareness cultivated up to now. Whatever is taken away will leave us with a sense of peace and poise.

Whatever is stripped away will leave a void to be filled with more diverse understanding and views that help us to achieve a “Soulful state of mind,” so as with other Eclipses, learn to hold the empty space with patience and a sense of attracting what you need “to perfect the great work” between late June and mid-November 2013.

It will bring a greater awareness around recent and current losses, and show us the power of holding the void. Whatever is shut down by this Penumbral Lunar Eclipse creates a space for new ideas, new interpretation of truths or philosophical understanding, and new views that can help us get new ways of communicating, freed of old mental concepts and complexes.

We’ll be tested on these things on June 5, 6, and 7, when Mars transits this Eclipse Sun. So whatever Gemini functions are shut down will bring new activity quickly, these in some way related to developments, ideas, lessons, and discoveries of late June and early July 2012 that were set into motion in February 2013.

All Eclipses radically transform areas affected by the planetary positions, so look to where you have 5 Gemini and 5 Sagittarius to see what will be shut down over the next two weeks. Those life areas will yield alternative views and a new higher understanding. Those who have been clear about role, function, and precise imagery should see “the appearance of the Beloved on the balcony of consciousness.” Given the nodes, we “gain through loss,” and will need to go deeper to understand how to clean out images in the subconscious mind that do not serve our need for spiritual self-mobilization.

In this “World Teaching” Penumbral Lunar Eclipse at 5 Sagittarius-Gemini, we see the most important factors are Mercury and Venus conjunct Jupiter, with all quintile Uranus. The Lunation forms a Mutable T-square with Neptune, releasing energy into early Virgo. All T-squares hold integrative promise, and in this case it deals with our relationship to collective consciousness and the common feelings we share with all others through all time.

This one will help us mobilize toward getting clear about the roles we’re playing, the roles we’re NOT playing, and move us into the step plan of our work. We will need imagination, a way to assimilate what we’ve seen and learned with new things we’re seeing and learning, and this should provide us with skill in the precise use of doing what needs to be done “to win a prize or a free ride.” Pay attention to details, work the routine while getting a new view and understanding, and you should be able to mobilize in natural ways while seeing the manifestation of some heart’s desire you’ve held up to now.

Wherever we have Gemini is the focus of Light, Life, and expansion into greater views, and the houses where we have Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Sagittarius, and Pisces will see tremendous growth these next two weeks. Go as deep as you need to over the next two weeks, and you could see some things about subconsciousness that will help you to a deeper inner knowing and trust. More to come in future articles.

More on the Solar Eclipses of 2011 and 2012

Though 2012 was no slouch in terms of Eclipse effects, 2011 was a rare year that offered us 6 Eclipses in one year, 4 Solar and 2 Lunar. We had the first Partial Solar Eclipse in January, we had the second one June 1-2, the third one on July 1, and a final one November 24-25! The 2 Lunar Eclipses were also Total Eclipses, following what we saw in December 2010.

While the Lunar Eclipses are no longer in force, the 4 Solar Eclipses of 2011 will affect us for a long time to come, so take a look at the numerous January, June, July, and November 2011 Eclipse articles in the archives. While you’re at it, you may also want to review the articles on the 2012 Solar Eclipses, since they’re also still in major play at the present time and into the future. Some links are at the bottom of this page.

The Solar Eclipses of January and June 2011 brought blessings upon us since they happened. We've simply been challenged to let go of old life patterns that no longer serve the emergent Archetypes we've been living the past two years. Due to such things as the Grand Irrationality and the various Cardinal T-squares and Crosses set up by Uranus in Aries square Pluto in Capricorn, we're all going through major changes that will affect our lives for many years. It may have been a wild ride, but power and new potentials have resulted from our choices.

Since the past is prologue to the future, those who prepared, learned, and allowed themselves to be moved into new ways of relating to others in 2011 have found in 2012 an activation of a concrete higher power or value they can trust. Those who have not shown kindness and understanding at critical junctures in the past three years have reaped consequences. Our ability to become an elegant and balanced Spiritual Warrior has been put to the test in diverse ways, and 2011 made clear the consequences for seeking what we have sought.

In 2012 we had two Solar Eclipses. The first one in May was Annular, whereas the one on November 13-14 was a Total Solar Eclipse at 22 Scorpio. We also had two Lunar Eclipses. The one on June 4 was a Partial Lunar Eclipse at 15 Sagittarius/Gemini, and marked the "Christ Fest," the third of the 3 "High Moons" of Spring. The Lunar Eclipse on November 28 was a Penumbral Eclipse that fell at 7 Gemini/Sagittarius. That Eclipse showed effects through mid-March 2013. Please check the archives to find out more if you’re so inclined.

Though there are always endings associated with any Eclipse, these open the space we need to align with Spirit in natural and productive ways. Take a new look to see what really matters and what you do and do not want to bring with you into the new world you're already living.

We've all blasted off into new realms in the past couple of years, and now are moving into a time of stabilizing our long term plans. This Eclipse helps us open to new ideas and perspectives leading us to a greater peace, poise, and wisdom.

See you soon with more on this 2013 Gemini-Sagittarius Lunar Eclipse!

To check out the June 2011 Solar and Lunar Eclipses and their influences, here's Important Cosmic Influences Happening in late June and July 2011. The January eclipses can be found in the corresponding archives.

For more about the November 2011 Solar Eclipse with links to the 2011 Gemini Solar Eclipse, please check out The Solar Eclipse at 3 Sagittarius November 24-25, 2011 Pt. 3 - Signs, Sabian Symbols, and What It All Means. (You can follow the internal links in this article to the previous articles about this specific Eclipse.)

For more about the May 2012 Annular Solar Eclipse, here’s The Solar Eclipse at 1 Gemini May 20-21 2012 Pt. 3 (You can follow the internal links in this article to the previous articles about this specific Eclipse.)

For more about the 2012 Scorpio Total Solar Eclipse, here’s The Total Solar Eclipse at 22 Scorpio Nov 13-14, 2012 Pt. 3 - Signs, Sabian Symbols, and What It All Means. (You can follow the internal links in this article to the previous articles about this specific Eclipse.)

For more about the recent Taurus Annular Solar Eclipse, please go into the archives, as there are quite a few articles explaining how this will impact all of us over the next 45 months.

Get your AstroTwins Horoscope for this Week on Refinery29

2013-05-21T13:45:49Z

What’s up for your sign this week? Get your scope plus fab fashion, style and beauty guides at Refinery29.com/Influencers

Astro-Notes on May 21, 2013 – recovery

2013-05-21T13:24:41Z

Image Source: http://cae2k.com/company-photos-0/spring-scenes-html

A semi-sextile between Mars in Taurus and Eris in Aries indicates that we adjust our motives and approach in such a way that they complement our self-interests to be able to prosper and profit from our activities. Ceres in Cancer’s trine to the North Node in Scorpio (sextile South Node in Taurus) signifies the completion of a cycle of growth that has the potential to help us evolve or at least to recover on our destined path based on the sharing of accumulated past experiences and resources we have to our disposal, all of which are providing the support we need. With Pallas in Taurus engaged in a tense sesqui-quadrate to retrograde Pluto in Capricorn, it is critical that we realize the workings of our psyche and thus reverse unproductive strategies and other unconstructive reactions we got used to over time that could prevent our success in this regard. Instead, we have to pull together and aid one another as good as we can, making sure that our safety and wellbeing are guaranteed.

Tarot card of the day is the “10 of Cups”, suggesting that we’re calling a truce and restoring harmony where it is needed. We’re working for peace and reaffirming our commitment to bonds. Thus, we create an atmosphere where we can relax, while reducing stress and tensions, and consequently have a chance to experience serenity and contentment. Generally, we can be more at ease. This card is reflective of our personal value system and of what we believe will bring us the ultimate fulfillment and happiness in life.

In the news: Tornado recovery work begins in Oklahoma after dozens have been killed (with Ceres in aspect to the nodal axis, this is an example of the power of nature we have to respect).

Filed under: Astro-Talk Tagged: 10 of Cups, Astro-Talk, Ceres in Cancer trine NN in Scorpio/sextile SN in Taurus, daily astro aspects, daily tarot card, Mars in Taurus semi-sextile Eris in Aries, May astrology, Pallas in Taurus sesqui-quadrate Pluto Rx in Capricorn

The Astrologer Daily: May 21st, 2013

2013-05-21T07:00:50Z

By Kelli Fox, The Astrologer

You'll tire of having to accommodate a demanding colleague today. It feels like you're always asked to give in relationship, while receiving nothing in return. It's up to you to change this dynamic. Yes, it would be easier to keep the peace. Repressing your feelings, though, will take a toll on your health. It may help to know that friends and co-workers are firmly on your side. When a Libra Moon forms harsh angles to Uranus and Pluto, it's time to demand justice. Divide the work more equally, stop catering to your partner's every whim, and do not tolerate a friend's rude behavior. Looking ahead, we'll feel passion in the air. The Scorpio Moon will form a sextile with sultry Pluto, heightening everyone's sensual sides. Seize this opportunity to sneak off to a secluded spot with your lover. The Sun is at 0 degree Gemini, the Moon is in Libra, Mercury is in Gemini, Venus is in Gemini and Mars is in Taurus. With this combination of planetary energies try to: Clock those cell minutes, or you'll get a surprise bill later. Try not to: Know-it-all. Be a tell-me-more. It's much less annoying. Today's exact aspects and their keywords are:

Moon Trine Venus: Love Affection.
Moon Square Pluto: Power Plays.
Moon Opposite Uranus: The Grumpies.
Moon Trine Mercury: Conversation Flows.
Saturn, Pluto are retrograde.

And finally happy birthday to Al Franken, Mr. T and Judge Reinhold. If it's your birthday today, the year ahead will require you to strike a better balance. Stop placing so much emphasis on work instead of play, on family instead of friends. Do whatever you can to vary your routine. The more versatile you are, the happier and healthier you will be. - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + -

RIP Ray Manzarek

2013-05-20T22:18:49Z

Talk about Uranus square Pluto! Another 60s icon bites the dust. The keyboardist for the Doors just checked out and left the building. Will do a tribute in the near future. Birth and death data in comments, along with critical points in his career.