Neptune stations direct in Pisces: out of the shadows

Tonight (or in the early morning hours of Sunday) Neptune in Pisces stations and turns direct today after a retrgrade phase since June 9th. The retrograde phase has been in the dark recesses of subconscious and hidden parts of our unconscious. 

Neptune rules the imagination, fantasy, illusion, and intuition.  It also rules aspects of our lives that connect us through Universal consciousness. This weekend opens us to deeply imaginative and spiritual influences. Our senses become highly attuned to energetic movement and feelings. By late tonight and the early morning Sunday, Neptune’s influence will be felt on a very powerful level. More and more we feel open to the inflow of energy and the connection between ourselves and all that is.
Neptune in Pisces calls us to be more compassionate and empathetic toward others as we listen to the voices and urgings within us. It is a time of deep awakening, of learning and growth, and of expanded mental, emotional, spiritual, and esoteric energy.  We are receiving a great influx of informtaion, and are now less hazy and confused, and more self assured and confidant of our spirtual and intuitive gifts. It is a vital time for paying attention to how we are given nuanced signs, spiritual messages, and how we define and decode the menings and messages of dreams, visions, and gifts in the challenges we face.

The Message of this forward motion of Neptune is urging us to live out our dreams, and for intuitive urgings and signals that it is time to move out of the shadows into the light of clarity about what we dream of and are meant to discover. Dreams become a reality. Any self delusion we have experienced, dissolves and is released now. Not only do your dreams signal change, hope, and and release from delusion, subconscious fears, and confusion over hidden enemies. We may feel that we suddenly see and feel the truth of ourselves and of situations that may have been perplexing you.

As the changes take place, what you have learned about the deepest stirrings, fears, blocks, and challenges during Neptune’s 5-month retrograde phase.  The awakenings and need to face our deepest, darkest secrets and struggles, has enabled us to learn so much about our discernment process. We have experienced a prolonged period of powerful energy stirring us below the surfaces. Now we can use what we have learned to propel and guide us forward.  Clarity, meaning, and a deep-knowing now ground our spiritual being solidly in the present and in the areas that are most affected by this transit.  

Look to the house where Pisces lights up your chart, at the water sign houses, and at all the other areas of your life that are aspected and affected by Neptune in Pisces. Keep track of your dreams, and notice where your intuition sheds light on areas of challenge and

Venus and Mars: Relationships Highlighted this week

November 9-15. 2015

Sun 17 Scorpio 13' 5" 16s58

Moon 21 Gemini 42'46" 18n33

Mercury 1 Scorpio 6'32" 10s01

Venus 21 Scorpio 7' 4" 17s33

Mars 10 Capricorn 39' 7" 24s29

Jupiter 21 Leo 17'21" 15n01

Saturn 24 Scorpio 53'53" 17s07

Uranus 13 Aries 17' 2"r 4n36

Neptune 4 Pisces 48'39"r 10s26

Pluto 11 Capricorn 33'54" 20s40

TrueNode 18 Libra 59'44"r 7s26

Chiron 13 Pisces 11'39"r 2s04

(From astrodienst.com)

The lunar highlight of the week is the third quarter square of the Moon on Thursday. Right now we are still bathing in the light of the Full Moon in Taurus from late last week. The third quarter square signals a time to wrap things up, let the lessons of this lunar month sink in, and temper emotions with actions and spiritual practices to maintain grounding. 

Neptune (Pisces) square to Ceres (Sagittarius) on Saturday, November 8, may have sent some into a deep or strange place mentally and psychologically.  If using distractions or substances to cope with emotions and spiritual duress and challenges, it may have felt like you were off center and/or out of control. Today, it may have felt like you had a mental or spirtiual hangover when you woke up. If you used the challenges of ‘deep thought’ and strange awakenings to your advantage, you may find you have some interesting new pieces of artwork or writing started, or have some new ideas and possibilities beginning to break through a previously blocked mind.  

It is necessary to treat yourself with tenderness and care now. Notice the physical effects that your life is creating in your physical being.  Chronic or surprising aches, pains, or physical symptoms, are signals pointing us towards where we are overextending, ignoring, or fighting our own optimum health. Just notice, avoid judging or rationalizing. Notice, lick your wounds, and move more slowly and let grace bring healing through being open enough to receive it. Squares, in astrology, trigger action, movement, or focus. Neptune focuses our attention on that which cannot be seen, that which underlies and is at the heart of the matters that are moving within us. Notice what that is for you, and relax, get some rest, and take a much-needed break.

Mercury has moved into Scorpio after heading back direct this last week. A great relief or release now is probable. Like the calm before the storm, we may have been so used to the lethargy or whirlwind we’ve been caught up in, that we have forgotten that change is inevitable no matter how entrenched in behaviors, patterns, habits, or unflexible thinking we have been.  

On Monday, November 10, Mars conjuncts Pluto in Capricorn, at the cusp of the 2nd decan of Capricorn. Major transformation, already under way, now is activated by Mars. Pain, sorrow, and all that has been held deep within, under pressure and underground transformation, now bursts to the surface. A time of deep feeling and awareness, we may feel melancholy, or we may find ourselves acting out in melodramatic ways, those repressed desires. The drama in our lives now is within, but is ready to burst open on the surface. Channeling this energy into creative, artistic, or otherwise productive areas is a positive way of using this energy. Denial of pain, repressed grief, sorrow, or anger, can no longer afford to stay underground or ‘in control’. However, to avoid projecting our own pain and unresolved issues on others, it is necessary for us to recognize what the source of our feelings is and to use the energy to take some positive steps, make some positive changes, and acknowledge what needs to go. Our health and wholeness depends on our willingness to face what is.

On Tuesday, November 11, Mars squares Uranus. Mars square Pluto is moving out of its tight alignment, so there is easing of some pressure. However, Mars square Uranus is causing some fireworks and upset.  Similar to what had been going on with the Grand Cardinal Cross the last few months, the Mars-Uranus square. What is emphasized with this alignment is risk taking, explosions, adrenaline-seeking actions, meeting emergencies, and electrically-charged exchanges.  The main message of this powerful transit is “Wake up!” 

Whatever has been below the radar or out of alignment, now is made clear and demands attention. Notice where Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn are in your chart, and if one of these signs sits on your Ascendent, be prepared for transformation, the phoenix rising out of the flames. In a dream I had this week, I dreamed I was trying, unsuccessfully, to resusitate some babies. A pretty frightful dream, but one very indicative of final stages of certain areas of one’s life, endings of aspects of one’s personality and/or lifestyle, or some major transformation in a person’s life.  With Libra in the last degrees sitting on my Ascendent, this dream cast light on the deep, transformative movement that has been going on within for quite some time. 

One way to test this out for yourself, is ask yourself the questions you need answering, and see what rises up from your intuitive and subconsiousness. We hold the keys to our own transformation within, and if we are willing to listen and act, we are constantly being led towards our highest good. What do you know to be true about yourself, the way you are living, and what you want to do or change? “Seek and ye shall find, knock, and the door will be open. Ask and it shall be answered.” This is a spiritual truth that does not depend on what makes sense to you and your plans, but is right below the surface waiting to lead you forward. Between now and the next New Moon, spend some time asking the questions and seeking the answers you need. Trust your Higher Power, the Divine, and know you have God’s messengers with you, angels and guardians who support and protect you through each step you take.

On November 12, Venus is conjunct Saturn in Scorpio, inflaming passions, and creating a climate when kissing and making up may fuel burned out desires.  Venus and Saturn in Scorpio focus our attention on how we love, who we love, and what we seek through our connections with  those we’re in intimate relationships with. This placement also awakens our sense of values and inner purpose and our connection with beauty, peace, and love combined. The disruptive impact of Mars (in earthy Capricorn) keeps the watery Scorpio planets (Venus and Saturn) shaken into the very depths of identity, connections, intimacy,  intuitive knowledge, and creativity. What happens on the earthly level sends shock waves deep within the psyche and soul. It is awfully difficult to ignore our passions and purpose. 

Today as I write, Venus in Scorpio squares Jupiter in Leo. Fire and water create steam or water puts out fire. It’s all energy. How we use it, determines the outcomes. We are overly focused on what we lack and the consequence, what we desire. If I’m exhausted,  what do I require? If I’m lonley, what do I long for? If an idea is not quite ready to unfold, what can I do to expedite the expression? Whatever we need, we desire now, in greater proportion to our needs. Individual feelings are strong right now, and listening or understanding another’s needs are secondary to understanding and meeting our own needs. Not a good time to question or second guess intimate partners, but definitely a time to notice what your true feelings are. The source of your needs lie within you, not within someone else.  Our partners and mates have their own paths to follow; they are not our own. 

On November 12, Venus conjuncts Saturn. Relationships become more grounded and stabilized. The emotionality of the earlier part of the week, seems less volatile. While some may try to sweep old problems under the carpet, this is a time when the truth will come out. We come into contact with experiences, people, or conditions that remind us of who we are and what energizes and brings us satisfaction. Problems in relationships that are off track or are not satisfying, will become even more evident. We feel a sense of urgency to rid ourselves of unhealthy, unproductive, and already dead or dying connections.  Again, resusitating a dead baby, indicative of letting something precious and alive go, but not for lack of trying to save it.  At a certain point, we discover some things are not worth doing, saving, or holding onto. If some part of us had died, we would know to let it go. Same thing is happening with relationships, connections, and commitments we are leaving at this time. We must be passionate about whatever gives us life.

Venus semi-square Pluto on November 13, has jealousy and envy raising their heads. Be alert to any place in your life where these two emotions may have a hold on you. This signals our own inadequacies or self doubts. What is it within that feels threatened?

On November 11, Mercury trines Neptune activating both intuition and imagination. This is a very creative time, and a time when listening within is valuable. Meditation, prayer, contemplative activities, and any sort of sacred truth seeking is indeed a good way to use this energy to focus intentions, and more importantly, to listen to what you are being called to do, be, or understand. Creative expression is favored highly.

On Thursday, the Sun in Scorpio squares Jupiter in Leo. This transit brings with it a sense of discontent, restlessness, or ennui. There may also be a tendency to get trapped in the “I want, I need…more”, thereby fueling our intentions to extremes.  We tend to lose track of ‘reality’ when we let our fantasies take us too far back or forward in time with longings and achings fueling our sense of lack.  As one of the beautiful young men in my Yoga and Mediation group for autistic adults said last week, “I want everyone to pray that people be more satisfied with what they have now. To 

not always want more.” Beautifully put, and that is the message of this particular aspect, and indeed, the message of staying present in who we are, where we are, on our journey in life. 

Venus ends the week with a semi-square to Pluto, again reminding us that whatever we continue to repress or try to hide from ourselves or others, has a way of coming out in decidedly ugly ways. Watch for hidden agendas, passive-aggressive behavior and communication, and people (including ourselves perhaps) reacting out of fear, unresolved anger, unfulfilled desires, and unhealed wounds.  Whatever has become part of us that needs to break up and be transformed, is focused right now on how we give and receive love, and how we define and understand what love is. Live with purpose, and be not afraid to face the truth of who you are, what you need, and what your passions point you towards. It is right that we be happy and in positive, healthy relationships. To do so, we first have to be happy and healthy within.  Take good care of yourself. Connect to the sacred within you and to the Universal Divine power that lifts and satisfies your soul. 

Full Moon in Taurus, Uniting Polarities

Full Moon Vision                                                Catherine Al-Meten

November begins as we enter through the portal to Celtic New Year. A time when cultures and traditions worldwide celebrate different holy days, it is a time when many culturs honor the dead. Transformation and change, a part of each and every life, is the nature of our life on this dynamic and beautiful planet. As we move into the darker, cooler seasons in the North and the warmer ones in the South, we all make adjsutments on our journey. November is a month to remember change and movement are permanent aspects of our nature and journey.

On Thursday, November 6, the Full Moon peaks at 14/26 Taurus. In the week preceding, the waxing Moon transits through Pisces and Aries. Look to this triad of house/areas of your life where the waxing Moon awakening you emotionally. According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the name for November’s Full Moon (so-named by the Algonquin Tribe) is the Beaver Moon or the Frost Moon. In the Northern Hemisphere, the November Full Moon arrives just after Sanhaim, the Celtic New Year. 

At this time of the year, the seasonal changes become more marked, and Earth’s inhabitants prepare for winter. Beavers, who live in streams, rivers, and ponds, begin to cover the lodges they have  built to protect from predators and the elements.  Fall is the time for building and repairing dams. The expression, “busy as a beaver” probably arose from watching the aquatic animals preparing for winter in autumn. At the same time, it was a time when hunters set their traps.  What are we doing to prepare ourselves for changes? How are we adapting and taking advantage of the gifts of the season? How are we honoring, celebrating, and finding meaning and purpose in our lives?

The Full Moon is always a time of polarities-Taurus Full Moon in opposition to the Sun in Scorpio-calls us to unite oppositional qualities and traits present within ourselves and innate with Life itself. The Moon in Taurus reminds us of our earthy, pragmatic, and peace-loving nature and our desire to make our lives reflect  beauty, order, and practicality. The Sun in Scorpio reminds us of our deeper, more complex and profound nature, and our need to discover what lies beneath the surface. This full moon is one of the richest, most creative ones of the year. As we approach the Full Moon, let’s look at what we are bring to fullness.

After last months two eclipses (Lunar and Solar), and Mercury reflective retrograde cycle, our lives have been forced to focus on our Achilles Tendon.  A big believer that our biology reflects our biography, I have noticed with myself and with just about everyone I know, that our live, indeed our very bodies, have forced us to look at what we need to alter in order to be healthier, more creative, and authentic. We are, after all, energy bodies, and our physical bodies are affected by everything-emotions, internal and external conditions, physiological, psychological and mental health and well being, and environment. And let’s not forget, behavior―habits, patterns of thought and belief, and belief itself. What does your energy tell you about who you are and what is going on in your life right now?

To begin with, notice what part of your body has been most affected and has demanded your attention this last month. One friend’s eye was injured (6th Chakra-intuition), another hurt her ankle and neck (1st and 5th Chakras). I spent a week in agony with intestinal problems (1st and 2nd chakra issues). Several people have talked about trouble with migraines or tooth aches (5th, 6th, and 7th and chakra issues. The connection between the energy centers of the body and any imbalance, upset, or weakness, is not only a sign of some other type of imbalance but also of the connection between how we live (Taurus) and how we feel (Scorpio). 

My point is, pay attention to whatever may have been bothering you or whatever you have found challenging. Notice how the challenges or issues are calling you to notice where you are fighting against yourself in some way. Oftentimes, I hear people say things like, “He’s a Scorpio and I’m a Taurus-we can’t get along” or She’s an Aquarius and I’m water, a Cancer, and we just don’t see things the same.” The point of using astrology is not to isolate ourselves from those who are different and only go with those who are the same. The value is to see how we have elements of everything and everyone within us. To unite the polarities, to synthesize differences within us, is the gift.  We are ‘both-and’. 

Using the example of the 6th chakra, how can noticing how an injured eye can help us unite diversity within? What happens when we cannot use one eye? As a life-long astigmatism gal, I can tell you, the eyes compensate and support one another. If we can’t see well, what do we do? We slow down. We adapt. We adjust our vision by moving closer or looking at things from different angles. We wear prescriptive lenses or we do eye exercises-or both. If called for, we have the eye repaired. The eyes, our tools of visual perception, are really run by something much more magical and powerful than the optic nerve. What we perceive is affected by how we are thinking and what we are focusing on. The 6th Chakra, Ajna, is the eye of perception, imagination, intuition, and visualization. Adjusting the way we pay attention to this chakra, is bound to change if we are more intentional, quieter, and more reflective. How do we learn to trust our intuitive senses when our physical ones are impeded in some way?

A future article will look more deeply into how we can use our understanding of astrological influences to help us better understand our chakra/energy system and body-mind-spirit-emotion connections.

The Full Moon on November 6 falls on Almach in Andromeda. This is the same place that the October 8 lunar eclipse fell. Almach was released. Whatever energy was released in you at that time, is what has been rising up demanding attention. Some of it may not have felt good. And it certainly was probably not appearing as you expected or would have liked it. Nevertheless, that energy is speaking to you now. Look to the areas in your chart/life where this Full Moon is affecting. Using your perserverance and ambition, you now have the determination, stamina, inner strength, and patience to work for that which inspires you. Almach at this point of Taurus promises “honor, eminence, and artistic ability”. Taurus also rules the throat and neck, so using our voices and keeping our head in balance will help us maintain a sense of harmony in ourselves and in the way we live our lives. 

Neptune in Pisces squares Ceres in Sagittarius on November 8. Mercury is still in the shadow zone, though finally moving forward. The mystical and somewhat off-kilter energy of the Neptune-Ceres square, could indicate the misuse or potent reaction to any experimentation with mystical substances or practices. It is a time when the veils are thin, and when we are particularly vulnerable to influences we do not understand. Using our best and highest spiritual practices, and grounding ourselves with sane and sound support and guidance is crucial. Avoid experimenting with drugs or substances that are aimed to alter or change perception. Notice that you are already galvanized and energized in areas that require you to be thoughtful, reflective, and pragmatic. Any shamanic practices should focus on grounding in daily proactive and routines of simple, earthy ways to handle rising awakenings, memories, and insight. 

Patience in and through adversity is what is needed at this time. We need to continue learning how to live within challenging circumstances and conditions. We are learning to  align ourselves within the challenges and struggles to make our way through to the other side. With Pluto in Capricorn moving into alignment with Uranus in Aries and Chiron in Pisces, we are entering a period which lasts until mid-February, 2015 when we need to actively, purposefully, and patiently engage in working out whatever difficult feelings, situations, conditions, are blocking our way. This is a time when we gird ourselves with a willingness to not only stand in our truth but to see the truth of what is happening. Being willing to face the truth is what is needed now. Acting with conscience, authenticity, and congruence is needed to meet the challenges, to complete the journey. 

This month may be a time when we feel a sense that nothing we have done has been good enough or has resulted in what we hoped to achieve. Especially with regard to spiritual practices and spiritual connections, we may feel we are not in alignment, not connected, or not ‘getting it’. This month is bound to be one of fresh perspectives and renewal. It is a time when we feel renewed or faith filled. We begin focusing more on letting go and releasing ourselves in the surrender to the Divine, and less in holding onto or trying to manage our lives as a backdrop to some spiritual ideal. Being present, being open and receptive, and then being dutiful to the voice of the Divine as it touches each of us, requires eyes willing to see and hearts willing to receive. 

Pluto, Chiron, and Uranus are trailblazers, clearing the way ahead for those who choose the path. In a recent dream I had, “I saw a huge line of traffic on a large super highway. The traffic was jammed up, and people were getting out of their cars fighting, arguing, and making the whole situation worse. Together with my allies, I got out of my car, and found a path through the green fields that was barely used. In the dream, I was starting on a new path, and knew only that I had companions with me for the journey, and that the  journey was in fresh, untrodden territory through on a beautiful path through the woods.” For me, this dream represented, among other things, a need to depart from something that was blocking, challenging, and not going anywhere. There was no movement, yet I had the freedom and the insight to get out and move on. What is Pluto, Chiron, and Uranus clearing from your path? Where are you making transformational change, and what messages are helping you determine what is next, required of you? 

Oftentimes, when we go through such transformational periods, we are living life that looks very much like it did yesterday and the day before. Quite rightly, we are often called simply to adjust our attitude, change our perspective, as we discern and learn what lessons right before us. What is this situation, relationship, or condition showing me about my own growth, development, and process as a spiritual human being? French journalist and novelist once stated,"plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose”, an expression that gets translated, “the more things change, the more they stay the same.” This reflects the understanding that what appears to be the same (an experience, a relationship, a cycle, a pattern), has many of the same ingredients. What makes the difference, what deepens a love, or expands an idea, or changes our attitude or perceptions, is something that transpires within our souls and within the simple choices of will we make, let go of, or in some way accept. Watch and see how the start of November awakens you to your own journey. Attitudes, beliefs, understanding, and the deep inner sense of consciousness is what is going through the most radical changes right now. Let go of whatever perceptions, fantasies, expectations, or ideals are no longer true for you, and notice how you are being called to a new level of awareness, understanding, and deepening. 

At the Full Moon in Taurus time, notice how the inner critic harps away at how unfair things are or niggles you to gripe, complain, or feel sorry for yourself―all signs of resistance to change. The Full Moon in Taurus can be a wonderful invitation to embrace new perspectives, be open to new opportunities, and heaven forbid, time to put your prayers where your heart is. Time to be honest with yourself about what you want and need. Time to surrender yourself to the Divine and to trust that when you do, you will receive. And when our prayers are answered, then the real work begins. We often stay whining and complaining, at the starting gate, waiting for something that is ours simply by acknowledging we are ready to take the next big step forward in growing, and receiving our next mission. What is coming is this. There will be countless new opportunities coming your way. Will you be willing to see them? Will you be willing to take the chance, even if you don’t feel ‘ready’? It’s up to each one of us to accept the Divine gifts we are constantly being offered.  Oftentimes this is because gifts require change, movement, and shifts, and they sometimes entail loss, letting go, and healing. We mistakenly see loss and change as something to fear. This month will give us wonderful opportunities to grow in how we learn to accept Divine good. 

Mercury’s straightforward movement and entry in Scorpio, enables us to be more sensitive to the intuitive communication. We begin to integrate the deep emotional insight of Scorpio with the pragmatic connections of first the Taurus Moon and then Pluto in Capricorn. We begin making connections, seeing how one small piece of news or a flash of an idea, do lead to others and form the intricate web of truth we so fervently seek. The Truth is within us, it is all around us, and it is there for us to access at will.

From now until it’s peak o November 10-12, Mars is forming  a powerful conjunction with Pluto in Capricorn. This brings active energy into whatever we have been preparing for for quite some time.  This “might makes right” combination can be tempered with understanding how power and energy needs to be used for choosing life and not choosing death. Watch this area of your life now, as it has been building up since Pluto first entered Capricorn several years ago. Whenever Mars moves into conjunction, it brings action and movement. What is moving and what is ready for putting motion into this area of your life? 

As Mars conjuncts Pluto, Uranus also  squares Pluto-a violent combination, it can be. especially for those with planets and aspects in Aries, Libra, Cancer, and Capricorn. Look to these four areas of your life to see where this powerful energy is most likely shaking things up. 

Venus in Scorpio, trines Chiron in Pisces on Nov. 2-3, providing new insight into love-related matters. Now is a good time to listen to your own heart, and ask yourself what drives your passion and need for love? How are your passions being affected by the life you are living? As Venus trines Chiron, we have a chance to heal from wounds and breaks, and from illusions and obsessive expectations. 

As Venus and the Sun are now parallel during this time, we long for harmony and fulfillment. It is a time when we feel great and deep affection for others. On November 3, when Venus forms a quincunx with Uranus in Aries, we may feel the urge to splurge. This aspect brings with it, impulsive urges.   

Take time to reflect this week, and slowly move into greater harmony, bringing a balance between deepening desires and daily living and spiritual practices. Be at peace as much as possible, within, and see each moment as a point of focus on the great journey of life and love. 

Mars enters Capricorn, Mercury direct-time to get down to business

This Thursday, on October 30 we oberve the  First Quarter Square of the Moon at 7/36 Aquarius to the Sun. At the same degree in Scorpio, this square challenges and shakes us a bit. Notice early in the week, the signs, snags, or issues that might need to be addressed. Forewarned is forearmed.  Our emotional responses to how we are relating to others, makes us feel like we need to make some changes. The week begins with a release of pent up energy with the movement forward already of Mercury (still in Libra), and the entry of Mars into grounded Capricorn. After a period of a great deal of ideas, activities, and movement, we settle down to take care of the work at hand. 

In the middle of the night on Sunday, October 26, the Moon shifts from its transit through Scorpio to Sagittarius. We may wake up feeling ready to go after feeling the need for deep reflection and rest while the Scorpio Moon and Sun sent us deep within over the last few days. 

Mars enters Capricorn. Adding to the energy and excitement is Mars’ entry into Capricorn early Sunday morning. Mars, grounded in Capricorn, is rooting us in solid, sound, deliberate, and consistent energy as we consider how we use and apply ourselves in areas that are important to us. Use this time to consider how best to use resources, time, energy, and talents. Consider ways to surmount obstacles, garner support and seek ways to honor and respect reliable allies. Use the world around you as a source for signs and symbols to show you the way forward. Avoid being too rigid or closed minded. Another  shadow aspect of Mars in Capricorn is the tendency to allow anger to turn cold.   Mars  will move into aspect with Pluto in Capricorn between October 26 and December 4, and this will lend powerful energy to actions you have been wanting to take or projects you have been hoping to complete. Despite needing to watch the shadow aspects of Mars in Capricorn, this transit releases a great deal of pent up energy. We feel freer to move forward, to take steps, and to get moving in areas undergoing transformation in our lives. Look to see where Capricorn is in your chart, and notice how this transit affects you.

Mars can be a good teacher. When we learn to pick up on Mars’ energy in our lives, and to the different moods it takes in its transits, we learn a great deal about how our own energy patterns work. We learn how to tune into the different temperaments, tones, and trends that energize us and the world around us. Pay attention to how your energy shifts and changes over the next two months, and see what you notice.

Venus conjunct the Sun in Scorpio for the remainder of the weekend. We are singularly connected to our deepest passions at this time. In touch with what require for fulfillment and purpose, we feel driven on a soul level. If feeling thwarted in any way, our passion transform into jealousy, possessiveness, or compulsive behavior. On Friday, October 2, Mercury turned direct, as the Sun formed this  conjunction with Venus in Scorpio. Much is going on behind the scenes and under the surface. For the most part, we feel a rosy sense of warmth and compassion toward one another. We feel this for ourselves as well, and are better at taking care of ourselves and tending to our personal needs at this time. Feeling affectionate? Feeling the need to reach out and connect to loved ones? Now more than usual, we feel this urge.

Venus in Scorpio trines Neptune in Pisces on Monday, October 27. Our fantasy life and our imagination are highly activated. Creativity, artistry, and intuitive visions activate us. Getting caught up in illusive and imaginary play can also flow out into artwork and creativity, through movement, dance, and song, or in the rhythm of poetry, prose.  It is important to have an outlet for this energy. Directing, discerning, and shaping energy now flows into a myriad of different channels. Tuesday is another good day for getting together with others to share this romantic and creative energy. Our longing is to be with those we share a soul connection and similar vibratory level. This is a good time to be open and receptive to healing energy. Good time for energy work, meditation, Reiki, prayer, massage, body-mind-spirit kinds of therapies and health-enhancing activities. Be surrounded by beauty―by the river or sea, in the mountains or garden, at the museum or art gallery, at the potter’s wheel or easel―wherever we can find and create beauty. 

Not only do we long to be surrounded and engaged in beauty, we see the beauty in ourselves and others more readily.  A good time for feeling good, doing good, and acknowledging the good in others. Letting go of pressure and stress, we take greater delight in those who bless our lives. 

Early Tuesday, October 18, the Sun in Scorpio trines Neptune in Pisces. We feel tuned into life and love right now. Trusting intuition, dreams, and hunches pays off for us. Entering into the flow of love, compassion, service, and joy, we give and receive without hesitation. Tending our gardens, taking care of our personal needs, and honoring our commitments are all part and parcel of being in the flow of this intuitive, emotional, insightful, and creative energy. Rather than trying to change everything and everyone, it is a time to find great beauty in differences, compassion and understanding in challenges, and direction and meaning in the routines and obstacles on our paths. 

On Wednesday, the Moon in Capricorn forms a conjunction with Pluto. Insight, information, clarification, and problem solving lead to a more grounded emotional climate, personally and collectively. The waxing light of the Moon illuminates the areas within us that need to be grounded, rooted. We find a place of peace and serenity within the everyday, habitual tasks and thoughts that form our reality.

Mars in Capricorn sextile Neptune in Pisces on Thursday, October 30. Mars activates  imagination, dreams, ideals, and thoughts and memories. We bring thought into action. We begin moving forward, and with greater awareness of how what we do affects and touches others. Time for trusting our senses and intuitive understanding of how compassion, tolerance, understanding, and affirmation create greater outcomes. 

On Thursday, October 30, with the squaring of the Moon and the Sun, our emotional needs are focused in one area, while the rest of us is in another. We find it hard to find a place of emotional balance or peace.  

On Halloween, Friday, October 31, Venus in Scorpio sextiles Pluto in Capricorn as the first quarter square activates movement and strong connections with family, tribe, or whatever group we identify with soulfully. Time to release residual energy connected to past events, thoughts, feelings, or changes. It is time to go beneath the surface issues that distract and plague our lives, to reconnect with what feeds, nourishes, protects, and honors our being.  Mercury forms an edgy sesiquiquadrate to Neptune on Halloween, clouding our thinking and generally making communications prone to glitches and lapses in memory. 

On All Saints Day, November 1, Saturday, Mercury forms a sextile to Jupiter. Not only does Daylight Savings Time end in the U.S.―giving us an extra hour of sleep―but also we wake feeling ready to enjoy life and count our blessings. Time for short trips, time together with friends, and participating in classes, workshops, retreats, or other learning and uplifting experiences. It just may one of those Autumn days when you know, without a doubt, why you are here, where you are headed, and what blessings your life is. In the evening, Venus sextiles Pluto, bringing some reward or financial opportunity. We are infused with joy, confidence, and purpose. Shortly afterward, Mars sextiles Neptune, giving us what we need to use our newfound energy, confidence, and support to put our creative ideas and dreams into action. A meaningful, purposeful, and enlightening week which also includes movement, affirmation, and a sense of completion or fulfillment. 

New Moon and Solar Eclipse in Scorpio, October 23

Pathway                                          Catherine Al-Meten

The New Moon in Scorpio peaks this Thursday at 2:58 PM PST, just as it forms a Solar eclipse at 0/25 (that’s just 25 minutes into Scorpio). As the Sun enters Scorpio at same moment as the New Moon, we are opening ourselves to a new beginning. Scorpio is a fixed sign, and represents our ability to explore the depths of our own being, find the hidden or undeveloped treasures there, and master our capacity to bring ideas into form, desire into action. 

Scorpio time is a time to make headway in the areas that have previously seemed to hold us back. Conquering fears, eliminating addictions and damaging habits, are just a couple of the areas that we may need to address. Now more than ever, we seek to rid ourselves of thinking, habitual patterns of behavior, and stultifying beliefs that keep us from seeing clearly and moving more in line to our true desires. T

The Solar eclipse at the very beginning of the Scorpio transit, has us arriving at a point of departure with our bags full of awareness and knowledge related to relationships, intimacy, personal truth and freedom, finances, self esteem, and autonomy. A good time to narrow our focus in the main area calling for deeper commitment and dedication.  You might release connections or involvement to anything that depletes your energy or finds you spreading yourself too thin. What is going on in your personal experience that is pointing out the areas of weakness caused by overextending or maintaining a exhausting schedule? However you spend your time, meaning and purpose, quality over quantity, and depth over shallow temporal rewards are called for. 

Scorpio is about growing stronger within, from the inside out. Too often we define and affirm ourselves through what we do or who we are in relationship with.  Our true identity cannot fully form without being willing to explore the hidden depths, mysteries,  fears, and passions. The emphasis for both the New Moon and the Solar eclipse is on self mastery and self knowledge. Our emotional and financial investments and  conditions represent how we value ourselves and define our needs. The challenge at this time is to tackle whatever undermines and drain our resources. Our ability to be truly intimate with others is linked to our willingness to learn more about ourselves.  How do  our perceptions, attitudes, choices, and behavior shape and define us? What are we learning about who we are and how we are living life?  

With the Sun, the Moon, Venus, and (long-term) Saturn all in Scorpio, this is not a time to hang out on the surface of life. What has recently been rising to the surface of our consciousness and awareness is calling for us to act on our desires. We can delve more deeply into what fuels our needs and fears and what stimulates our desire to live a more meaningful and fulfilling life. We have the capacity at this time to hear the Truth of our being―and if we are wise, to act from that truth rather than being afraid to break out of chains of our own making and choices. 

Whatever we find ourselves engaged in or confronted with at this time (decisions, experiences, events, challenges, relationships), provides opportunity to see how our views differ from others, and how our needs and desires have changed. We may be in a position to have to leave a commitment of some type (job, relationship, partnership, or project) in order to learn to be more self reliant. Whatever no longer has relevance or enough life to support it, now drops away or is ended. The energy, resources that have been pouring into the black hole of something that has ended, is now ready to be released in order to move in more life-affirming directions. Life is dynamic―ever changing, and everything has a life cycle. Endings and change are necessary in order for us to grow. Regardless of the fear or uncertainty attached to the process of change, we are equipped to deal with whatever happens. Reaching the point of no return, it is time to take the next necessary steps.

New Moons are good time stop focus on what we want to create or accomplish. This is a good time to prioritize your ideas. Take constructive steps to eliminate whatever is holding you back or making you feel down and depleted. Do something concrete towards freeing yourself of emotional burdens. Ask yourself what is missing in your life. Assess how you spend your time, and look for areas where your energy is depleted. 

Where are the energy leaks in your daily activities, in your relationships, or work you are doing?  Identify how your life force is being drained, and what you can eliminate. Give yourself some time to be doing nothing. Too often we keep ourselves so busy, we have little or no time for simply sitting quietly. Give yourself some time to be still and to listen to what your body, mind, spirit, emotions, heart are telling your. Be completely honest with yourself, for at Scorpio time, this becomes the greatest asset we have. That true being that lies within each of us who speaks the truth that only you know and hear.  Speak the truth of who you are to yourself, and listen to what you already know you need, want, and are compelled to do.   Look at Sunday’s article to see where Scorpio is affecting you the most. This should be self evident given the powerful energy in this area. 

Venus also forms a conjunction in the earliest degrees of the New Moon and the Solar eclipse. This emphasizes the area of our life related to intimacy, relationships, self mastery, and self esteem. Communication may be foggy as Mercury is in retrograde and nearing its station to turn direct. However, this will be a time when we feel compelled to connect with others in an effort to help clarify our own ideas and direction. Remember that unless you are not clear about who you are and what you want, you will have difficulty communicating your needs and desires to others. Focus on listening to what others are seeking, and determine for yourself, how that fits or doesn’t with what your needs and desires. 

The New Moon and Solar eclipse affect us all, but for those with fixed signs and aspects within 5 degrees one way or the other of the fixed signs (Scorpio, Leo, Aquarius, and Taurus), this is a particularly potent time. It also affects those with signs and aspects within 25-30 degrees of the cardinal signs of Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn. Many who just had their birthdays or whose ascendents are in late degrees of Libra, will be feeling this New Moon and Solar eclipse in a powerful way. Great shifts in direction, changes in motivation and intent, and movement in key areas of one’s life, are now not only possible but also likely. Within 3-6 months expect the changes to be well underway.  Focus your intentions to clearly link your true desires to actions that support them. With every desire, create a set of goals and target dates, change behaviors, concrete steps, and time commitment  to move on the new path before you.

Get out of whatever is blocking and trapping you in the tail end of some log jam or massive tie up. Move in  a different direction and make whatever changes you must to release yourself from unnecessary and energy-draining experiences and relationships. Avoid starting anything that is not entirely in line with the new path. This is not the time to repeat old patterns; it is the time to allow yourself to grow beyond the identity that is limiting, limited, wasteful, and lifeless. This is a powerful and exciting time for those who want and who are willing to be true to themselves, and who are courageous enough to take the necessary risks to support the even more necessary changes that are coming. The change will happen anyway; be on the leading edge of the waves of change and direct yourself towards that which what your heart and soul desire. 

   Photograph of a painting, La Luna by artist, Tammy Heintz.

As I write this week's column, this is how the planets, Sun, and Moon line up.

18-Oct-2014, 20:26 UT/GMT

Sun 25 Libra   22'44"

Moon 28 Leo 40' 2"

Mercury 21 Libra   3'13"r

Venus 23 Libra   42'56"

Mars 24 Sagittarius  25'56"

Jupiter 18 Leo 44'46"

Saturn 22 Scorpio 22'44"

Uranus 14 Aries   4'22"r

Neptune 5 Pisces 1' 9"r

Pluto 11 Capricorn 10' 1"

TrueNode 19 Libra 15'35"

Chiron 13 Pisces 41'43"r

The New Moon in Scorpio on October 23, 2014  comes with a Solar Eclipse, the second eclipse this month. The Solar eclipse takes place at 0 degrees of Scorpio, right on the cusp of the Sun’s lunar journey through the sign of transition, transformation, regeneration, and healing. The New Moon and Venus join the Sun  in Scorpio. 

New Moons mark the gateway between one experience. This New Moon in Scorpio opens us up to exploring the depths of our emotional, psychological, and spiritual being. Energy this past week, as the Sun transits the third decan of Libra, has been causing us to dig deeply and clarify our intentions, dreams, and desires. Some of what has come up may have been disturbing, and may have dred

ged up old issues, stirred up old memories. Whatever has awakened us to the past, is lighting up the darkness, though perhaps not in a very carefree or light-hearted way.

Whatever has shown up in your life this week, will be the material that your subconscious will be molding, shaping, and forming into new and transfigured concepts in areas of our lives that are undergoing the deepest alterations and shifts.

With the Solar eclipse happening with the New Moon, we will be focused and energized by the energy shifts that have to happen. 

Look to the house where the eclipse and New Moon occur, and set your intentions for healing and insight in this area.

Emphasis of Each House:

First house: If 0 degrees of Scorpio is in your first house, you would be wise to work on your appearance. How do you present yourself to others? What are you projecting about your desires, intentions, willingness to serve and communicate, or love and be loved?  What you present to the world, to a large extent, determines how you are perceived and treated by others. How you feel about yourself affects the way you look, the way you communicate, and the way that others understand and come to know you.  Spend some time getting clear about what you want others to know, and what you want to feel.  Work on cleaning up your communication, your home and appearance, and your habits and patterns of behavior.

Second house: If 0 degrees of Scorpio is in your 2nd house, work on cleaning up your personal finances. The second house has to do with how we value ourselves, and so spend some time becoming more aware of which values you are honoring, and which ones you are ignoring or neglecting. Focus on bringing congruence into what you feel about yourself, and how you respect and honor your gifts, talents, and blessings.  Get rid of things that clutter up your life. Let go of habits and patterns of belief about yourself that are not in line with your true Divine being.  Give yourself permission to release whatever blocks your highest good, excellent health, and happiness. 

Third house. If 0 degrees of Scorpio is in your third house of communication and close community, spend time healing rifts, disagreements, and issues related to sisters and brothers as well as neighbors and members of your community.   This is the time to make repairs, or eliminate connections altogether.  Anything that is harmful, abusive, or dangerous, needs to be acknowledged. Remove obstacles, or seek safety and comfort. Avoid at all costs, coming up against malicious and dangerous obstacles. Heal what can be healed, and release what is not going to change. This also involves letting go of patterns of thinking and choice. Let go of ideas about relationship, love, friendship, purpose, or community that may have held true in the past, but no longer fit with who you are. Can’t move forward without letting go of ideas that keep you focused on the past or on illusions.

Fourth house. If 0 degrees of Scorpio falls in your fourth house, you may find yourself doing a major house cleaning. Purge what needs to be eliminated, renovate, repair, change, move, or do whatever needs to be done to bring yourself more in harmony with how you find home. Clear out the unnecessary and useless elements of home, and make room for a more spacious, open, and nourishing home and home life.

Fifth house. If 0 degrees of Scorpio falls in the fifth house, fill your need to have some fun. Notice how you may be wanting to be more creative. Spend time doing whatever brings you the greatest pleasure. Honor and enjoy your time with children. Allow yourself to let romance fill your life. Enjoy your sensual and sexual nature, and give yourself permission to balance life with more pleasure and less toil.

Sixth house. If 0 degrees of Scorpio falls in the sixth house, make your physical health and your daily routine a major priority. Honor your need to maintain a lifestyle that is healthy on all levels. Honor your heart-driven desires for purpose and meaning in how you work and spend each day. Notice areas where you have neglected your health or neglected to do the kinds of work that gives you fulfillment.  Make changes to fill in whatever gaps are missing in these areas. Make physical changes that will improve your health as well.

Seventh house. If 0 degrees of Scorpio falls in the seventh house, make adjustments and changes in marriage, intimate partnerships, and close alliances. Purge yourself of habits, attitudes, and behavior that sabotage or block relationships. Cleanse yourself of whatever is toxic about how you relate to others.

Eighth house. If 0 degrees of Scorpio falls in the eighth house, take care of tax matters, issues related to inheritance or other people’s monies. Become more aware of your reputation and of the energy, power, and charisma you hold. Notice how to enhance your ability to make your public connections stronger. Seek support and confirmation of your gifts and talents in the public arena. Take the steps out in the direction of whatever is drawing your focus and attention.

Ninth house. If 0 degrees of Scorpio falls in the eighth house, now is not the time to hold back. Move out into actions, commitment, journeys, and searches to find what you hunger to know, learn, or discover. Take the first steps forward, and feel yourself propelled on whatever journey you have been preparing for. Honor that call.

Tenth house. If 0 degrees falls in the tenth house, listen and honor the life purpose call that has been with you always. Connect with your family, and seek healing. Go back to the Source of your being, and recollect what drives you forward. What are you meant to do, be, become, and how is your life now leading you in that direction? How is your life and your purpose not only empowering you, but also empowering and lifting others? Seek answers within. Seek healing between yourself and close relations. Respect your individual purpose and those of others. We are all here to live out a special purpose. Whatever you do needs to honor that.

Eleventh house. If 0 degrees falls in the eleventh house, it is time to heal friendships and other kinds of connections and interactions. Release associations that are abusive, dead, or harmful in any way. Recognize that each relationship has a lifespan as well as a purpose. Rather than blaming yourself or others, let go when necessary.  We are not meant to be all things to all people. Recognize who your true friends are, and how your friendships uplift or hurt you. Build within, what  you seek outside yourself. Learn to be at home with yourself and at peace with the steady flow and rhythms of life. Sometimes we live in greater expanses of silence and stillness than at other times. Enjoy the space and peace.

Twelfth house. If 0 degrees of Scorpio falls in the twelfth house, spend some time paying greater attention to your intuition, dreams, and hunches.  Understand that Scorpio in the twelfth house makes you a deeply insightful and sensitive person. Highly attuned, you live with a constant awareness of both your own vibratory energies, but also those of others. Learn how to protect yourself from being an open channel all kinds of energy. Learn to discern and use prayer, meditation, yoga, and other forms of movement and self-soothing to still and calm yourself within. This New Moon, Solar eclipse may stir things up mightily for you. Use your spiritual practices, intellectual wisdom, and disciplines to move with the flow of energy that is being released at this time.

For everyone, look for a mid-week column to highlight other astrological events of the week. Use the final days of the Sun’s passage through Libra, to become clear about how you love, who you love, and what you need for fulfillment and purpose. Know that change comes, whether you seek it or flee from it. Make your choices about honoring your heart, not about escaping the consequences of not. Be at peace with who you are, where you are. If what you seek for yourself is honorable, loving, kind, and authentic, you are on the right path.  Living an inauthentic, abusive or destructive life is not honoring your true Divine spark.  We are meant to love and be loved. We are meant to create life and to bring peace and harmony into our lives and into the lives of others. Act accordingly. 

Sun, Mercury, Venus in Libra-Balancing Act

As of 15:37 GMT on Sunday, October 12, 2014.

Sun 19 Libra 13'57"

Moon 13 Gemini 3'32"

Mercury 28 Libra 16'15"r

Venus 15 Libra 57'28"

Mars 19 Sagittarius 56'53"

Jupiter 17 Leo 49'54"

Saturn 21 Scorpio 42'19"

Uranus 14 Aries 19'14"r

Neptune 5 Pisces 7'15"r

Pluto 11 Capricorn 5'42"

TrueNode 19 Libra 14'47"

Chiron 13 Pisces 54’14"r

Looking out toward the east last evening, I could see the waning Moon rising up over the hilltops and trees. By Wednesday, October 15, the Moon will reach its last quarter in the constellation of  Cancer. At that time, the Moon forms a square to the Sun in Libra, and we reach a time in the lunar month when we need to separate the wheat from the shaft. Whatever we have set forth to do or have been working on, now reaches the point where we need to discern what is working and what is not, what needs adjusting and what has reached a point of completion. This time of the lunar month is a time to be more reflective and to begin looking at what lessons have been learned, what insight has been gained, and what remains to be done with some long term goal or project. The final square of the Moon in Cancer occurs at 22/21 degrees. Those who have planets and aspects in Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) within 5 degrees of this aspect may be more concerned than usual with issues related to safety, security, and a sense of feeling at home in whatever areas of your lives the Moon transits. 

Venus in Libra until October 23, forms a sextile to Jupiter on Monday and Tuesday. A sociable, optimistic aspect, favors travel, culture, education, and a greater interest in connecting with others. This aspect is harmonious and favors romance and enjoying serving others.  On October 15, Venus forms a seisquiquadrate with Neptune in Pisces. This clouds thinking, creates some confusion or misunderstandings in romance and relationships that are stretched too thin. What was hidden, may be revealed at this time, especially in areas of self deception and wishful thinking.  On Friday, October 17 Venus conjuncts Mercury in Libra. This makes for an enjoyable time when playfulness in love adds a much-needed lift to romantic relationships. The key is to take yourself and those you love a little more lightly than you might otherwise do. 

On Sunday, the Moon is in Gemini all day, forming aspects to the planets throughout the day. At 10:11 AM PDT the Moon in Gemini square Chiron, the Wounded Healer, in Pisces making us feel as if we need to fix something in the areas affected by these aspects. It can be as simple as a passing thought that it is time to clean up a mess or change an attitude or behavior to bring greater peace into life. Later, the Moon trines Venus mid-afternoon, and then sextiles Jupiter in late afternoon―both aspects that signal a pleasant afternoon of enjoying whatever you are involved in.

During this week, the Sun, Mercury and Venus remain in Libra, making this a period of time when our minds and hearts remain fixed on sorting through our ideas about relationships, personal independence, and accountability in both areas of our lives. Our personal longings and what is demanded of us to maintain relationships, seems to be paramount now.  The Sun in Libra highlights the areas in our lives where we seem harmony the most, where we long to create, and where we are in need of finding greater harmony and balance. 

Seeking balance is sometimes a volatile dance, requiring us to stand our ground and  speak from a point of truth that upsets others.  The real struggle is going on within ourselves, however, for it is within that we have to decide what we are willing and able to do in relationship, and what we are not. When we project our needs onto another or onto a relationship, we only attempt to make our own expectations define what is developing. Our expectations and perceptions are not necessarily based on the truth of the situations, relationships, or interaction that we are dealing with.  Neptune and Chiron’s long transits through Pisces, are compelling us to look beyond the illusions, perceptions or misperceptions, and wishful thinking to acknowledge what is really at work in the issues we repeatedly come up against. In our efforts to be tactful, generous, tolerant, or social (all good Libra traits), we may fall into the shadow traps of Libra by being self-serving, passive-aggressive, wishy washy, or shallow.  

Pay attention to those areas in your life where you feel you are faking it for the sake of peace. What is beneath your effort to keep yourself reined in or hidden? What are you afraid will happen if you act on  your true desires? These are the kinds of questions that may come up when we have so much energy focused in Libra. And right now we have Venus and Mercury in Libra as well, and we have Mars, the planet of action and desire, fanning the flames of whatever we are dealing with in Libra.  The Moon in Gemini through Sunday, may give us the best window for identifying the areas of our lives where we are struggling. Notice what comes up today, and then what becomes more important during the week. With Mercury in Libra, all aspects of communication is affected. This could be great if you are operating from a place of clarity and inner truth; it could be chaotic and upsetting if you are working against your very nature. When we find ourselves saying one thing but meaning another, we know that is the crux of dealing with Libra in Mercury shadow material.  Who are you

trying to please? Who are you kidding by acting one way but feeling another? Who is going to suffer the most as a result of living out of synch with your true self?

Venus in Libra, focuses our attention on that which we want to create, those we love and our ideas about what love is. We sugarcoat our feelings and tongue while Venus transits Libra, preferring to say something like my Southern women friends who say, “Bless your heart” when they mean quite the opposite.  Sometimes honey-coating some pain makes it more bearable, and that is what we might tend to do during this time.  Being on our best behavior and using our ‘party manners’ is not bad, however, if we operate out of the shadow side of this aspect, we could easily fall into the virtue trap.  The virtue trap is where we begin thinking that it is more important to do things the ‘right’ way or conducting our relationships on a strictly superficial basis. While we have the light turned on with Venus in Libra, avoid burying real issues beneath a martyr’s mask or inner resentment. Another way we sometimes use this energy is by throw in ourselves into whatever creative work we have to do. This is great, provided it does not be one more excuse for failing to examine the real issues that are blocking or interfering  with personal and relationship fulfillment. 

From mid-Sept until October 26, Mars in Sagittarius motivates us to act upon our ideals. The tendency to feel restless when Mars is in Sagittarius, is exacerbated by the three planets in Libra…biding their time and looking at all sides of every issue.  Nothing much seems to be getting done, and we might feel like taking action just for the sake of getting things moving. We are motivated by this restless energy, though such energy may not give us what we need to complete a project, or follow through with an idea. One way to deal with this kind of frenetic energy, is to do some things that have to be done. Focus on cleaning up and clearing things out, or of completing a big project that got put off and was never completed. This is a good time to finish things up. The physical act of completing even a small thing, gives us a sense of relief and well being. Mars in Sagittarius is also a great time to dream big dreams, though not a great time to begin a major project without more planning, help, and energy. 

On Monday, the Sun in Libra forms a seisquiquadrate to Neptune in Pisces―a difficult aspect in this case, that temporarily fogs our thinking and drains our us of energy or motivation. Allowing ourselves to drift in this energy, using it to get lost in an artistic project or spiritual activities.  We may feel lost at sea a bit, not  knowing where we stand with others or feeling as if we have lost our direction. This is a temporary aspect, but can throw us off if we are trying to get things accomplished in a particular manner or are dealing with giving or receiving factual information.  Check your calculations, double check your facts, and slow down so you don’t make mistakes when involved in activities that demand your full attention. 

In the middle of the night on Tuesday morning, Venus in Libra sextiles Jupiter. As this occurs in the middle of the night, it will most likely affect us through dreams or the integrative processes that take place on the unconscious levels as we sleep. Our bodies and minds heal, regenerate, and process our daily activities when we sleep. Notice what comes up in your dreams or what ideas you wake with in the morning. If you have trouble remembering dreams, simply notice how you feel when you wake up. That should give you some hint as to how your are processing and being receptive to positive spiritual energy. It may also be that  you wake with a difficult relationship problem sorted out.  The energy around this aspect has to do with how we give and receive love, how we enter into and out of relationships, and how we connect with those who help, affirm, and support us. Our ideas about personal finances and individual self worth are improved under this aspect.

On Wednesday, Mars at 21 degrees of Sagittarius sextiles the Sun at 21 degrees of Libra. This is a positive aspect for finding some type of creative solution or innovative path around an obstacle. Instinctually, we will be led or shown what needs to be done. We feel more confident with this type of creative, intuitive energy. Complications are easily worked through, and puzzles are worked out. 

Mercury in retrograde makes several interesting aspects this week. Deja vu?   On Thursday, Mercury conjuncts the Sun, then sextiles Mars. On Friday, Mercury conjuncts Venus.  Thursday and Friday should be enlightening times . When Mercury and the Sun unite, we feel congruent in body, mind, spirit, and all forms of communication. Not only do we know who we are and what we want, but we are able to easily communicate our needs, desires, and plans. A good time to put thoughts and actions into focus, and to write down whatever it is we intend.  Good time to meditate and pray, and also a good time to allow your true desires to be communicated. Shortly after Mercury conjuncts the Sun, it forms a sextle to Mars. This signals quick action and fast decisions. In a week and month that can seem like slogging through molasses, this is one period of time when you are crystal clear about what you want and need to communicate. Clarity and decisive action is needed now. On Friday when Mercury conjuncts Venus, we have a meeting of heart, mind, and body.  Time for enjoyable and refreshing communication, and for having a good time. It’s less likely you will want to work, but definitely will be seeking ways to enjoy yourself. Good time to make sales, negotiate contracts and deals, or plan some type of activity with others. Everything is smooth as butter under this influence, and whatever you are selling, people are buying.

As Mercury has reentered Libra (where it will stay until October 25, we are reevaluating our ideas about relationships. This whole month is focusing our attention on how we are doing relationships as well as the relationships themselves. We each have a relationship personality―the way we enter into, conduct ourselves, and leave relationships. Often we are unconscious of what that is choosing instead to ride the waves of whatever happens between ourselves and the other person. 

At some point, perhaps this month, we might want to consider, what have we come here to learn about who we are through the way we interact and love others, and how are we conducting ourselves? What needs reevaluating in the way, for example, we do business or do our art? Anything we do  that involves other people (artists create art for others as well as themselves and we run a business to provide someone with something―a service, a good, an option). How does the totality of how I’m engaged in relationship speak to me about my understanding of love? This is a time to listen to the inner voice, to to ask the questions to the Divine, and to put yourself in the position to see how the life unfolding within and around you is leading you towards or away from fulfillment. Notice the areas of life or the moments themselves, when you are itching to change, move, or let go of some aspect of life.  Notice where and when you feel like overthrowing an outworn habit, behavior, thought, or belief. This is a new day, a new time, and a new opportunity for you to listen to what speaks Truth to you. Get to the heart of the matter, about what motivates and shapes you.  How would you like to change, and what would you like to open yourself to doing, changing, or becoming? The questions that rise when you ask yourself some of these questions, will help guide you on your path. Look for the signs. Listen for the intuitive messages. Honor your own soul’s call, and let life be what is for your highest good. 

As of 15:37 GMT on Sunday, October 12, 2014.

Sun 19 Libra 13'57"

Moon 13 Gemini 3'32"

Mercury 28 Libra 16'15"r

Venus 15 Libra 57'28"

Mars 19 Sagittarius 56'53"

Jupiter 17 Leo 49'54"

Saturn 21 Scorpio 42'19"

Uranus 14 Aries 19'14"r

Neptune 5 Pisces 7'15"r

Pluto 11 Capricorn 5'42"

TrueNode 19 Libra 14'47"

Chiron 13 Pisces 54’14"r

Looking out toward the east last evening, I could see the waning Moon rising up over the hilltops and trees. By Wednesday, October 15, the Moon will reach its last quarter in the constellation of  Cancer. At that time, the Moon forms a square to the Sun in Libra, and we reach a time in the lunar month when we need to separate the wheat from the shaft. Whatever we have set forth to do or have been working on, now reaches the point where we need to discern what is working and what is not, what needs adjusting and what has reached a point of completion. This time of the lunar month is a time to be more reflective and to begin looking at what lessons have been learned, what insight has been gained, and what remains to be done with some long term goal or project. The final square of the Moon in Cancer occurs at 22/21 degrees. Those who have planets and aspects in Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) within 5 degrees of this aspect may be more concerned than usual with issues related to safety, security, and a sense of feeling at home in whatever areas of your lives the Moon transits. 

Venus in Libra until October 23, forms a sextile to Jupiter on Monday and Tuesday. A sociable, optimistic aspect, favors travel, culture, education, and a greater interest in connecting with others. This aspect is harmonious and favors romance and enjoying serving others.  On October 15, Venus forms a seisquiquadrate with Neptune in Pisces. This clouds thinking, creates some confusion or misunderstandings in romance and relationships that are stretched too thin. What was hidden, may be revealed at this time, especially in areas of self deception and wishful thinking.  On Friday, October 17 Venus conjuncts Mercury in Libra. This makes for an enjoyable time when playfulness in love adds a much-needed lift to romantic relationships. The key is to take yourself and those you love a little more lightly than you might otherwise do. 

On Sunday, the Moon is in Gemini all day, forming aspects to the planets throughout the day. At 10:11 AM PDT the Moon in Gemini square Chiron, the Wounded Healer, in Pisces making us feel as if we need to fix something in the areas affected by these aspects. It can be as simple as a passing thought that it is time to clean up a mess or change an attitude or behavior to bring greater peace into life. Later, the Moon trines Venus mid-afternoon, and then sextiles Jupiter in late afternoon―both aspects that signal a pleasant afternoon of enjoying whatever you are involved in.

During this week, the Sun, Mercury and Venus remain in Libra, making this a period of time when our minds and hearts remain fixed on sorting through our ideas about relationships, personal independence, and accountability in both areas of our lives. Our personal longings and what is demanded of us to maintain relationships, seems to be paramount now.  The Sun in Libra highlights the areas in our lives where we seem harmony the most, where we long to create, and where we are in need of finding greater harmony and balance. 

Seeking balance is sometimes a volatile dance, requiring us to stand our ground and  speak from a point of truth that upsets others.  The real struggle is going on within ourselves, however, for it is within that we have to decide what we are willing and able to do in relationship, and what we are not. When we project our needs onto another or onto a relationship, we only attempt to make our own expectations define what is developing. Our expectations and perceptions are not necessarily based on the truth of the situations, relationships, or interaction that we are dealing with.  Neptune and Chiron’s long transits through Pisces, are compelling us to look beyond the illusions, perceptions or misperceptions, and wishful thinking to acknowledge what is really at work in the issues we repeatedly come up against. In our efforts to be tactful, generous, tolerant, or social (all good Libra traits), we may fall into the shadow traps of Libra by being self-serving, passive-aggressive, wishy washy, or shallow.  

Pay attention to those areas in your life where you feel you are faking it for the sake of peace. What is beneath your effort to keep yourself reined in or hidden? What are you afraid will happen if you act on  your true desires? These are the kinds of questions that may come up when we have so much energy focused in Libra. And right now we have Venus and Mercury in Libra as well, and we have Mars, the planet of action and desire, fanning the flames of whatever we are dealing with in Libra.  The Moon in Gemini through Sunday, may give us the best window for identifying the areas of our lives where we are struggling. Notice what comes up today, and then what becomes more important during the week. With Mercury in Libra, all aspects of communication is affected. This could be great if you are operating from a place of clarity and inner truth; it could be chaotic and upsetting if you are working against your very nature. When we find ourselves saying one thing but meaning another, we know that is the crux of dealing with Libra in Mercury shadow material.  Who are you trying to please? Who are you kidding by acting one way but feeling another? Who is going to suffer the most as a result of living out of synch with your true self?  

Venus in Libra, focuses our attention on that which we want to create, those we love and our ideas about what love is. We sugarcoat our feelings and tongue while Venus transits Libra, preferring to say something like my Southern women friends who say, “Bless your heart” when they mean quite the opposite.  Sometimes honey-coating some pain makes it more bearable, and that is what we might tend to do during this time.  Being on our best behavior and using our ‘party manners’ is not bad, however, if we operate out of the shadow side of this aspect, we could easily fall into the virtue trap.  The virtue trap is where we begin thinking that it is more important to do things the ‘right’ way or conducting our relationships on a strictly superficial basis. While we have the light turned on with Venus in Libra, avoid burying real issues beneath a martyr’s mask or inner resentment. Another way we sometimes use this energy is by throw in ourselves into whatever creative work we have to do. This is great, provided it does not be one more excuse for failing to examine the real issues that are blocking or interfering  with personal and relationship fulfillment. 

From mid-Sept until October 26, Mars in Sagittarius motivates us to act upon our ideals. The tendency to feel restless when Mars is in Sagittarius, is exacerbated by the three planets in Libra…biding their time and looking at all sides of every issue.  Nothing much seems to be getting done, and we might feel like taking action just for the sake of getting things moving. We are motivated by this restless energy, though such energy may not give us what we need to complete a project, or follow through with an idea. One way to deal with this kind of frenetic energy, is to do some things that have to be done. Focus on cleaning up and clearing things out, or of completing a big project that got put off and was never completed. This is a good time to finish things up. The physical act of completing even a small thing, gives us a sense of relief and well being. Mars in Sagittarius is also a great time to dream big dreams, though not a great time to begin a major project without more planning, help, and energy. 

On Monday, the Sun in Libra forms a seisquiquadrate to Neptune in Pisces―a difficult aspect in this case, that temporarily fogs our thinking and drains our us of energy or motivation. Allowing ourselves to drift in this energy, using it to get lost in an artistic project or spiritual activities.  We may feel lost at sea a bit, not  knowing where we stand with others or feeling as if we have lost our direction. This is a temporary aspect, but can throw us off if we are trying to get things accomplished in a particular manner or are dealing with giving or receiving factual information.  Check your calculations, double check your facts, and slow down so you don’t make mistakes when involved in activities that demand your full attention. 

In the middle of the night on Tuesday morning, Venus in Libra sextiles Jupiter. As this occurs in the middle of the night, it will most likely affect us through dreams or the integrative processes that take place on the unconscious levels as we sleep. Our bodies and minds heal, regenerate, and process our daily activities when we sleep. Notice what comes up in your dreams or what ideas you wake with in the morning. If you have trouble remembering dreams, simply notice how you feel when you wake up. That should give you some hint as to how your are processing and being receptive to positive spiritual energy. It may also be that  you wake with a difficult relationship problem sorted out.  The energy around this aspect has to do with how we give and receive love, how we enter into and out of relationships, and how we connect with those who help, affirm, and support us. Our ideas about personal finances and individual self worth are improved under this aspect.

On Wednesday, Mars at 21 degrees of Sagittarius sextiles the Sun at 21 degrees of Libra. This is a positive aspect for finding some type of creative solution or innovative path around an obstacle. Instinctually, we will be led or shown what needs to be done. We feel more confident with this type of creative, intuitive energy. Complications are easily worked through, and puzzles are worked out. 

Mercury in retrograde makes several interesting aspects this week. Deja vu?   On Thursday, Mercury conjuncts the Sun, then sextiles Mars. On Friday, Mercury conjuncts Venus.  Thursday and Friday should be enlightening times . When Mercury and the Sun unite, we feel congruent in body, mind, spirit, and all forms of communication. Not only do we know who we are and what we want, but we are able to easily communicate our needs, desires, and plans. A good time to put thoughts and actions into focus, and to write down whatever it is we intend.  Good time to meditate and pray, and also a good time to allow your true desires to be communicated. Shortly after Mercury conjuncts the Sun, it forms a sextle to Mars. This signals quick action and fast decisions. In a week and month that can seem like slogging through molasses, this is one period of time when you are crystal clear about what you want and need to communicate. Clarity and decisive action is needed now. On Friday when Mercury conjuncts Venus, we have a meeting of heart, mind, and body.  Time for enjoyable and refreshing communication, and for having a good time. It’s less likely you will want to work, but definitely will be seeking ways to enjoy yourself. Good time to make sales, negotiate contracts and deals, or plan some type of activity with others. Everything is smooth as butter under this influence, and whatever you are selling, people are buying.

As Mercury has reentered Libra (where it will stay until October 25, we are reevaluating our ideas about relationships. This whole month is focusing our attention on how we are doing relationships as well as the relationships themselves. We each have a relationship personality―the way we enter into, conduct ourselves, and leave relationships. Often we are unconscious of what that is choosing instead to ride the waves of whatever happens between ourselves and the other person. 

At some point, perhaps this month, we might want to consider, what have we come here to learn about who we are through the way we interact and love others, and how are we conducting ourselves? What needs reevaluating in the way, for example, we do business or do our art? Anything we do  that involves other people (artists create art for others as well as themselves and we run a business to provide someone with something―a service, a good, an option). How does the totality of how I’m engaged in relationship speak to me about my understanding of love? This is a time to listen to the inner voice, to to ask the questions to the Divine, and to put yourself in the position to see how the life unfolding within and around you is leading you towards or away from fulfillment. Notice the areas of life or the moments themselves, when you are itching to change, move, or let go of some aspect of life.  Notice where and when you feel like overthrowing an outworn habit, behavior, thought, or belief. This is a new day, a new time, and a new opportunity for you to listen to what speaks Truth to you. Get to the heart of the matter, about what motivates and shapes you.  How would you like to change, and what would you like to open yourself to doing, changing, or becoming? The questions that rise when you ask yourself some of these questions, will help guide you on your path. Look for the signs. Listen for the intuitive messages. Honor your own soul’s call, and let life be what is for your highest good.