Moon Rhythms

Some words on the moon. I send out tweets just about every day on Twitter- you can see the link over in the sidebar. My tweets are based on the moon's position in the zodiac and any interactions with other planets (by means of a significant numerical angular alignment) it has for that day. The moon circles the earth in 28 days give or take half a day. During that time it passes through all the zodiac signs and constellations.
Why care about the moon? Well because it is the most personal indicator next to our sun. They are the Yin and Yang of things. However the moon changes signs in about 2 and a half days while the sun remains in a sign for thirty. This makes the rhythms of the moon more immediate to our daily grind. It is a symbol of reflectiveness, it has no light of it's own it merely reflects the sunlight that has shined on it. The moon grows from new to full and wanes back to the next cycle and disappears for three days prior to each new moon. It represents our inner emotional nature and deepest needs that will nourish us. The moon represents home and mother also.
So keeping an eye out for the sign the moon occupies can give us a clue as to how to approach things on a given day, especially if we head into rough goings on or unexpected issues. So learning the 12 signs, their meanings and general symbolism and then knowing where the moon is can give you a leg up or at least explain why the server got your order wrong or why your sibling, boss or partner is so mad again today or forgetful or goofy....
One last thing, the moon and the sun too for that matter are not technically planets they are known as luminaries because their natures. So while the tweets aren't a personal horoscope I encourage you to sign up and see what might be happening each day with the lunar rhythm. Let me know.


-Karen

Sun in Scorpio

The sun moved into Scorpio a few days ago on the 22nd and will stay for 30 days. Happy Birthday all you Scorpio babies!


Now everybody knows Scorpio's are "sexy" yes but don't you want to be more? Well of course if you are a scorpio you know you are more and you slyly cock your head and say to yourself  "sure just let them think that's all I am....."  with a devious inner grin Muuahahah. More like it? Yeah I thought so. If you agree and do not have a Scorpio sun then you certainly have a strong connection in your chart.
Secretive, how's that for a word? And more so they are survivors. This is not to say that no other group is, it's just that people born with a sun in Scorpio or many planets there are quite aware of what it takes to get by in life. They came here with a personal identity aligned with challenge, attaining the security and power they need in certain facets of their lives.
If you pay attention you will notice Scorpio is even more concerned with relationships than a Libra might be. For Libra they are a learning tool among other things but in Scorpio, or with a Scorpio sun, one learns that they can only obtain certain things by merging with other people. Whether it be a marriage for children, a job for prestige or a collaboration for more publicity, a roommate to save their hard earned cash , Scorpio energy is very savvy about it and figure out how to attract it. Then they jump in deeply and expect you to do the same. Once set on anything, there isn't much that will deter a dear Scorpio. Praise Scorpio for all the horror movies, slasher films and surge of vampire tales- all that deep, dark, scary, life threatening stuff flips the Scorpio switch quite easily. Fear? Bring it on, another challenge to conquer.
In this a Scoprio needs to be sure they aren't in overdrive or overkill so to speak in order to obtain thier hearts desire- plowing over everyone and leaving stab marks in every back-- well then again a good scorpio will know how to hide it all....what can I say. But really, manipulation is very best avoided, better to struggle a bit and feel insecure for a while than manipulate someone into something they know not of or settle for less than you had in mind. However if the bills are due- I suggest taking that job (for now) even if it bites.

So where does the sexy part figure in? Well it's just another attraction avenue only it has to be out front in order to get the "goods". So scorpio wants to survive and thrive and should avoid underhanded means of getting thier way but if you ever need someone to stick in there thick and thin it may well be a scorpio.

Astrology "works"

This link click here is to an article about power struggles in relationships.  Exactly on time and on target to the skyward view of things.  We've been talking about Saturn in Libra and relationship (im)balance.  Pluto's added effect is the struggle for power.  So does the writer of that article follow astrology or is it merely more 'proof' that astrology cycles are valid?

Saturn in Libra

By month's end we will be seeing Saturn change signs and move into Libra. Previously in Virgo, Saturn's measures may have felt exacting, now the balance must be found. Focus will be on the rules, obligations, building or being blocked in the area of relationships particularly, money issues may also be involved. I cannot say which way any one person might feel this effect without a chart and knowing current life conditions so I will talk about some various manifestations that are possible. Over the past 2 years imperfections and areas of insufficiency have been exposed for us- personally as well as at a societal level (just look to our government and financial system ). Moving on, now it is action time. It will be felt by many that it is time for a change somewhere in the balance of your life and it starts with you first. Time to start the changes that will address needs, wants and outright dysfunction.
One note -- it is fair to assume that anyone born near the 20th of Sept., Dec., March, or June will be feeling effects quite significantly over the next 6 months and beyond. But also many others with sensitive points in the same degrees as those mentioned.

So Saturn is boundaries and Libra is our interrelationships- work, school, love, self. The thing to watch in Libra is extremes and imbalance- often by way of one side giving too much by way of compromise and the other giving none at all. With an added point of intersection with Pluto being throw in for intense measure some may become almost obsessed with some issue or another (perhaps making money) but this type of extreme is to be avoided because the consequences will eventually undo much of the perceived gains if you overstep boundaries. Rather than making more money the cure-all, see if you might also cut back or be more efficient in other areas- look for varied solutions not just one big fix. Some may slip into, or remain within obsessive relationship attachments out of dependency - real or percieved. On the positive side, if you have been working diligently toward a position of greater authority, autonomy and authenticity this can be a period of great fruition and ability to attract resources and gain a powerful reputation in your field.
In life matters we should expect to see a time of increased responsibility, changes in authority figures, bosses, teachers and the like. It could be a time for some to step down from positions of power and let change occur or just let go of what is ready to go from your life for fresh horizons. Those who have abused a position of authority over others may be held to great measures of accountability or exposed suddenly. Some might marry, expand their family, divorce or separate. If any of these more traumatic changes happen see the opportunity for correction of course in your life. If something happens that makes you insecure it is a push towards self growth and improved trust in ones ability to act. It may not feel great at first but all processes take time. This time, the next 2 +/- years, will be teaching us in the areas self discipline, fairness, and equality among others.

These issues may not immediately jump out at us but by the end of 2009 there will be signals if not initial plans for change already in the works. If change comes that feels unsettling give it time- throughout Jan., Feb., and March will be a time to reflect and see if things are working well. Best regards for the best outcome. If you have any questions feel free to use the comment section.

-K

Desire plus willpower

With so much going on in the sky let's focus on mars for that's where the action is. If you have noticed a revving up in some areas that could be where mars is traveling in your chart. There's a lot of juice in this one and it will last many months, approximately seven.
And that is what mars in Leo is about, where is our gold? Creative juices flow, as does libido so be judicious about using birth control. Mars has the drive and Leo has the vision so projects take on great forward momentum. There is a lot of self pumped into efforts, we are closely identified with our creations- their our lil babies after all. Whether you are churning out a novel, a dinner feast or making a baby there is a wellspring of passion for what we are doing. Achievement, recognition, leadership, even parenting/family are all possible avenues for the expression of this energy, it's nearly orgasmic....did I say that? well yes.

Do watch out for egos clashing for more than one person may want recognition or seemingly great ideas are spurned. If you have a grand plan for a new invention consider copy-writing or otherwise protecting your personal ideas. Leo is also about existing family so their can be conflict and jealousy if mars energy gets overworked. Everyone may want to be the Chief. Be sure to recognize each individual contribution to any group projects and collaborations and keep a modicum of humility about achievements.
So whether it is interpersonal relations, family, work projects or personal creativity pay attention to the energy you have and where it needs to be focused. Take up something new and inspirational to you if there seems to be a void. A new hobby, exercise routine, love affair, or adult ed. class to pour your heart into. Finances may be able to be enhanced through creative endeavors or there could be an increased responsibility necessitating more effort.
One note is that a turning point called a retrograde will be in store a few months from now so all that glitters may not be gold. Or that book may need serious editing, or their might be a change of heart or changing loyalties down the road. More posts when that time gets closer though if you can wrap things up by the end of the year then the remaining time is well spent in reflecting, editing, retouching details, resubmitting or just considering if any changes are needed. Some projects may well halt altogether for one reason or another.

-K

Picking up speed

Ok so we are in the ebb tide, waiting on new moon energy. This is a restless time while the moon finishes a pass through Virgo- which can be downright on a razor's edge at times- and then drifts into Libra and only meets the new moon phase in the last degrees. Meanwhile Mars (the planet of how we act on things) in bounding into Leo, a fiery, creative sometimes- me-me-me sign, so.... there can be short tempers, impatience with the changing pace and the like.
However once into Libra, objectivity comes into focus and movement can initiate a little easier but extremes may be experienced before the expected balance is seen. Depending on where this is happening in your chart it can be in any area of life. Hierarchical relationships are highlighted. With the special angle this new moon makes to Cancer/Capricorn we can see Capricornian themes emerge such as the protest over French Vogue pushing the racial sensitivity button with a recent spread or the Justice-of- the- Peace somewhere in the southeast U.S. declining to wed interracial couples. Capricorn rules authority and not surpisingly represents melanin in the skin that produces the black skin tones of African decent. (as skin is a barrier also represented in saturn/capricorn) So we see the whole pot being stirred with racial issues, the memory of slavery - a completely hierarchical/power abuse/imbalance issue.
Libra, being social, artistic and wanting harmony we can see how the fashion photography is involved, the issue of marriage and people wanting no compromises to getting social harmony. So we are seeing some previews on the movement of the planet Saturn (linked to Capricorn) in less than a few weeks will enter the sign of Libra- which is all about imbalances and creating harmony among others. One drawn out preview is that of John & Kate of that reality series. Note the whole scandalous mess is getting to deeper layers now- John claiming injustice for the kids, taking funds (power imbalance). being told to return them....yup this is all the juicier version.
Another movement to have an eye toward now is the movement of Mars into Leo, this creates an environment with abundant personal pride, achievement, honor, creativity and self identity and also a good sense of fun and playfulness if done right. Mars will be spending longer than usual in Leo (more on that retrograde on down the road) which can and may fill people with a sense of a very personal mission. Perhaps at times a sense of indigence at injustices. Keep an eye for this. With the sun to be in Scorpio before months end I expect some serious brew -ha-ha

What to do personally? Whether you have ongoing issues or not the best thing is to keep a level picture in your mind of the truths underlying your world. Yes things are personal but take a step back and detach for a moment, pretend it is someone else you are giving advise to in order to have a sense of neutrality. Best not to grasp and cling but do and ask for the right thing to be done. A sense of fairness will go a long way, as will understanding the views of "the other guy". Seek an atmoshpere of cooperation in all but solo endeavors, and well , even then cooperate with yourself!! Speaking of which, any solo projects, from art, to learning or writing, to meditation can have strong results and a positive impact. Wishing you great beginnings!
-Karen

Upcoming new moon Oct 18th

New moons are a time when new impulses come into the conscious awareness though we may not know where they come from or what to do with them.  Prior to the new moon there can be an ebb of energies, a sense of void, inner quietness and self searching, then suddenly an A-ha! moment may arrive. Thus they are known as a good time to start new initiatives.  There may be just an instinctive desire present. This usually works itself out and is made more obvious at full moon times.

Next new moon is Oct 18th and is in a special angle, heightening issues that come up. These will tend to be relationship themed, with parent/child dynamics especially prominent for some. This is all good because it will prepare us for the next 2-2.5 years that will have extra emphasis on all our relationships. We may become obsessed with the particulars, settling down, changes in relationship authority (such as workplace heirarchies).

Exposure can be made of power imbalances and where things need to be brought back to center from extremes. There may be made known a true desire to be more settled, defined, progress to the next step.  Some things may be let go of in order to truly have what fullfills us, what makes us feel connected.
Too much work, not enough play?, overspending?, attracting insufficient job offers or dating options...all these and more are to be contemplated and addressed over time. However the time is ripening for these changes and the theme will be on inner and outer balance whether it's home/work, school/friendships, needs/resources.  What is or isn't working and needs correction? That is the bottom line litmus test -- is this working out and meeting the needs of each party?

Reflecting on a solar retun

Yeah , fancy way of saying it's my birthday! 
Why should we care.  For me a solar return is a person's personal New Years Day.  Much more significant than January 1st.  It is the renewal of our solar energy, our very center, core self that we carry forth in the world.

What's the skyward perspective for this time?  Emotional intensity, processing and renewal.  The moon opposes pluto in cancer/capricorn.  These planets indicate an awareness, a flowering - possibly not the most gentle-  of deep emotions.  The signs- Cancer and Capricorn are significators of emotional and general development and processes.  So we can see that it's time to generate some deep changes in our emotional body (even moreso if you are born in the surrounding days).  Pluto searches deeply for what is old, outworn and in need of improvement in order for the soul to manifest itself.  The moon is contact and experience at it's most personal, our inner core.

At this time awareness may come to you that something needs changing at a personal level and there will be the ability to recognize and act. At the same time the mind is very stimulated and open to new ideas and even higher aspects of Universal truths and Love.  It's an exciting time! However, addressing the restless connection between the mind and feelings will bring the best outcomes. 

Indications are that the deep personal self/emotions should be brought out, manifested but in a particular way that allows for greater self awareness, control and authority over the overall conditions of daily life.  Mental scrutiny of bubbling feelings should be with a neutral and compasionate mind.  Deeper truth and spirituality can be accessed, particularly through means of daily practice and devotion to these practices.  Yoga, meditation, tai chi and other systems - innovate!-  that allow more connecting the body-mind are particularly well suited now with good results.  Overall it means bringing the calm focused mind to bear on the authenticity of our inner feelings,  seeing them truthfully without judgement and improving ones ability to function as the voice of our own inner authority.

This applies to many facets of daily life from money worries, relationship doubts, issues of self worth, social obligations and more.  Stick with your routines that don't seem connected to money issues or love life concerns.  Keep up dedication to your meditation, your fitness routine,  or self reflecting in a journal as well as any of the above mentioned possibilities and the other issues will flow easier.  Answers will come to you clearer by taking a swim at the Y or repeating a mantra each morning than by focusing on the problem like it's a brick wall to be plowed through.
Best regards for the upcoming weekend.

-Karen