TheaHealing

Intuitive astrology and tarot blend the archetypal and metaphoric meanings of the tarot to the celestial cycles occurring in the heavens, as guideposts to help along the way. I am not a fortune teller. I don’t know what will happen in the future. I use the language of astrology and tarot as a way to explain influences of events.

The cards and planets don’t make us do anything. They are simply resonant energy frequencies and a metaphor of and by human creation, an attempt to impose meaning on apparent chaos.

This month, I’ve added one more card, from the Osho Zen Tarot deck, as the “learning” the summer offers.

For these readings I use the images from Hanson-Roberts Tarot and Animal Medicine cards by Jamie Sams. “R”= reversed.

Aries – The Major Arcana card of Death may make you feel like quaking in your boots. But Death is, simply, a card of endings, new beginnings and deep transformation. Whale R gives us a clue – you may have forgotten how to claim the power of your chosen destiny. In fact, you may not even remember what your chosen destiny is. For some reason (probably because I’m an Aries, and so this reading applies to me), I pulled an additional animal card. Playful Dolphin reminds us to breathe…the manna of life and to discover the beauty of the rhythm of the breath. In the breathing, the answers will come.

Your Osho Zen card is the Major Arcana card of Completion, which actually reinforces the entire reading. From the book –“Whatever has been absorbing your time and energy is now coming to an end. In completing it, you will be clearing the space for something new to begin. Use this interval to celebrate both – the end of the old and the coming of the new.”

Taurus – The King of Swords indicates that you are a person of intelligence, power, authority and dignity. However, you can seem a little remote. Joyful Hummingbird provides balance and the antidote to the allwork/noplay syndrome. According to the card, “Embrace what makes you happy. Be joyful. Count your blessings. Open yourself to pleasure.”

Your Osho Zen card is the Miser. Look at what you may be clinging to. Loosen your grip; you can’t take it with you. Feel the freedom and expansiveness sharing can bring.

Gemini –5 of Rods R indicates that it may seem as though your competition has gone elsewhere. The battle seems to be over. However, it may be that the rules have changed and the strikes against you have become more subtle. Stealthy Weasel is a powerful ally to have at this time. According to the card, “Be the detective. Honor what you find. The truth is out there.” Look to Weasel power to tell you the “hidden reasons” behind anything.

Your Osho Zen card is Integration. This card shows perfect union of opposites – the yin/yang balance to and of everything, perfect alchemy. Perhaps this card is here to show you how to walk that fine line, knife edge balance.

Cancer – Queen of Pentacles R indicates someone who is more focused on the materialistic, superficial side of life rather than the spiritual. You may have lost touch with the beautiful daily rhythms of life, lost touch with nature. Buffalo reminds you of what you have forgotten –prayer, abundance and praise. “Buffalo medicine is a sign that you achieve nothing without the aid of the Great Spirit and that you must be humble enough to ask for that assistance and then be grateful for what you receive.” [Sams]

Your Osho Zen card of Stress reinforces Buffalo’s message. Stress reminds us to make time for the “unimportant.” You are juggling too many balls and you are bound to drop one soon, and the whole silly charade may come crashing down. Remember, you are a human being, not a human doing.

Leo – 6 of Rods indicates victory and success. Remember, optimism creates victory. Spider R reminds you, though, not to let this victory go to your head. Do not get entangled in the web of your own illusion about who you really are. And no criticizing of others!

You Osho Zen card is Slowing Down. “The essence is at ease”. Remember, no matter where you go, there you are. As the book says, “Walking is Zen, sitting is Zen.” There is no need for you to do anything but rest in the fullness of who you are right now. Remember your mantra – “The essence is at ease.”

Virgo – The action-packed Major Arcana card of the Chariot rules assertiveness, action, will power, forward motion, motivation, trips, and cars. With all this action, wiley Fox R steps in. As foolish as it is cunning, you may have become too visible with all this action. Or you may have practiced Fox’s art of camoflauge too well and you may feel like you are invisible.

Your Osho Zen card is the Major Arcana card of Awareness – the veil of illusion burning away. From the book — “The awareness that is growing in you now is not the result of any conscious ‘doing’, nor do you need to struggle to make something happen…Let yourself settle, and remember that deep inside you are just a witness, eternally silent, aware and unchanged.”

Libra – The Queen of Cups indicates a person who is a nurturer, a counselor, a good listener, compassionate and loving. However, Lynx R suggests that you may talk too much. Lynx is the knower of secrets; Lynx is not the speaker of secrets. A Cherokee medicine teacher I know used to tell me, “You have two ears and one mouth.” (That is, listen twice as much as you talk. And if you talk, how can you listen?)

Your Osho Zen card is Moment To Moment. Ram Dass probably said it best – Be Here Now. This is also a card of balance, of being in the world, but not of the world. Be in neither the past nor the future. Be in the present. It is a gift.

Scorpio – The Page of Pentacles indicates your focus is on work (hello – welcome to summer in Talkeetna). Business and financial communications are positively indicated at this time. However, innocent Porcupine R indicates that you cannot win the game of life if you are too serious. Are you willing to trust others, to be vulnerable? Are you willing to trust yourself?

Your Osho Zen card is The Lovers. Love is a spectrum of relating. Love based in freedom, not expectation or need, takes us higher and higher towards the universal love that experiences all as one.

Sagittarius – 4 of Cups R indicates that your time of apathy and boredom is over. You can see and are ready to grasp new opportunities, ready to take the full cup that the Universe is offering you. Moose R indicates that your ego can ruin your sense of accomplishment. Remember, everyone teaches everyone in some way. The core of Moose medicine is knowing the wisdom of silence, so that when it is proper to speak you can take pride in your words.

Your Osho Zen card is Harmony. From the book — “Listen to your heart, move according to your heart, whatsoever the stake: ‘A condition of complete simplicity costing not less than everything’…Only a simple heart sings with God in deep harmony.”

Capricorn – The Knight of Cups R can be someone who is very charming, but very insincere, manipulative and superficial. Bat R can indicate “a stagnation of spirit and a refusal to acknowledge your true destiny – which is always to use the talents you have to the fullest…Whatever you do today will affect the next seven generations.” [Sams]

Your Osho Zen card is Traveling – a time of movement and change. It’s the journey, not the destination or rather, the journey is the destination.

Aquarius – The Major Arcana card of the Hierophant indicates that perhaps you are in a rut, rigid, dogmatic. Squirrel R indicates that waiting for something to happen can lead to stagnation, or perhaps your fears of scarcity are creating a hoarder out of you.

Your Osho Zen card is the Outsider reminds you that you are not disconnected from the universe. From the book – “You have an opportunity now to stop the tape, to quit tormenting yourself with ideas that you are somehow not ‘enough’ to be accepted and included. Recognize the roots of these feelings in the past, and let go of the old pain. It will bring you the clarity to see how you can open the gate and enter that which you most long to become.”

Pisces — 6 of Pentacles R indicates that this is a time of your financial chickens coming home to roost. Maybe you need to repay a loan or a debt, or some support may be withdrawn. Bear says, “Go within. Personal strength comes from inner knowing”.

Your Osho Zen card is Intensity. This Intensity belongs to “the vertical world of the present moment – a recognition that now is the only moment there is, and here is the only space…Nothing can hold you back right now.”

April 2010 TarotScopes

Intuitive astrology and tarot blend the archetypal and metaphoric meanings of the tarot to the celestial cycles occurring in the heavens, as guideposts to help along the way. I am not a fortune teller. I don’t know what will happen in the future. I use the language of astrology and tarot as a way to explain influences of events. The cards and planets don’t make us do anything. They are simply resonant energy frequencies and a metaphor of and by human creation, an attempt to impose meaning on apparent chaos.

For these readings I use the images from Hanson-Roberts Tarot and Animal Medicine cards by Jamie Sams. “R”= reversed.

Aries – 4 of Cups R indicates that your time of apathy and boredom is over. You can see and are ready to grasp new opportunities, ready to take the full cup that the Universe is offering you. Gentle Deer is a reminder to be gentle with yourself and offer kindness to all beings. The gentle qualities of unconditional love and compassion will conquer all fear and negativity. Deer sings a lovely little song: “I will love myself/I will be gentle with myself/I am a child of the Universe/ We are one together”.

Taurus – 8 of Swords indicates you may be feeling restricted, frustrated, blocked. However, you have the ability to escape this so-called trap. Perhaps it is your limited understanding that is the problem. Your first step toward liberation is to remove your blindfold and see the challenging situation as clearly as possible. Then you will be able to take the sword of your intelligence and release yourself from your alleged bondage. The Blank Shield card of Unlimited Potential reinforces this. “Open your eyes! Pay attention! Trust yourself to recognize the gift being offered at this time.” [Jamie Sams]

Gemini – Ace of Pentacles indicates the time is right for new financial beginnings and initiating successful business ventures. The Pentacles are cards of the Earth and remember — Earth bears its own magic. High-flying Hawk asks us to receive Mother Nature’s messages and soar. Honor all beings as messengers. Trust life’s messages.

Cancer – 2 of Rods asks you to review your vision of the world and your creativity. You have been a success in some way, but your success would benefit from collaboration with at least one other person. Stealthy Weasel R asks you not to slink away just because you can. Honesty to self and others is crucial. According to Jamie Sams, Weasel R is “…confusion. If you want to right the situation, start by shaking the dullness out of your head and observing the obvious. No one can fool you if you watch your step, honor your knowing, seek the ‘hidden reasons’ and use discretion in the process.”

Leo – 5 of Pentacles R indicates your “poverty” consciousness and feelings of insecurity (either emotionally or financially) are at an end. Mountain Lion roars, “Take courage and be brave. Be the leader lion you were born to be , but don’t demand that others follow. “(Finally, Leo. Perhaps all will move forward well for you now that Mars has finally gone direct at 0 degrees Leo. Roar!)

Virgo – The High Priestess whispers of trusting your intuition, your inner wisdom, the deep inner knowing that you can only gain in the depths of your consciousness. Bat, living in the dark cave, and flying only at night, reinforces this theme. Bat is an ancient symbol of Death/Rebirth. According to Jamie Sams, “Be flexible. Prepare for rebirth. The time is NOW, the power is YOU.”

Libra — 8 of Rods R indicates that things are slow at this time. You’re feeling stagnated, there are business slowdowns, delays, frustrations. Grouse R indicates that this is perhaps because you’re not in sync with the rhythms of the universe. Have you lost your connection to Spirit? There is a dissipation of energy, a lack of control and discipline, along with a lack of clear intent behind the outpouring of energy. Work toward harnessing your energy and directing it toward clearly defined goals. Utilize sacred dance or mindful walking as a tool for grounding, balance, earthing.

Scorpio – The Hermit indicates that this is a good time for study, especially in esoteric fields. Look for guidance in ancient wisdom; it may even be time for that mentor and guide you’ve always wanted to come into your life. This is perfect for you, Scorpio, since you’re the cosmic, psychic detective. And the time is definitely now. Antelope indicates that. Antelope is action, the “Nike” of the animal cards. (Just do it.) It is time to respond, to take action, and no procrastinating. Decide to do it NOW. The lesson is to do. There is no fear if you know what to do and then do it. Knowledgeable action is the key and essence of living.

Sagittarius – 8 of Pentacles indicates that you are working toward achieving craftsmanship/mastery in your chosen field. However, you’re not quite there yet. Focus and pay attention to the details, and you will receive the discipline and skill you need to become a master craftsman. Mouse R reminds you to pay attention to the little things that matter as well, like cleaning up your living space, or paying an old parking ticket (In Talkeetna, Alaska? Well, maybe from the last time you were Outside.) Walk in humility, step by step, slow down, and all will be well.

Capricorn – Knight of Swords indicates that it is time for assertive action and communication. It’s time for mental strength, rather than physical. Stand up for yourself intellectually. However, the Knight of Swords can be a confrontative and mentally direct kind of person. Perhaps that’s why graceful Swan turned up as a partner to this fellow. According to Jamie Sams, “Accept the gift of grace. Surrender to the flow. Don’t give up – give over.”

Aquarius – The 3 of Cups tells us it’s party time! Rejoice with friends and family. Sacred Buffalo urges us to meet this time with prayer, praise and gratitude for the abundance in the Universe. According to Jamie Sams, “Make way for abundance. Release fear of lack or scarcity. Open yourself to receive. (Neptune and Chiron are and have been conjunct in Aquarius for quite a while. Neptune rules spirituality and unconditional love; Chiron the healed healer. Rejoice!)

Pisces – The Queen of Swords is a strong-willed person, who, according to Rachel Pollack, has “received her strength from the connection between sorrow and wisdom; [that is,] she has experienced pain , faced it with courage, acceptance and honesty and therefore has found wisdom.” Her tenacity in overcoming obstacles has made her the original “Iron Butterfly”. Badger R indicates that there is a need for more aggressive action in your life. There can be no more inactivity without creating pain.

Mars and Mercury Retrograde have hit me hard. My computer and hence my blog access has become extremely limited. Hope to post within the next week or two! Till then…..

Once

in a blue moon,
out of the blue,
truth,
an unusual occurrence,
yes.

Rarer, still more extraordinary.
is the pink moon,
the blossoming lotus,
Buddha Moon
of the Grandmother Turtle,
summoned
by the steady drum
of silvery waves,
weaving,
laying her eggs,
journey seeds.

Once,

in a blue moon,
the seven sisters’
radiance,
sparkles,
tones
a new hearttemple.
Fertility is assured.

The quickening has begun.

Once in a Blue Moon

There are two full moons in December 2009, making it a blue moon month. 12/1-2 (depending on where you live) is the first Full Moon; the New Moon is on 12/16 and the second Full Moon is on 12/31. December’s first Full Moon is quite a potent one. There are lots of aspects which the Full Moon will enhance in its flowering, harvesting, “fullness” aspect.

Uranus stations to go direct on 12/1. Uranus has been retrograde since July 2009. Once Uranus goes direct we will have almost three weeks of all the planets in forward motion. We’ve had the opportunity for some major evolutionary influences and lessons in the retrogrades, conjunctions, oppositions, and squares in 2009. What have you learned? Each planet is a unique metaphor for growth and transformation. Uranus transforms through (seeming) sudden upheavals, chaos, disruptions and strange intuitive leaps of logic.

In addition, Uranus and Neptune have been and will continue to be in “mutual reception”. That is, each planet is in the other’s ruling sign. In fact, they will continue to be in mutual reception (on and off — more in a later post) until 2011. This phase of their mutual reception will last until May 2010, when Uranus will dip into Aries and Neptune will go retrograde in Aquarius to glean some more spiritual insights. This mutual reception is a rare cycle and it has occurred 1507 to 1508; 1670 to 1676; and 1836 to 1843. The next mutual receptions for these two planets will be in 2170 and 2338.

Uranus and Neptune in mutual reception dance like the intimacy of lovers, each gleaning the pearls of wisdom from the other’s essence. And with the other overlays (shall we say) of the higher octaves and consciousnesses of love from the Venus retrograde we experienced March/April this year, as well as the ongoing triple conjunction of Jupiter-Neptune-Chiron — well, let’s just say it’s all about the power of love, conscious evolution and the Age of Aquarius transiting from the Age of Pisces. Personal egocentric love morphs into the social collective spiritual consciousness of love.

(Once again, please note: the planets don’t make us do anything…they are simply prevailing energy frequencies that we resonate with, and that metaphor is a human creation to attempt to impose meaning on apparent chaos.)

In addition, Uranus and Neptune are currently in a semi-sextile aspect to each other (30 degrees). This tends to make their influence, already etheric and esoteric, very subtle. True compassion, a sense that all beings, including the earth are interdependently connected, is beginning to gain globally awareness, hopefully leading to right action. We are becoming one global village, and we are seeing in real time in real life how the butterfly flapping her wings in Japan can create a hurricane in Florida. However, the semisextile aspect works below the surface. We seem to know, intuitively, that something is up, but we don’t quite know what. That is, there’s more going on than meets the eye. Stay open — there’s a lot of cosmic information we are downloading in our sleep, the dreamtime, as well as in our (allegedly conscious) matrixes.

Now although the triple conjunction (Jupiter-Neptune-Chiron) is no longer exact, the three planets are still very close in orb. In fact, Jupiter and Chiron will be conjunct on 12/2 through 12/14. Jupiter rules metaphysics, spirituality, and higher philosophy (a perfect touchpoint for Uranus and Neptune). Jupiter also rules expansion, both inner and outer, so that planet amplifies whatever it touches. The inner healing aspects, healing our shadow, the leapfrog changes from Uranus stationing direct, may have a tendency to be in your face.

On 12/9 Uranus will semisextile Chiron (the wounded healer planet, through which we have been learning how to take the shadow and use it to heal ourselves and others). The spiritual information, intuitive leaps of logic, the deep changes that are taking place within us, can be so subtle we often may not even know ourselves where it comes from, or even what’s going on. Relax and let it flow. Love will work it out.

In re-reading this blog before posting, I realized the last two paragraphs seem to be in contradiction to each other. But it’s like this — did something big ever happen to you, and you knew that whatever you thought the meaning of the event was, might now really be it? That it was just a symptom or a metaphor for something else that was happening below the surface. That would be an example of what I am speaking of.

But yet there’s more. Uranus and Juno have been conjunct for several months this year. Juno is an asteroid whose function involves being in relationship on all levels and from all perspectives. It had been retrograde for a while and went direct on November 3. Aspects of love, partnerships and relationships have been a source of intense focus and review since the Venus retrograde in March/April 2009. Connections, spiritual and otherwise, have almost seemingly come out of nowhere. All are mutually involved in mutual evolution, this cosmic dance. These aspects will continue in various close configurations through the rest of this month. Jupiter will conjunct Neptune 12/20 through 12/25; then on 1/31 Neptune will conjunct Chiron. See my previous posts for more information on these topics.

On another note, did you feel another shift about mid-November?
It almost felt like we had been spit out of a very tight tunnel. The world is still the same in many respects, yet totally different. And we are different after the prevailing energies and lessons of 2009.

But back to mid-November for a minute. There was a click, another tumbler in the lock, another precise clue to unlocking the key. That was when Saturn in Libra squared Pluto in Capricorn.

Although Saturn rules Capricorn, Saturn is exalted in Libra, the sign of balance and relationship—for where but in relationship to other human beings are we so sorely tested in our spiritual growth? In some respects, it’s easier to be a hermit (except for the fact that we are social beings). Through the arts of responsibility, patience, flexibility and endurance we can relate to others over extended periods of time. This square has led us to a decision to let go of competition and develop a habit of cooperativeness.

Squares are like doors, opening and closing. And this is a Cardinal square, a time of new beginnings. In Libra, it’s about balance. In Capricorn, the mountain goat is mindful of the purchase of the hooves upon the mountain. Although this is not a mutual reception (Pluto rules Scorpio), this is still a significant aspect. Things have changed.

About a year ago, Pluto moved into Capricorn. This was a big event as Pluto changes signs only about every 15 years or so. In 2009, Pluto has gone retrograde and is now direct again. The questions asked by Pluto are: Where were you a year ago? Has anything about your foundation changed? Are you more accountable than you were last year? Are old debts, or old family obligations or anything where your past intent was offkilter come back to bite you in the ass? Or, in another metaphor, have the chicks come home to roost?

This square is exact through the beginning of December. This energy gives feet to our intellectual and spiritual changes, while in addition, whatever Pluto is doing is also very low, almost subsonic so to speak in our energetic field. (Again, what’s happening below the surface of conscious awareness?)

So enjoy the flow for approximately three weeks. On 12/20, Mars will go retrograde in Leo until March 10, 2010; then Mercury will go retrograde in Capricorn on 12/26 until January 15, 2010. Saturn will go retrograde on January 13, 2010 (until the end of May 2010), just in time to clean up any messes from the Mercury and Mars retrogrades.

The Mars retrograde during Christmas week reviews how we act in the world, how do we take action to acheive our goals. What is our way of movement in the world? Assertion or aggression?

The Mercury retrograde the day after Christmas Day can lead to accidents, misunderstandings and such. So — use the lessons of the triple conjunction and Venus retrograde, the glacial energy shifting shifting of Pluto, the dance of Uranus and Saturn (they’ve been in and out of opposition all year).

Watch your actions, be careful of your words because that Mercury retrograde will eventually conjunct Pluto and your words could easily bite you in the ass. Be accountable for what you say and do. Continue to build a good and strong foundation. Mercury and Pluto are both small planets (we can discuss Pluto’s status as a celestial object another time); but with Pluto’s power behind Mercury, look out.

So, beware of rushing this holiday season. Be careful, be mindful.

Whatever holiday you celebrate, have a wonderful one.

A quick blog about the planetary energies for Samhain 2009(pronouced sow (like the female pig)-when (like when will it be time to eat the pumpkin?). This day is also known as Halloween.

A few things stand out. For one, Samhain happens this year just a couple of days before the Full Moon. The full moon will be on November 2nd, and will be on the second day of remembering the Day of the Dead. The Samhain moon is in Aries; the full moon will be in Taurus. An Aries moon is an excellent time to plant new seeds, new beginnings in your life, looking at where you can take action. The Taurus full moon would then be the culmination of that harvest.

That makes Samhain an excellent time to “shoot the moon”. Shooting the moon involves setting an intent for something you want, something that may even seem outlandish, and then, as if those thoughts were Diana’s arrows, pull back her bow, and send that intent through time and space using the moon’s curvature to help with the trajectory, to meet you somewhere on the other side of the full moon (within the next week).

Another good Samhain ritual involves writing what you want in the next year on one side of a piece of paper. On the other side, write what you want to have gone from your life. After an appropriate meditation time, burn this piece of paper in your cauldron, ashtray, bonfire, wood stove…..whatever (just be careful not to burn the house down!)

Of course, remembering the dead is an integral part of Samhain and Day of the Dead rituals. Light a memorial candle for those who have crossed to the other side. Remember, never blow out a ritual candle, for it’s magic will be lost. Let it either burn down or put out the flame some other way.

Also — remember that triple conjunction I’ve mentioned in my blogs before — between Jupiter-Neptune-Chiron? That conjunction has been splitting apart since August or so. Those planets have been in retrograde since May/June. Jupiter went direct on October 13. Chiron goes direct on October 31 (that’s right, Samhain). This is the time for all that inner directed self-healing to project outward. Neptune will go direct on November 4 (just after the full moon), again bringing the lessons from Spirit forward into the material world. Juno (an asteroid whose function involves being in relationship on all levels and from all perspectives) goes direct on November 3. Aspects of love, partnerships and relationships have been a source of intense focus since the Venus retrograde in April/May 2009. Juno is currently conjunct Uranus, causing us to have “strange bedfellows” at this time (like nobody you ever expected).

Uranus and Neptune will continue to be in mutual reception (each is in the other’s ruling sign — Neptune is in Aquarius and Uranus is in Pisces), each gleaning the pearls of wisdom from the other’s essence. Pluto continues its slow movement direct, same degrees as last year. But more about that later.

Blessed Be and have a lovely Samhain.

Hi there kids –

I fell into the abyss after I wrote my blog for July about the rare triple conjunction between Jupiter-Neptune-Chiron in the celestial realm. A friend told me once years ago that I was like a raw nerve, exposed, that I was just so sensitve. Well, it’s true. Have you been feeling the energies shift?

I collapsed in my front yard in Sept, just before Mercury went retrograde, a week before Pluto turned direct, and on the Full Moon in Pisces. I’ve since discovered I need between 9 and 12 hours of sleep and/or rest every day. So I’ve ignored my computer. And now I have 5,000 emails (200 pages) in my three email accounts. So please be patient computer-wise. I am slowly coming back from getting cosmically knocked on my ass, but I am very mindful of the energetic cost of the activities I choose to do.

Alaska is a good place to observe cycles. Up here, seasonal cycles are clearly, sharply, dramatically delineated. This year I had a longer summer that I would have in Alaska since I went to Florida in April, and totally missed breakup. But while summer has been just barely long enough, this year’s autumn has been truly spectacular. We’re waiting on tenterhooks for snow, as termination dust is everywhere and in places like Healy (near Denali) they’ve already had four inches of snow (melted by now I’m sure). There is an order to the universe. An overimposing discipline that lovingly allows chaos to reign supreme, yet embodies an inherent truth. I mean, from what I observe, everything (as I understand it) appears to have a rhythm, a cadence, a dance (shades of Gabriel Roth!). Why not the planets? Why not our own inherent energetic wisdom? And why not use the language of astrology and tarot as a convenient metaphor to join in the dance?

I don’t know what will happen in the future. I use the language of astrology (and tarot) as a way to explain concepts, to ascribe meaning to the world as I perceive it. A map for the territory (which is not the territory itself). (I know. Grad school talk. Forgive me.)

I’ve had it driven home to me this year, battering in on me again and again that people have a need to impose some sort of meaning about the chaos inherent in life that surrounds them. To figure out how to flow and follow and dance with the rhythms. The planets don’t make us do anything. The cards are not stone tablets that tell us where to go. I believe they are convenient constructs as a way to explain influences of events. And it gives people the illusion of control. A means of explanation. It’s the same reason I began to study tarot, astrology and psychology in the first place. But it’s all a soapbubble illusion. I have no control. Events just flow. I can choose this way or that, but it’s a river I must flow with or drown (metaphorically). (I discovered, when I was a young writer, that language is a metaphor to explain the unexplainable. That is the title of a poem. The rest of the page is blank. The blankness, the chaotic void where matter forms, that is the poetry wanting to be made visible.)

I know, I sound pretty high-falutin’. Wacky even. But it’s my fantasy, my illusion, my crutch to explain my world. (Of course, when I say “I”, I mean “You”. InL’Kech.) This summer, the cosmic energies kicked me in the ass, and the heart, and the head, and taught me in ways I will never forget, whether I live just this one lifetime or a thousand.

And there are energies that we can direct to do amazing things only if it comes from love and our intent toward the final outcome is pure (ah, therein lies the rub). One day this summer, a lovely little calico tabby strayed her way to my front porch. Now last summer I had quite the lesson in menageries, with responsibility for 11 cats (some feral) and 5 sled dogs. Two of those cats are living with me now; brothers from one of those litters. In fact, one of them was actually born on my feet while I was asleep (proof positive I can sleep through anything). So I fed the young lady who strayed her way to me, while posting an ad on the radio for someone to adopt her. No takers. In the meantime, I noticed she was limping; she was having trouble with her left back leg. The vet was out of town; I couldn’t afford a visit at that time anyway. A couple of people who knew animals said they would stop by; no one did. Her leg began swelling up; it was useless for walking; she was hiding in a shed and would only come out to eat, limping, practically crawling on 3 legs. I fed her some wet food along with the dry. And sent her Reiki almost constantly. I reiki’d my heart and brains out on her leg, every day for a couple of weeks. And now Lucky Angie is scampering, jumping, running now, her leg fine. (Lucky for two reasons: Isn’t it some kind of rule that when an animal only has the use of 3 legs, however permanent or temporary it may be, their name must include the word “Lucky”? She’s also lucky because as the vet assistant asked me, “Did that cat ever find a good home?” “Yeah,” I answered. She found my home.” And Angie because when I asked her name, that’s what she told me). Now she may have used up one of her lives in this escapade, but I do Know that the only medicine provided her was Reiki. And to quote Stan Lee, “‘Nuff said.” (one more side note — with three cats now, I think I have officially crossed the line into “crazy cat lady”.)

Ram Dass had it right. Be. Here. Now. Not an easy task.

Samhain (Halloween) and The Day of the Dead are on their way. New Years and Thanksgivings are upon us (no matter what culture you look at it from). The harvest is eternally now. Reap what you have sown. If you are happy with your harvest, sow more. If not, sow what you want. And be happy knowing you will reap that future harvest.

A new blog on the prevailing planetary energies will be coming soon, as well as various and sundry updates on this blogsite. Thanks for your patience.

Much love, L’Shana Tova, Blessed Be, Happy New Year…

 Hang on kids, it’s going to be a rocky start to this month. Big booms with the triple conjunction (Jupiter-Neptune-Chiron) retrograde and Uranus going retrograde on July 1; Summer Solstice in the Dark Moon with the New Moon the very next day. very powerful energetically. I mean certainly there are many aspects — but this is intuitive astrology — meaning I get to pick and choose what I feel are the crucially important threads in the cosmic tapestry that is being woven at this point in time. After all we each have our own perspectives and that’s what makes the cloth beautiful, isn’t it?

This month’s new moon theme is in Cancer. This is the sign of the Mother, so, it’s theme is nurturing. How can we love ourselves as we move through this deeply spiritual, mind expanding, life healing triple conjunction that we are currently experiencing? How can we nurture others? How do we connect with the Divine Mother within to help the Divine Child within, to become the full person we are meant to be? I am reminded of Changing Woman. Who is that? And how can we call on her help to do that, to be whole? Most of this month is spent adjusting to the potent triple conjunction initiated last month that is in its first week of retrograde. We have the triple whammy of Jupiter, Neptune, and Chiron conjunct in Aquarius. Neptune — spirituality, the dissolver of boundaries, the higher octave of love. Chiron — the wounded healer seeking the wisdom of the wounds in order to become the healed healer. Jupiter — who rules higher philosophy, expansion, and who amplifies the energies of whoever he touches. All conjunct in Aquarius — the intellectual air sign of the collective social consciousness and unconsciousness (see my blog post “How deep can you go?”) All retrograde now meaning all this expansion and such is an inward individual experience. What house these planets are in determines what area of your life is being affected by this right now? This is an ongoing influence this month. Keep this info in mind. It might come in handy this month.

Neptune conjunct Chiron combines the energies of spirituality with healing deep inner wounds and transformation. Jupiter will also be exactly conjunct with these two planets later this month. Jupiter amplifies whatever he touches.

The Solstice is on 6/21 — The Sun will be in Cancer, and there is a Mars and Venus conjunction. A Mars and Venus conjunction is very strong emotionally. Mars is will, drive, passion; Venus is love, the arts, beauty. Because of the intensity, you may find it hard to treat relationships lightly; everything, even the smallest gesture, may have significance to you. This aspect will last for a couple of days.

Solstice is a time for enjoyment of the opposite sex — not necessarily having sex, just enjoyment of the times together, the exchange and interchange of different and complementary energies.

The Solstice is the time of the greatest light, so ask yourself — what has been brought into the light for you over the last six months from the last solstice, the time of the greatest dark? How can you feel comfortable exploring the lessons of the dark that will come after this day as now we move toward the time of the greatest dark? What light can you bring with you into that darkness?

It’s also intriguing that the Solstice comes in the time of the dark moon; the days just before the new moon and the new beginning of lunar light. This is a deep Solstice.

That evening, from 6/21 to 6/22, Venus and Mars trine Saturn — again relationships will be taken seriously. You will have the will and determination to do what is necessary within relationships. It’s a New Moon in Cancer, which means this month’s lunar theme is nurturing — self and others. And since Cancer’s planet is the Moon, this theme is particularly energized. The Moon will oppose Pluto and trine Neptune (and hence Chiron and Jupiter). It will be a deeply emotional and spiritual time. Uranus and Juno (an asteroid ruling relationships) were conjunct in the middle of the month. New and unique connections abound. And here comes Saturn trine Venus and Mars to tidy all that up. You can make great progress toward your goals at this time. Mars gives you the drive; Venus gives you the charm; Saturn gives it a dignified form. Go for it.

6/24 the Moon trine Uranus will initiate sudden connections (either new or in a new way). Intuition will be high and emotional gains are possible.

There are more aspects to the moon, which changes nearly every day. So here are just a few, that I feel may be significant (ah, the beauty of intuitive astrology.)

6/25 Right on top of all this lovely emotional rock and roll with Venus and Mars, the Moon squares these two planets. Our emotions leap to the foreground, no longer restrained by Saturn — we become more impulsive, more vulnerable and more passionate.

6/26 The Moon opposes Neptune, Jupiter, Chiron. So again more emotions and healing of emotions. Jupiter may offer a tendency to overdo, be excessive, it all be good party times; while Neptune may make you susceptible to outside influences (”…If all your friends jumped off the bridge…”) and impracticality, putting it in pretty package of denial;and then there’s Chiron asking, how can we use that to explore our wounds and heal them? Mercury squares Saturn, demanding precision in word — say what you mean, mean what you say, because whatever you say may come back to bite you in the butt.

Mars and Venus continue their dance of the end of the month — when Venus (that vixen!) picks up speed and takes off. It’s an on-again-off-again thing….

6/29 the Moon (in Libra — ah, Venus yet again) will square the Sun (in Cancer). It is a first quarter moon; what has been growing in your life since a week ago at the New Moon in Cancer, just past the Solstice and along with the Venus and Mars conjunction and Saturn trine? It’s been a lovely, intense, challenging, spiritual week.

And we’re still in the first week of the triple conjunction retrograde.

Uranus turns retrograde on 7/1– there will soon be new beginnings when it changes signs (in 2010 — and that happens every seven years) and goes into Aries. So again — what are your lessons; what are those Piscean flashes of inescapable leaps of logic and insight, that will lead you to a new start in your life? There might be leapfrogs and sudden shifts in perspective. This retrograde period will last till November 30. urge to be different, the need for freedom, sudden changes at this time.

Uranus in Pisces and Neptune in Aquarius have been in mutual reception for a while. In Astrology to be in mutual reception means that each planet is positioned in the sign ruled by the other planet. Uranus is the classical ruler of the sign Aquarius, while Neptune rules Pisces. Their influence can be subtle, but powerful.

Uranus with its typical flashes of intuitive awareness in the water sign of Pisces reveals the unknown in forceful ways. For many years a pressure on emotional and mental awareness has been spreading around the world, raising the level of its consciousness. The emotional level has been linked with the intutive level and it is global. This has never happened before, not globally.

Connections are favored, dissolving old barriers, giving peace a chance to be widely spread on earth. There are new concepts, a subtle comprehension of how compassion should be globally lived. In addition, Neptune in Aquarius suggests an expansion of feelings among brothers and sisters in the whole humanity.

Interconnection (that is, love) is the new mental-emotional archetype of the Aquarian age. Interrelatedness among people, nations, all living things, will be more evident when this minor aspect will begin to show its effects.

7/1 has other aspects too; which are all elevated by Uranus stationing direct to go retrograde. Venus squares Neptune and Jupiter and Chiron; Mars sextile Uranus. There are quick spurts of action (more of sudden sprints than the marathon that an aspect to Saturn, say, could be). The Mars aspect warns us to watch for accidents, being impulsive, about not thinking before you act. The love is still there (Love is always still there) but there could be an edge. There may be a tendency toward self-deception and delusions as far as money or honey goes. However you could get a lot done today. Just expect the unexpected. And try not to get totally nuts tomorrow.

7/2 The Moon opposes Mars. This can create emotional outbursts, passion arising, impulsiveness, risk taking, and certainly not being in control. Maybe all the changes, denials and delusions from yesterday were just too much.

7/3 The Moon oppose Venus. The mother is prominently themed this month and we’re just a few days from the full moon. But today — the Celestial Ladies may be feisty. The social aspects may not be quite right. Maybe we’re all still reeling from the last couple of days? I don’t know. I just know I’m going to try to remember exactly what I have written here, because I’m on the same roller coaster ride you are!

7/4 Mercury oppose Pluto which will have us all being mental investigators and attempting to be psychic detectives. Attempting to penetrate the deeper meanings of words. You could be sharp. Work on being kind instead. And wow — here we are at yet another important celestial influence.

Pluto went retrograde on April 4 (a mere blink of the eye for slow-moving Pluto). Now Pluto just changed signs a few months ago (a very big deal since Pluto only changes signs every 15 years or so). It is currently making its ponderous way back to the very beginning of Capricorn to ensure that we are getting the new lessons of Pluto in Capricorn.

Under any Pluto transit, we feel pressured to eliminate and release the old, outworn, outdated and obsolete in our lives. When Pluto is transiting retrograde, we undergo internal house cleaning. This theme of Pluto is underlying, underscoring everything we do, feel, think. It’s almost like the subsonic communication that some animals use to talk over long distances. It is the deep pulse of the cosmos that resonates within us, below the level of conscious awareness. It resonates at the level of the primordial om.

All the old stuff, the old hidden mysterious treasures from the subterranean labryinth that we call the sub/unconscious will be arising again. Pluto rules deep transformation from the same dark caverns where lava forms and volcanoes erupt after being dormant for years. Since Pluto is in Capricorn, it’s all about authority, building a strong foundation, ambition in a steadfast way, financial concerns. It requires absolute ethics, accountability, integrity and honesty in all your actions, or Pluto will root it out and destroy the toxins. Pluto’s actions are often deep and longreaching; we may not even know the transformations that took place and are taking place for years to come. (Great stuff for the triple conjunction to work with, huh?)

It’s Independence Day. Just a few days before the full moon. Think about what you want to focus on this full moon.

7/7 Full moon in Capricorn. This is a great full moon for being pragmatic and getting things done. The full moon is in trine to Saturn — Capricorn’s planetary ruler. It’s the pragmatics and practicalities of taking care of yourself. Absorbing the realization that cleaning the house, doing the laundry, organizing your closet, taking the time to cook food for yourself, is not a chore but a means of loving yourself. Take the time for it. What would you like to build toward over the next lunar cycle? Can you receive the discipline and the determination to acheive your goal? This is a great thing and the grindstone rocks and rolls in a good way…

7/9 The Sun sextiles Saturn, giving you yet more good progress toward your goals. This is a good thing and do what you can on this day because tomorrow….

7/10 Moon conjunct Jupiter-Neptune-Chiron, and sextiles Pluto — Happy-go-lucky and expansive (Jupiter), along with spiritual, hard to pin down, impractical (Neptune) boost the moon’s receptivity to Pluto’s possible karmic connections. The lost treasure may be found. Your sex life and/or your creative life may get a boost, courtesy of Jupiter and Pluto. This gooey marshmallow sundae of cosmic proportions has a healing overlay (Chiron). (Note: This healing overlay is not necessarily fun. It’s just healing. The word healing requires some form of a wound. Deal with it.)

Neptune conjunct Chiron combines the energies of spirituality with healing deep inner wounds and transformation. Remember, Jupiter amplifies whatever he touches.

Chiron represents the wounded healer becoming the healed healer, leading us to spiritual enlightenment. Neptune is spiritual, the higher octave of love, and dissolves all boundaries. It is said that Neptune “is involved in clearing collective karma”. The combination of Neptune and Chiron will work on the dissolution of the old self, when we have to surrender to the inevitability of our transformation from what we have been to what we might be. We are shedding our skin, moving into the chyrsalis. Does the caterpillar know what butterfly it will become? How did the ugly duckling turn into the swan? What are those experiences like?

Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system, rules expansion and higher philosphy. These three planets are in conjunction in Aquarius, which has to do with innovation, and social and collective unconscious. Be mindful — these planets can be very idealistic. Hence we can look to Saturn in Virgo to help us keep our feet on the ground.

Because of Jupiter’s ability to amplify our ability to conceptualize an ideal, we must be mindful not to get so caught up in the vision that we neglect to take care of practicalities (hello, Saturn. Oh, is that why that new moon in Capricorn was there? Oh, okay. Balance and awareness are key, as well as committment to manifesting these ideals.) Since Aquarius is an air sign, our ideas may tend to stay in the mental plane instead of making it to physical form. This lack of grounding may be one of the more difficult hurdles of this alignment. This has the positive value of helping you stay cheerful in the face of adversity, but it can also result in being blind to the need for change in your life. Or in other words, denial.

Chiron-Jupiter aspects are extremely powerful in their potential to awaken us to our wounds and to reveal our wounds’ inner wisdom.

Neptune is a very intuitive, sensitive, and visionary planet However, Neptune also rules denial. And be aware, because of the conjunction with Jupiter, we are more susceptible to delusional hits. Access your Saturn in Virgo to be aware. Listen to your “inner voice”.

Neptune transits can affect us in a wide variety of ways. If we handle his energies well, we develop spiritual and creative techniques that allow us to transcend the challenges inherent in our human experience. If we do not deal with Neptune’s influence well, we may default to escaping from reality rather than learning to transcend it.

During retrograde, Chiron will be attracting to us the healing and guidance we need. We must learn new ways to heal the deepest darkest places within ourselves so we can be transformed from wounded to healed healers.

This cycle of the triple conjunction of Jupiter-Neptune-Chiron is a rare phenomenon. But this conjunction may provoke internal crises that are the prelude to deep transformation. This cycle may help us usher in a new era on this planet, globally giving us an openness, a willingness to be transformed. In my research for this article many astrologers seem to feel that this alignment is an integral part of the process set to culminate in 2012. I also personally believe that it was crucial that we explored the issues of loving self and others in the Venus Retrograde before the impact of this alignment hit. This alignment is an amplified opportunity for spiritual healing and awareness for all of us on earth.

This alignment is in some way particularly important for those who have Pluto positioned between 25 and 27 degrees of Leo in their birth chart. This includes those born between September 1954 and February 1955, between July and September 1955, and between February and August 1956. Please see www.northpointastrology.com for further details. The alignment forms exactly opposite natal Pluto, which means there may be pressure from the outside world that pushes those indiviudals into a new stage of being rather than something that occurs more organically or spontaneously. And, since this is Pluto, there is potential for this energy to move them significantly forward in the manifestation of our mission on the planet, through helping us heal and rise above the fears that have limited us to this point.

Any Chiron experience is full of duality. We must simultaneously “awaken to our wounds and reveal our wounds’ inner wisdom.” To have this energy amplified through Jupiter’s influence means that both sides of the equation – the wound and the healing – are likely to be very apparent. Keeping in mind that the purpose of all this is “the journey of healing and evolution of consciousness” will be a helpful means of staying on track.

This conjunction will be tight (within one or two degrees of orb through the month of July).

Jupiter Retrograde is when the things we think we need, but aren’t really adding to our growth, are somehow removed from our lives. (hello Saturn again). When Jupiter turns retrograde, the action of Jupiter is reversed so that the emphasis is upon inner awareness and inner growth. It is an excellent time to get in touch with personal integrity (and thus, helping Pluto in his retrograde lessons.) You may find yourself dealing with phoniness in both yourself and others. Evaluate how you are not being honest with yourself because you are playing a role that is disloyal to your true self. When opportunities arise while Jupiter is retrograde, they are the result of seeds planted in the past from people met or connections made in the past.

Jupiter retrograde is more spiritual and philosophical so it is a time to explore philosophies. Because of the spiritual approach to this Jupiter transit, it is not a time to initiate material activities. A business which starts while Jupiter is retrograde will find that much of the business is connected with altruistic concerns and not necessarily getting paid on time.

There is one more important aspect this month. Saturn is direct, the only one of the “outer” planets. (Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars). Saturn is currently functioning as a counterbalance for the triple conjunction. Saturn is in the earth sign of Virgo. Saturn does its own issues as well — it’s going in and out of exact opposition to Uranus (a rare five times), and is in a hard aspect to the conjunct planets. Being in meticulous, auditing, practical Virgo, Saturn will help us keep our feet on the ground and review where we need to get back to the basics. How are our practical values expressed? Saturn is a very pragmatic planet and is currently living in a very practical sign (Virgo). What are our basic and necessary priorities? Saturn will eliminate any extra elements that are not basic and necessary.

Wow. Let’s see — I’ve written close to 4,000 words. I think I’ll post this and write about the next set of transits another day. Soon.

Continuing from the last post — Now we’re into June 2009, and things are getting even more interesting.

Venus entered Taurus on 6/6 and since Taurus is one of Venus’ two home signs, it is dignified. Home, luxury, comfort, sensuality, money, beauty and art are all highlighted in this placement. Obviously themes from the Venus retrograde are still going strong, even if we are out of the retrograde zone.

Uranus semisextiled Neptune on 6/9. Uranus in Pisces and Neptune in Aquarius have been in mutual reception for a while. In astrology to be in mutual reception means that each planet is positioned in the sign ruled by the other planet. Uranus is the classical ruler of the sign Aquarius, while Neptune rules Pisces. Their growing influence is felt slowly, and often, in subtle ways.

Uranus with its flashes of insight in the water sign of Pisces reveals the unknown in forceful ways. For many years a pressure on emotional and mental awareness has been spreading around the world, raising the level of its consciousness. The emotional level has been linked with the intutive level and it is global. This has never happened before, not globally. It’s The Law of Attraction making itself obvious. It’s an emphasis of the triple conjunction as well.

There are new concepts, a subtle comprehension of how compassion should be globally lived. Neptune in Aquarius suggests an expansion of feelings among brothers and sisters in the whole humanity.

Interconnection (that is, love) is the new mental-emotional archetype of the Aquarian age. Interrelatedness among people, nations, all living things, will be more evident when this minor aspect will begin to show its effects.

With the semisextile aspect between Uranus and Neptune, the Age of Pisces, ruled by Neptune, is linked with the Aquarian Age, ruled by Uranus (and here we are — in the transitional zone).

And while there may be challenges certainly as we are recalibrating our souls to align with this new way of being, it is only a prelude for future harmony. To increase planetary growth, to evolve, we all have to go through this.

Can you see how, like a beautiful weaving, or a tapestry, each planet, along with any aspects to other planets, are all working together in beauty and harmony?

Mercury squared Jupiter on 6/10. The square from Mercury to Jupiter shows that there is some discrepancy between a person’s beliefs and the truth. Decisions may be based on insufficient information leading to impulsiveness, looking for the easy way out of a dilemma, never wanting to accept responsibility for your actions. Dream big, talk big, but follow through big.

Mercury re-enters Gemini (it’s home sign) on 6/13 and over the next few days will be where it was when it went retrograde on May 6, again reviewing the lessons of this last retrograde.

6/15 — Jupiter Retrograde in Aquarius

Jupiter Retrograde is when the things we think we need, but aren’t really adding to our growth, are somehow removed from our lives. (hello Saturn again). When Jupiter turns retrograde, the action of Jupiter is reversed so that the emphasis is upon inner awareness and inner growth. It is an excellent time to get in touch with personal integrity. You may find yourself dealing with phoniness in both yourself and others. Evaluate how you are not being honest with yourself because you are playing a role that is disloyal to your true self. (Remember the Mercury square to Jupiter a couple of days ago? To thine own self be true — big or small). When opportunities arise while Jupiter is retrograde, they are the result of seeds planted in the past from people met or connections made in the past.

Jupiter retrograde is more spiritual and philosophical so it is a time to explore philosophies. Because of the spiritual approach to this Jupiter transit, it is not a time to initiate material activities. A business which starts while Jupiter is retrograde will find that much of the business is connected with altruistic concerns and not necessarily getting paid on time.

And now all three players in the major planetary alignment are all retrograde.

The Solstice is on 6/21 — The Sun will be in Cancer, and there is a Mars and Venus conjunction. A Mars and Venus conjunction is very strong emotionally. Mars is will, drive, passion; Venus is love, the arts, beauty. Because of the intensity, you may find it hard to treat relationships lightly; everything, even the smallest gesture, has significance to you. This aspect will last for a couple of days.

As we move into the Solstice, the time of the greatest light, ask yourself — what has been brought into the light for you over the last six months from the last solstice? How can you feel comfortable exploring the lessons of the dark that will come after this day as now we move toward the time of the greatest dark?

On 6/22 Venus and Mars will trine Saturn — again relationships will be taken seriously. You will have the will and determination to do what is necessary within relationships. It’s a New Moon in Cancer, which means this month’s lunar theme is nurturing — self and others. And since Cancer’s planet is the Moon, this theme is particularly energized. The Moon will oppose Pluto and trine Neptune (and hence Chiron and Jupiter). It will be a deeply emotional and spiritual time. Now Uranus and Juno (an asteroid ruling relationships) were conjunct in the middle of the month. New unique connections abound. And here comes Saturn trine Venus and Mars to tidy all that up.

There are more aspects to the moon, which changes nearly every day. So rather than go through all that, I will just say this –

On 6/29 the Moon (in Libra — ah, Venus yet again) will square the Sun (in Cancer). It is a first quarter moon; what has been growing in your life since a week ago at the new moon in Cancer, just past the Solstice and along with the Venus and Mars conjunction and Saturn trine.

And on 7/1 Uranus turns retrograde — there will soon be new beginnings when it changes signs (in 2010 — and it happens every seven years) and goes into Aries. So again — what are your lessons; what are those Piscean flashes of insight, that will lead you to a new start in your life? There might be leapfrogs and sudden shifts in perspective. This retrograde period will last till November 30.

Just so you know — in 2009 there will be approximately one three week period when everything will be going direct all at the same time — from December 1 through December 19. 2009 is a crucial pivotal year.

I believe that these are all cycles that are crucial to our global gearing up, recalibration for 2012. I also believe that the longer we believe in many doomsday type issues for 2012, according to The Law of Attraction, the more there will be problems (for example, I had visions years ago (at least 20-30) that NYC would flood and now I see these concerns on the internet; I saw planes blowing up in the sky way before Lockerbie, and I don’t even need to tell you about that). I had believed for a long time that 2012 was a “doomsday”. I no longer believe that. Remember it is all our own beliefs according to The Law of Attraction. This little monkey (yep, 1956 was the year of the monkey) believes that we can all be the hundredth monkey and make a significant change. The 2012 date is a cycle within a cycle within a cycle within greater and greater cycles.

Solstice is coming. It is the time of the greatest light. Then we will shift into discovering the dark again. What have you learned in this cycle of illumination?

Neptune conjunct Chiron on May 10 combines the energies of spirituality with healing deep inner wounds and transformation. This conjunction is in Aquarius, a cerebral, socially conscious and futuristic sign. Chiron represents the wounded healer becoming the healed healer, leading us to spiritual enlightenment. Neptune is the spiritual, higher octave of love (from Venus), and dissolves all boundaries. The combination of Neptune and Chiron will work on the dissolution of the old self, when we have to surrender to the inevitability of our transformation from what we have been to what we might be. We are shedding our skin, moving into the chyrsalis. Does the caterpillar know what butterfly it will become? How did the ugly duckling turn into the swan? Jupiter will join these planets later this month; representing higher philosophies and expansion. Jupiter amplifies everything it touches.

Saturn went direct on May 16. Saturn is currently functioning as a a “loner” planet providing a counterbalance for the conjunction of the major expansion taking place in Aquarius as Saturn is in the earth sign of Virgo. Saturn has its own issues as well — it’s going in and out of exact opposition to Uranus a rare five times (which is an issue as Saturn tries to maintain the status quo and Uranus is all about change). Saturn is also in a hard aspect to Neptune-Chiron-Jupiter. However, Saturn in meticulous, auditing Virgo will help us keep our feet on the ground and address where we need to get back to the basics. How are our practical values expressed? Saturn is a very pragmatic planet and is currently living in a very practical sign (Virgo). What are our basic and necessary priorities? Saturn will eliminate any extra elements that are not basic and necessary. Are you feeling the need to clean out closets, organize, regroup, work? Those are all Saturn themes.

Jupiter made that conjunction with Neptune and Chiron on May 21. Since Jupiter is the largest planet in our solar system, it expands whatever it touches. Jupiter rules higher philosophy. Let’s examine each piece of this triple play. These planets are in conjunction in Aquarius, which has to do with innovation, and social and collective unconscious. Chiron is the wounded and the healed healer, and Neptune rules spirituality and the dissolution of boundaries. Be mindful — this can all be very idealistic. Hence we can look to Saturn in Virgo to help us keep our feet on the ground.

Jupiter’s involvement with Neptune and Chiron will most likely increase our awareness of the energies. It means that it may be that much more difficult for us to ignore the potency of this alignment. And it gives us reason to hope that this alignment could mark the beginning of a new direction and purpose. It indicates our desire to make a positive difference in the world. This theme will be amplified throughout 2009. This inspiration will be based in our individual spiritual experience (Neptune in Aquarius) and focused with the intention of healing (Chiron).

However, due to Jupiter’s ability to amplify our ability to conceptualize an ideal, we must be mindful not to get so caught up in the vision that we neglect to take care of practicalities (hello, Saturn.). Balance and awareness are key, as well as committment to manifesting these ideals.

Neptune stationed direct to go retrograde on May 28. This retrograde will last until November 4, 2009. Neptune is a very intuitive, sensitive, and visionary planet. The transiting retrograde will heighten our sensitivity and receptivity. However, Neptune also rules denial. And because of the conjunction with Jupiter, we are more susceptible to delusional hits. Access your Saturn in Virgo to be aware. Listen to your “inner voice”.

Mercury went direct on May 30, but will remain in the retrograde zone (still reviewing) till 6/16. What have you learned during this retrograde? This day was a double-edged sword as now Chiron goes retrograde till October 31, 2009. (Now there’s an interesting date.) When Chiron is direct we reach out to heal ourselves, those around us and the planet. During retrograde Chiron will be attracting to us the healing and guidance we need. We must learn new ways to heal the deepest darkest places within ourselves so we can be transformed from wounded to healed healers.

This cycle of the triple conjunction of Jupiter-Neptune-Chiron may provoke internal crises that are predecessors to a transformation, helping to bring about a new era on this planet, globally giving us an openness, a willingness to be transformed. In my research about this rare phenomenon, many astrologers seem to feel that this alignment is an integral part of the process set to culminate in 2012. I also personally believe that it was crucial that we explored the issues of loving self and others in the Venus Retrograde before the impact of this alignment hit. This conjunction is an amplified opportunity for spiritual healing and awareness for all of us on earth.

This conjunction is particularly important for those who were born between September 1954 and February 1955, between July and September 1955, and between February and August 1956. Please see www.northpointastrolgy.com for further details. This importance is because that the conjunction forms exactly opposite natal Pluto, which means there may be pressure from the outside world that pushes those people into a new stage of being rather than something that occurs more organically or spontaneously. And, since this is Pluto, there is potential for this energy to move them significantly forward in the manifestation of our mission on the planet, through helping us heal and rise above the fears that have limited us to this point. (I can certainly attest to that. I was born in April 1956. I am having many Pluto transits right now, which are depth changes for me, including my entire way of being. Uranus, Neptune and Saturn will not only change signs but houses as well for me in the next year. Yup, change is definitely in the works for me, long lasting substructural subsonic foundational changes.)

We also need to keep in mind that this alignment is not the only important influence in 2009. All of us will be affected at the same time by the Saturn-Uranus opposition. Or, we may be affected by a transit from Pluto going though Capricorn.

We have a great opportunity here for tremendous spiritual growth and insight if we look within for the wisdom that awaits there. The process of spiritual evolution often requires that we may need to live through a dark night of the soul or two. There’s a line in one of my poems — “resurrection, death required” (Falling Sky Woman)

Next Post — into June 2009