Astrological Winds for Week of 2/28/11

A relatively quiet week astrologically.

Tuesday Venus is the key player as she moves into Aquarius and relationships that are about community, furthering ideals, mental ideas, and the use of electronic forms of communication take precedence for the next month. A great month to connect with groups and to make plans for change together. However, it can also widen the gap between groups with different approaches/philosophies about how things should be, as neither is willing to back down from entrenched, stubborn positions. Investments in technology related businesses is best now. Venus sextiles Uranus this same day and gives us the opportunity to connect with people who are outside your social circle. They may bring some new energy to your life that can be quite enticing/exciting, but most of the time is short-lived. It's also a good time to hash out differneces with others, as new approaches will appear via collaboartion.

On Thursday, Mars sextiles Pluto, giving the strength/power/confidence/purpose to tackle any issues/projects/problems that come your way with much energy and zeal. Things you start today can have far-reaching consequences, and you are able to either work well alone or with others.

Friday is a new Moon in Pisces, a time we need to trust our intuition and absorb all we have learned lately to make deeper connections with the inner parts of ourselves, our spiritual path, our creativity, and our connections with all those around us and the world in general. Look to see if any planets or points in your chart are at 13*, as they will be revved up by this New Moon. Also, look to see what house it falls in in your natal chart to find what area of life will be affected most: this is where you can make a new start and trust your inner guidance will connect you to something more profound/deeper. A deep emotional connection/at-one-ness with something greater than ourselves will be the pull of this New Moon. Repressed emotions need to be seperated from/released somehow now, so you can do a reset. Don't allow the old standards and their vanguards to drag you down, as they may feel threatened by this dissipating energy, that they may lose their grip on you. So be it.

Astrological Winds for Week of 2/21/11

The Piscean energy will continue to deepen after the Sun's ingress into it last week, and Chiron's ingress back on February 8th, now both Mercury on Monday and Mars on Tuesday enter the deep waters of this sign. Mercury in Pisces indicates that the normal mental energy of this planet will now be influenced by intution and feelings. Our thoughts will be heavily influenced by our emotions for the next three weeks. Many times external expressions of our thoughts take a backseat to our own internal dialogue now, and indeed we may find it hard to put our thoughts/feelings/intuition into words that anyone can make concrete sense of (including ourselves). This is a great time for the poetic side of you to take precedence, to be receptive to subtle signs/world around us (synchronicity), to be someone other than your normal self, to put on the mask of an actor/artist. Mercury's conjunction to Chiron on Tuesday is a particularly acute day to access messages from non-normal states/dimensions of reality. It may be a hard time for the more practical/business minded, who like a clear decision/sure thing, because most people won't be able to access clarity/don't know what they exactly want. Mars ingress into Pisces has a tendency to dissipate our normal reserves of physical energy, as if we ran into some kind of wall. It's a good time to purposely slow our energy down: think of movements like hatha yoga or tai chi as an apt description of the best way to use this energy. Once again, it can be frustrating to those who use sheer will and force to get things done, as the Universe can seem downright uncooperative on that level. Restrictions to normal physical exertions should be expected. However, inspired actions that are focused on depth and merging are rewarding now. Mars conjunction to Chiron on Thursday gives great inspiration to tackle long standing problems/issues from completely different angles/actions. Soon, Neptune will ingress into Pisces until early 2026 - a major shift I will discuss here come April. The calling to live our lives in more creative and spiritual ways gets more of a boost for sure.

The most intense astrological day this week is Friday, when the 3rd exact Jupiter/Pluto square perfects. We will see a continuation of big intense power struggles that we see erupting across the globe now. Different acts of coercion, power plays, obsessive philosophical idealogies facing off/challenging one and other are bound to dominate the headlines now. Fear of loss of resources or the concentration of more and more resources in fewer and fewer hands will drive this, and the energy could reach explosive proportions. Fears and subjective judgements are behind much of this desire to control resources and idealogies of others also. Ambitions to consolidate more and more power to your side will clash with others' desires to do the same. Conflicts will burst forth. It is best to use this energy to restore systems/things that have been neglected, yet are still needed/useful. Some judgements about law interpetation could come forth this week that will influence societies for years to come and bring long term transformation. With the Sun conjunct Mercury that same day, speakers will be preaching their subjective message as loud as possible to try and get their voices heard against the incredible background din nowadays. Both the Sun and Mercury sextile Pluto on Friday too, showing that the best way to use this energy is within ourselves or with deepening one-on-one connections. A good time to get counselling/advice and explore our own psycological inner terrain to make our own creative changes first before presenting them to the rest of the world as some type of cure all elixer.

This week is like your own version of "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" - a new unexplored world that illicits both wonder and fear. Strap yourself in for this deep dive.

On a lighter note, based on a recent survey by astromomers, they have determined there are over 50 billion planets in the Milky Way alone, and 500 million of them are in the sweet spot where life (as they/we know it) can occur. It may not be all about us...that could be the dose of reality we need to put our place in proper perspective, both Collectively and subjectively..

Egypt & Tunisia: Signs of Things to Come?

Egypt and Tunisia: Signs of Things to Come

Part 1: Egypt

by Matthew Lauten

Egypt and Tunisia have been in the news lately due to the revolutionary attempts by their citizenry to take the power from entrenched leaders so that resources and wealth are shared more evenly, as many of the people can no longer afford food nor find gainful employment. The oncoming ingress of Uranus into Aries to form a long term cardinal square to Pluto through 2015 has many astrologers expecting a global revolution surrounding these issues. Is this a sign of things to come for the rest of the world? Historically, when Uranus has been in Aries, there have been national crisis’ over very divisive issues that have led to extreme actions by both sides. Some of these issues have been choice of religion, the right to print money, taxation, slavery, and the bastardization of different races within nations. (I will be giving a lecture on the mundane effects of Uranus in Aries in the past and what to expect this time as part of a Tucson Astrologers Guild Meeting on Friday, March 11^th, at the Bio-Touch Center in Tucson – it’s free and all are welcome – contact me for more info if interested.)

Back to Egypt and Tunisia: I will try to keep this summarized and not go super deep, as this blog would end up going on for pages! I have a chart for the Republic of Egypt from Nick Campion’s “The Book of World Horoscopes.” It is dated June 18, 1953 at 23:30 GMT in Cairo after military officers had overthrown King Farouk the year before declared the Republic officially. (see below)

The first thing I noticed in this chart is that the five outer planets (Saturn through Pluto including Chiron) are all giving long term transits to key inner planets/points – the perfect storm. Uranus, the planet of revolution, is partile square the Sun, which represents the nation and its executive leader. Here the crisis is revolution against the leader: transiting Uranus is in the 12^th house of subversion and large institutions. With both the Sun and natal Uranus in the 3^rd house, this revolution shut down the internet and cell phones because it was fomented through them, has intimidated media reporters with beatings, shut down normal everyday commerce, and has been full of official announcements from both sides - more a war of words rather than destructive violence (Uranus is still in Pisces, so each side shows compassion for each other but is firmly entrenched in their belief system). The desire is for a better society and an easier life, so that all may achieve their hopes and wishes (Uranus co-rules 11^{th; .}Sun rules 5^th). The other outer planet of big change, transiting Pluto, is opposite Mars. This indicates a decision having to be made by the nation because of some large physical event that is highly charged with active energy and has the potential to explode into anger driven violence. Obviously, that event is the large protests, and there has been some sporadic violence so far, but there are a few factors that indicate it may not spread into wide spread physical violence. First, this transit is already separating and Pluto will not retrograde back to an exact opposition when it goes retrograde later this year. Second, natal Mars in Cancer in the 3^rd house is in a weakened condition and is not the type to fight back physically, but to look for alternate solutions. Third, the main houses involved in the transit, the 3^rd/9^th axis and 5^th are not typically ones involved with widespread violence. Fourth, Scorpio, ruled by Mars and Pluto, is intercepted in the 7^th house. The transit in the 3^rd/9^th axis re-iterates similar issues mentioned above about natal Uranus being in the 3^rd, and also shows the change people want to see is in value systems, morals, and laws. It also indicates that the universities and law and the health care system may actually support the people when push comes to shove, although it may take them several weeks to months, and also shows widespread support from other nations. The result of this uprising will be a success: with Mars ruling 1^st house, the face of this nation is bound to change, and with Scorpio intercepted in 7^th, new alliances undreamed of prior to this will form, as old ones die. Transiting Saturn just stationed at 17* on January 27^th just as the protests started in a partile square to the aforementioned natal Uranus in 3^rd at 17* Cancer. This is almost pinpoint timing as to why now. This is frustration that has built up over the slow progress of a better life and the manifestation of something groundbreaking in this physical world. Transiting Saturn is also within orb of a square to natal Mercury conjunct I/C indicating the seriousness of the situation in the minds of the common people. Natal Saturn and transiting Saturn both in the 6^th (and Mercury ruling the 6^th) shows it’s the common workers who initiated the protest and that the soldiers side with them, as they are all burdened by the current regime. With Saturn ruling the 10^th and 11^th, their main demand will be the stepping down of the Executive and Legislative branches of the government, as they see them as the blockage to achieving their common goals and hopes, and a fairer distribution of wealth (Mercury ruling 2^nd). Note also, later this year, will be the 2^nd Saturn return of the nation - and talk about cycles: Mubarak became President on October 14, 1981 during the Republic’s first Saturn return! No doubt, it’s time for him to move on and this nation to turn the page on the last 30 years. Chiron was still in Aquarius when the protests started at the critical 29^th degree: more timing precision there. Neptune and Chiron have been conjunct for a few years now, so they are aspecting other planets/points together. In the chart of Egypt, they are sextiling the Ascendant and trining the Sun. Observing this conjunction at work in peoples’ individual charts these last few years I have seen it play out as a calling to attempt to help heal each other’s wounds based on the experiences one has had in the past. It has not promised any material gains, but spiritual ones. From what I’ve seen, it seems to reject the way the physical world is working right now. It is hard to determine which the illusion is mentally. It’s a calling to live to your highest ideals and accept the mess we are in and the long climb required to get out of it. Once accepted, it seems to attract those to you who need to hear your words, which can be a very empowering experience for both parties. With these two flowing aspects of this conjunction to the Ascendant and Sun, is this the archetype Egypt faces now? Surely, the opportunity exists, but the illusion and idealism questions will make it murky. Leadership issues will surely linger a long time.

A couple other very interesting points about this chart and time: the full moon of January 19^th at 29* Cancer/Capricorn was partile square the ASC of the Republic’s chart: a cardinal t-square with ASC at point! The whole world watches the people take action to an apex/release point. In cardinal signs, it is about their very survival – there is no longer any choice – they can not survive as is, so the crisis ensues. Only when the scales of justice (Libra on open end of t-square) are balanced will they be satisfied. Note also: the lunar eclipse/full moon of December 21st at 29* Gemini/Sagittarius is partile sextile/trine the ASC: this can be interpreted that the riots in Tunisia that started several days later were the impetus that pushed the Egyptian people to rise up too. The Gemini Moon sextile the ASC speaks of news/media/computers being the vehicle of information about Tunisia, and the trine from Sagittarius Sun was the will to take the risk to “where no Egyptian had gone before.” The moment was ripe to burst forth soon.

The fixed stars at the time of the start of the revolution (January 25^th) are amazingly revealing. I am finding them to have incredible influence on political events occurring in specific places. Once again, I focus on the parans the fixed stars are having in relation to the planets. The three outer planet parans are in effect for several months and can help show why the event occurred when it did historically. Uranus speaks of the public’s opinions at the time and their expectations. There are three parans to Uranus and the one most interesting is Uranus culminating as Archenar is rising. According to Bernadette Brady (all following quotes on fixed star parans are from Bernadette Brady’s Starlight program), this combination gives “sudden changes in public opinion.” Indeed! A little background on Archenar is fitting too: it is found in the constellation, Eridanus, the River. This constellation and star are associated with large cataclysmic events that are quite fateful. Many times they are seen when large natural disasters occur, and everyone nearby is swept into the river of fate. So the enormity of this event in Egypt cast a wide net until it was seemingly taking the whole country with it. Neptune parans speak of the hopes and fears of the nation during this time period. All three parans to Neptune at this time can be seen in this event, but I’ll focus on just two of them. Neptune is rising as Markab, in the saddle of Pegasus (Markab is one of the four corner stars of the

Great Square

in Pegasus), is rising also. Brady says of this: “…a change in the make-up or laws of society.” This is a star of steadiness, especially in times of turmoil, and we see that the people of Egypt refuse to back down and maintain a steady vigilance in this case. Neptune is also rising as Antares, the heart of the Scorpion, is culminating. Brady says of this: “Corruption becomes evident.” This is what has fueled this revolution: the corruption of Mubarak and his cronies. One of the four Royal Stars of Persia, Antares speaks of great successes due to one’s actions, and once again is a very fated star: that is, people get swept along with this one as if there is some higher power they must adhere to. Pluto’s parans represent the crisis or changes that occur. There are seven parans to Pluto during this time period over Cairo and all are so descriptive of the situation it’s hair-raising. Pluto is setting while Alnilam, the belt buckle of Orion, is rising. Alnilam usually pulls things together or pushes them apart. Brady says: “A polarizing time; us versus them.” Diadem, the Woman’s Crown in Coma Berinices, is culminating as Pluto is rising: “A lone sacrifice that can change a nation.” Diadem speaks of those who work behind the scenes for the betterment of all society without desire for personal fame. I feel this fits this story as the young man who started the idea of the march with a small group of others by using Facebook. Pluto is rising as Mirach, in the Princess, Andromeda, is on the nadir. Brady says: “…the finding of new levels politically…” Mirach has a naïve receptivity associated to it. It is the most receptive star archetypically. Here, the people were open to this big change at this time. Canopus, the Great Navigator, in the modern constellation Carina, makes two parans to Pluto: it is on the nadir while Pluto culminates and vice versa. Brady says: “change of an establishment leader.” In ancient days, Canopus was part of the older and bigger constellation, the Argo. He was the captain of the ship, and was looked upon as a leader who took others to new places, but could also become a ruthless tyrant/dictator after being entrusted with this power. This represents Mubarak in this event: a man given great power in a tumultuous time to lead his people through a calamity, but then refused to give up his power, and actually became more ruthless and dictatorial as time went on. Now, with this star in opposition to Pluto, he is forced by others to make the decision to leave. It is interesting to see how he has played out the archetypes of both Jason and Ouranus in this situation over the years. Pluto is culminating as Denebola, the Tail of the Lion, is setting. Brady says: “A breakdown in the administration or the Establishment’s power.” Once again, the archetypal energy of Denebola is very fitting, for this star represents the anti-Establishment/the alternative, which is what is causing this administration to break down. Finally, Pluto is setting as Betelgeuse is rising: “Benefits or breakthrough achieved in the wake of disaster.” Betelgeuse, the Right Shoulder of Orion (the Pharoah in ancient times!), is possibly the most beneficial star in the sky astrologically. It guarantees success, and it seems that this is the case as Mubarak stepped down two days ago (I’ve been writing this article over a period of a week or so, so I’ve actually been able to watch these energies unfold.)

So the three outer planets parans show what energy was in the air when the events unfolded, but it’s only part of the fixed star story. Every year in any given place for a period of about two weeks, the Heliacal Rising and Setting stars are the same, and they give an annual “feel” to what the energy is like. This is not strong enough to cause events to occur at this time alone, but when other parans to outers and planetary transits to natal charts align also, then this annual energy will be the backdrop that supports these more acute energies. The other annual backdrop is parans to the Sun, which are also the same every year at a given time and place. The Heliacal Rising Star for Cairo every year in late January is Facies, the feared Face of the Archer. Brady says: “The shadow of war; the darkness of cruelty or aggression.” The cruelty of Mubarak’s regime and the fear it invoked in his people were a background fact of life in Egypt. The Heliacal Setting Star(s) are the Twins, Castor and Pollux. Brady says of these: “New ideas; new knowledge being honored.”, and “A painful truth coming to light.” Once again, both of these descriptions are quite fitting. There are five annual parans to the Sun at this time of the year in Cairo also, and four of them are worth noting. Sun culminating as Zuben Elgenubi is setting. Zuben Elgenubi is the Southern Pan in the Scales (of justice in Libra) and speaks of those who are into issues of justice and equality for no other reason than desiring that for all. There is no personal aggrandizement being sought with this star. Brady says: “A time of salvation; a leader is sacrificed.” Sun setting as Sirius, the Dog Star, is rising: “The potential for great and immortal events to unfold.” The archetype of Sirius is so fitting for the small group who started this (purported to be less than 100 people). It speaks of seemingly small actions that when initiated capture the fancy of the masses, and become a rallying point for massive societal change. Finally, we have Sun rising as Menkar is on the nadir: “A time of extremes of action…”. Menkar, in Cetus the Whale, can be the most difficult star in the sky to deal with astrologically, as it exposes all that is hidden subconsciously and denied by humanity in our individual selves, by focusing it on one person who becomes the fall guy for the Collective’s unconscious guilt and fear.

The other five planets’ parans will show energy that is in effect for about a week, but I believe they can also mark the event with an initiating type of energy that can ripple out beyond that. Mercury usually tells of the media and business at the time. There are five parans to Mercury and all help describe the way Facebook, the internet and cell phones have become the main media of today. Mercury is rising as Capella is setting. Brady says: “Working outside of the system; a maverick.” Indeed, that’s exactly how the internet worked: rallying people via means outside the established media. Also, this was initiated by one individual through Facebook purportedly, the maverick, so to speak. Capella’s archetype is also quite fitting, as it has a desire for freedom but within physical reality’s (ie – Earth’s) bounds.

Mercury is setting as Ras Algethi is setting. Brady says: “A pressure point is released with new levels found.” Enough said there. Sirius has two parans with Mercury: it is culminating as Mercury is on nadir and vice versa. Brady says of these two: “A publication, or the words of a person, have far-reaching repercussions.” This fits right in with the one young man starting it on Facebook again. Mercury is setting with Denebola on the nadir. As I mentioned above, Denebola represents the alternative (view). Brady says of this combo: “The Contraire.”

Venus tells of the social conventions at the time. There are three parans to Venus, and all three can be seen at this time, but I’ll mention just the most significant one. Venus is setting as Regulus is on the nadir: “The role of a leader becomes of prime importance.” We are back to Muburak here especially in relation to Regulus, another of the fateful Royal Stars of Persia, and the Heart of the Lion. Regulus speaks of great success and fame, many times due to military victories. The pitfall is using the success one attains for seeking revenge upon enemies. This is bound to bring a great fall. Muburak came to power via the military, and his abuse of that power now leads to his fall.

Mars’ parans tell us of the actions of the event that day/week. There are three parans to Mars and all are significant in relation to that day/week. Let’s look at just the two most significant ones. First, Mars is setting while Archenar is culminating (see the archetype of Archenar above): “Accidents or turbulent events; times of uncertainty.” Once again, Archener and its big fateful events, that suck all in all those around the event, is prevalent on the day the revolution started. Second, Mars on the nadir with Alphecca rising: “Action to resolve hardships; an impasse.” The actions the people took were a result of their hardships and they sat in the square until the event became an impasse.

Jupiter parans represent the actions that are most favorable for the time. In this case, Jupiter is the people and Saturn, which represents the law and order, is the Muburak government. Each has two parans and all of them describe the two sides. Jupiter is rising as Zosma is setting. Zosma, the back of the Lion, speaks of those who have been victimized by society and/or those who work to help those who have been victimized by society. Brady says of this combo: “The weak and victimized are assisted and become strong.” We couldn’t summarize in general terms the results of this revolt any more succinctly. Then there’s Jupiter culminating with Alhena rising. Alhena’s, the One Who Marches, is one of the feet of the Twins, and represents one who marches for a cause even if it exacts a price. Brady says of this combo: “Acting with strong belief.” The Egyptians belief in a need for a better life was so strong that they were willing to pay the price. Meanwhile, Saturn, representing the government, was on the nadir while Murzims, the Announcer, was rising: “A leader speaks; serious words.” Indeed, both Muburak and his Vice-President initially tried to quell the revolution through serious words. Murzims is the archetype of someone who has something he must say. Also, Saturn was culminating as Aculeus was rising: “A new practical policy that seeks to deal with a social problem.” Aculeus, one of the Stingers in the Scorpion’s tail, speaks of attacks that can be physical in nature: the government being attacked by the protestors. Fortunately, it seems practicality won out and massive violence has not occurred as a result.

One last thing with fixed stars that I like to check in events now is the chart of when the Heliacal Rising star first rises, as usually I find very significant planetary aspects tied into the cross of matter (see chart below). Once again, this is true, as there is a Sun/Pluto conjunction right on the Ascendant (Sun partile conjunct!) and it’s part of a stellium with North Node/Pallas/Mars/Ceres: a fated usurping of and transforming of power in the nation from those acting over a common cause about scarce resources. The Neptune/Chiron conjunction (see description above) is partile trine the M/C showing a release of pent up energy about ideals and healing of wounds in a harmonious manner. Also, the Jupiter/Uranus conjunction is partile quincunx the M/C, showing the revolution goes the people’s way, and major separations from their leaders and adjustments of who will lead will occur.

It never ceases to amaze me how descriptive the archetypes blending together can be seen in events. I am working on a system even deeper than the transits and fixed stars to hone down timing and location on major events like this. I am starting to believe that an astrologer could forewarn of big events if one had the time to actually focus on specific countries or cities actively always – now that would be an interesting new government position! Anyway, I also saw some very interesting connections between Egypt and Tunisia that I’d like to do a part 2 of this article on time permitting. It’s already spreading to Algeria now too and I only expect it to continue to do so given the oncoming Uranus/Pluto square and Uranus ingress into Aries. Come see my talk on that if you want to hear more.

Astrological winds for Week of 2/14/11

Big change this week: the Nodal Axis has slid into the Sagittarius (North Node)/Gemini (South Node) axis for next year and a half. To me, this is a calling with what we are all going to do with all this information that technology has put our fingertips every moment of every day almost everywhere in the world. We have gotten adept at collecting/gathering/sharing/using/learning/teaching/communicating this info (Gemini South Node), but it's all very superficial unless we do something with it. How many tangents have you gone off on since you booted up your PC this morning? Where has it gotten you? Are you still sitting in your desk chair absorbing it all/ amazed by it all? Well then you're really not doing much with it, even if you've shared it with dozens of others. We've reached a glass ceiling with all this info. Sagittarius North Node says it's time to take some risks/actions with it: use it for inspiration but act now. That is how we can change our individual and collective destinies. Look to the people in Egypt as a shining example. They used all this technoolgy to gather together, take a risky action, and now they have entered new territory that is seemingly quite groundbreaking and rewarding. The danger here is to become too fanatical and not have room for others' belief systems. Find common ground. Accept others by knowing you have more in common than not. Work it/take the chance.

Monday gives us a neat Mercury/Saturn trine which facilitates clear/realistic thinking. A great day for mental workouts, getting your message out in grounded forms, working on details of plans/agreements/deals...as for Valentines: the Venus/Pluto conjunction (see last week's Astrological Winds blog) is triggered by the Cancer Moon with an opposition to Pluto and Venus. Existing relationships will get more intense/deeper - this can be negative or positive. Cancer Moon may tip scales to emotional manipulation, jealousy, envy, possessiveness which could scare your amour away ultimately. Let it unfold slowly, clearly, naturally, and the results will be much better - show how much you care, but value your SO's independence as an individual and you're bound to get closer to what you want without the resistance.

Thursday is the annual Sun/Neptune conjunction. Inspiration/imagination/dreams/hopes/wishes will be of utmost importance this week. In Aquarius, they need to be inclusive of others or they will just be water slipping through your hands. For those who are sensitive, intuition and subtle energies will be high tidal this week. Interest in spirituality/creativity/artistic endeavors will be strong. The danger of this transit is escapism: the attempt to deny harsh reality around us. This can come in many forms. Your addiction(s) will have a strong pull on you this week: don't go too far out there. Find something to tether you.

Friday is a busy day astrologically, as we have a Full Moon at the critical 29th degree of Leo: it's my needs versus everyone else's face off.  This could be potentially very confusing as Sun's conjunction to Neptune says everyone else's and Sun conjunct Mars says mine. The 29th degree asks us if we've learned our lessons and can now balance both of these needs so we can graduate into a new phase of how to handle this age old problem. The solution is to find what satisfies your needs while being part of something greater that helps everyone in your orbit. Don't run from a leadership position if it's asked of you, for others have recognized your talents, and you are needed by them and this world. Measured, well-thought out actions is the way to use this energy. Going too hard too fast will drain your energy away and leave you discouraged. Venus square Saturn shows that relationships need to be serious and grounded to make headway. This can have a cooling/reserved effect on all our relationships: a reality check, so to speak. Then to add to the Neptunian energy of the week (and the next month), the Sun ingresses into Pisces also and conjuncts Chiron the next day. Spiritual innovation and empathy for others is highly accessible now.

Sunday, Mars and Neptune perfect their conjunction and Mercury joins the party too. Mercury and Mars can bring up ornery words/arguments/quarrels/shooting from the lips without thinking of consequences, but Neptune should soften these blows. Still, this could actually be psychologically a downer as there's bound to be lots of confusion, staunch idealism, and wasted energy/actions. Once again, think before you act/speak of the possible consequences and you may not find yourself in as sticky of a situation that you wish would just let go/go away later.

Astrological Winds for Week of 2/7/11

Last week was a heavy astrological weather week. This week is a lighter one. However, the early part of the week (Mon/Tues) with Moon in Aries and Sun/Mars conjunction semi-squaring Jupiter, will see a continuation of the influence of the New Moon/Mars energy from last week into this one. A desire to push ahead and take actions on projects/issues that are personal/subjective in nature will be the theme these 2 days. However, we may encounter much frustration through events/circumstances/other people in our ability to make any true headway. This could erupt into arguments/battles with others. It would be best to use this energy alone in some physical manner, and harness the frustration when dealing with others.

Venus conjunct Pluto on Wednesday is an indicator of relationships getting much deeper through parameters that will define succinctly what each person is expected to contribute to it. (Aside: you may have noticed that astronomers last week admitted they may have messed up a few years back by taking planetary status away from Pluto too hastily, as it now seems that Eris, the body that triggered their re-definition of Pluto is actually half the size of Pluto. As I have pointed out in the past, Pluto's Moon, Charon, is almost the same size as Pluto itself, and therefore Pluto should be looked at as a "binary planet" - especially from Earth's viewpoint since both Pluto and Charon are always in same degree from Earth's perspective so far away. Thus, the strong influence we feel on Earth from this small planet can helped be explained by the fact that with Charon included, its influence is stronger (doubled) naturally! Mythologically, these two worked together also, as Charon was the ferryman who took the souls of the departed across the River Styx to the Underworld where Pluto reigned. Any of us who has experienced intense Pluto transits know the strength of this planet. In a sense, the whole downgrading of its planetary status by astronomers fits right in with the archetype of the Lord of the Underworld extracting some revenge post-mortem: Charon did not take them across the river to the safety of the Underworld, and thus they have been left to wander aimlessly on the opposite shore until now when they've realized their mistake! Also, it fits that Eris, Goddess of Discord, would influence these astronomers to make this hasty decision and find out later it was a mistake caused by confusion from her.) Anyway, back to Venus/Pluto: however, trying to force these parameters onto another is ultimately a power play/struggle, and if you do so, expect harsh reactions/repercussions. If you are in a romantic relationship, it can get much deeper/more intense this week. Obsessions/possession is a danger here: being the object of someone's, or making someone the object of your's. This energy can also make envy/jealousy go to extremes.

Thursday keeps the Sun/Moon/Mars energy cooking with a 1st quarter sqaure of the Moon in Taurus to Sun/Mars in Aquarius. Emotionally, you may find yourself spent by all the energy you've been putting out in last week or so, and you are really ready to take a break from the intensity of it all. However, the world may be reacting to what you put out in recent past and demanding that you rise to the challenge of making something of it. It may be difficult to get along with others this day, as you will perceive them as blocking you or asking to prove your worth. Once again, channel the energy into your own individual projects is best.