Long Term Transits

A New Vision: The Pisces / Aries Transition

Hello everyone! Happy Spring!

I apologize for not releasing my usual Lunar New Year article this year —  I have been working on writing for this extraordinarily potent year, but I have been delayed on all projects due to recovery from Hurricane Helene on my property. Fortunately, I came away from the storm with minimal damages to my home, but in the harrowing morning hours of September 27 about 50 trees went down all around my house.  Like most others in Western North Carolina, I have been navigating the stresses of wind, rain and fire continuing to afflict our tenuous infrastructure, hiring workers to complete repairs and help with other aspects of cleanup, as well as attempting to clear some tiny portion of debris myself for the county pickup.  It is like trying to shovel the snow off of Mount Everest, but my problems are small relative to many.  Every day now I am grateful to be alive and in safe shelter — able to continue my work, and be with my loved ones and community.

In addition to those logistical delays, I have also been slowed down by the immense challenge of distilling the astrological influences of this current time due to the sheer quantity and complexity of the factors involved.  Because of this, I have decided to break form and release several articles covering different topics individually.  This is an approach I have wanted to transition to for quite some time but had put aside for the last several years in order to focus on other needs.  Although the reality remains that I do not have a lot of time to devote to writing, it feels important to offer this service in this critical season.

More and more, everything that we do is about following the flow of spirit, and my work with astrology is no exception.  It is my belief that we are in an era where our evolution and growth comes through spiritual integration and inner work.  It is through the alchemy of the inner worlds that we can become stewards of a new creation.

We must learn to perceive beyond the obvious and feel into the currents of the spiritual world.  Only when we hone our skills of inner listening, insight, transmutation and integration, are we capable of proper orientation to the changes we are experiencing. Whether for our own path, work that we are doing for others, or in larger society — learning to see the “invisible” forces at play, and discern natural spiritual impulses from human distortions, is absolutely critical to pass through this crossroads in the best way possible.

The perspective that I am driven to pursue in my studies, which, in turn, I am hoping to impart, is part astrological and part mystical.  I have found over the last 5 years or so, that trying to tie my writing too strictly to astrology tends to be confining.  It is easy for me to observe the tapestry of interwoven factors and their many layers — but not as easy to break down each piece in writing without it becoming excessively complex.  Each factor also has tendency to fractalize once it hits some sort of formal structure, so it can become both unfocused and unwieldy very quickly.

In these last 5-6 years, I have been receiving a lot of information — both through ongoing study and my own observations and insight.  After encountering struggles trying to concretize what I was receiving into writing or other creative formats, I surrendered to the process and trusted that there would eventually come a time when it was meant for me to share again with the public.  After these years of integrating, I feel grateful to start transitioning again into a more active phase with this work.  I understand now that the time with the information was necessary, as I needed to come to a clearer understanding of the energetic dynamics at work in our world, and develop a realistic perspective on how we can become active participants in influencing a positive direction for our society.

In my primary work as an internal martial arts practitioner and instructor, I focus daily on the cultivation of Qi and the embodiment of Taoist principles through mind-body-spirit practices.  This is a form of study that offers direct experience of natural laws in the body.  Such work also gives us greater access to the spiritual streams that exist around us, as well as awareness of those that we inhabit based off of our state of being and consciousness.

Just knowing that we are in a period of change is not enough.  We must also participate in the process through conscious practices that cultivate our spirit and transmute our personal and collective karmas.  This is the responsibility of every individual.  Of course, it is understood that everyone is in a different place in their personal journey and path, and so what this means in practice will look very different from person to person.  Regardless of the method, quantity, or ability, to do an inch of sincere personal growth is worth a mile of theory and talk.  No matter how attractive it is to get lost in the realm knowledge and mind, the power is in the work.  Each and every day we choose our focus.  It is not necessary to exhibit perfection, but rather integrity, sincerity, and authenticity.

With all of that said, my goal for this work at this time is to remain open ended and flexible with regard to both the formatting and the subject matter of each piece.  I expect these articles will involve some degree of astrological timeliness, but the focus is going to be more towards the larger, broader, more timeless themes that I feel are important to highlight.  I don’t want to put designs on it too much beyond that, as I feel it is important to just simply go with the flow and let it be what it is meant to be.  But I also felt it was important to spell out my thinking a bit so that you can understand where I am coming from with this approach.

For this article I will be focusing on what I am calling the “Pisces/Aries Transition.”  In particular, I would like to zero in on some messages that I received in recent months about releasing the old epoch and opening to the new energies.  This is a very important theme for 2025, reflected across the board in the Western astrological cycles, and emphasized further in the Eastern zodiac by the fact that we are in the year of the Snake, a sign that is all about digesting old karma, shedding your skin, and transformation.

For the astrological minded the Pisces/Aries transition includes:

  • Both Neptune and Saturn completing their transit in Pisces and moving into Aries, eventually coming into a conjunction at the World Axis point of 0 degrees of Aries — the first degree of the first sign of the zodiac.  This is a significant and symbolic transition calling forth a new vision for the world.  Neptune dreams and Saturn manifests.  This transitional energy is particularly active from March 2025-February 2026, at which point both planets will remain in Aries for several years.  Neptune makes its first ingress into Aries this month, on March 30, 2025.

  • The North Node leaving the sign of Aries and beginning its transit of Pisces (January 2025 - July 2026) — the transit of the Lunar Nodes brings forward a particular karmic and emotional process for the collective.  In this case, the nodes moving into Pisces/Virgo is about releasing the critical, pre-planned and known, in order to follow the unmapped vision of the soul.

  • The North Node coming into conjunction with Neptune, bringing forward important messages for the world as Neptune prepares to leave this sign (February 2025).

  • Both Venus and Mercury going retrograde over the Aries/Pisces cusp in March-April 2025 — bringing this energy more directly into the conscious mind and mundane reality.  Both Venus and Mercury will encounter Neptune as it moves from Pisces to Aries this month (March 2025), which amplifies the energy of this transition even further.  The tension of the changes will be felt actively through the vectors of these planets:  Communications, Technology, Thought, Mind, Finances, Values and Relationships.

  • The eclipses of September/October 2024 and March 2025, both containing energies from the new Pisces/Virgo cycle and the completing Aries/Libra cycle.  Unlike the planets, the Lunar Nodes travel retrograde through the zodiac as a default.  So we have already been doing some work on the cultivation of healthy Aries energy — releasing codependency and learning to be ourselves more firmly.  All four eclipses have a strong connection with Neptune.  The September/October Eclipse portal truly brought in the Piscean themes of storms and surrender as reflected through the impacts of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton.  The eclipses this month will be equally potent, given that they are concurrent with, and aligned with, the afore mentioned Venus/Mercury Retrograde and Neptune Aries Ingress.

From the perspective of many astrologers, March is the most intense month of the year, and you can clearly see why based on the above list of events.  This is an extraordinary confluence of different factors aligning over a very small patch of sky at the point of a major outer planet sign change.  It is a poetic orchestration — almost as if the cosmos is aiding us specifically to make sure we finish our Pisces business completely by 2026, when all of the major outer planet fluctuation settles and we can begin to fully orient in the new energies rising.  Interestingly, this is also mirrored at a macrocosmic level with the shift of the ages from Pisces to Aquarius — however, I will digress on that topic for now, as it is a subject for another article.

As you have likely already felt, the new energies coming in are fast moving.  We are transitioning from a long sit with outer planets in Earth & Water signs (more yin in quality) that are naturally more slow to develop — to quick, impulsive and unpredictable Air & Fire signs (Aquarius, Gemini and Aries respectively).  This new period is not a time where we will get to contemplate and dwell upon all of our problems in the manner that we have perhaps become accustomed.  It is a time of action and a time when thought moves into action much more readily than before.  The sheer amount of change and information coming in from all levels (mundane and spiritual), will be far too much for us to process in this clinging style.  Thus, it is important for us to master a number of the key lessons from the Neptune in Pisces period, especially its most essential qualities — release, intuitive listening and going with the flow.

In Taoist work, the fundamental principle of reality is that change is the unchanging.  Therefore the philosophy, lifestyle and practices that emerge from the Taoist perspective are centered around how to understand and align with change.  At this time, we are moving into a new era that is fundamentally different in its operation from the previous one.  Many are resistant to this change and clinging to the old, dying matrix — attempting to resuscitate what has already passed.

The truth is that we cannot stop this transformation.  It is the cosmic destiny of this time period.  All that is occurring is a natural expression of this process.  Instead of resistance, what is more beneficial is to join with the energy of change.  In this way, we become empowered participants and capable of influence.  This is one of the themes of Neptune in Aries — vision and creation through spiritually integrated individualism.  

With Neptune’s transit through Pisces we have seen the power of influence through Piscean sources — dogmas and thought clouds of all kinds develop instantaneously through digital media.  But it remains ephemeral.  Words and feelings expressed into the world do not necessarily equate actions or change.  Nonetheless, the state of collective consciousness, whether for better or worse, has certainly become more apparent.

What we have gained from this Neptune in Pisces transit is a greater understanding of our psychic interconnectedness.  For the spiritually oriented, this has been an important period for developing greater sensitivity, insight and perception.  On the mundane level, we have observed, through the use of our digital devices, the positive and negative impacts that result from constant exposure to emotionally charged people & situations, as well as the influence of deceptive and manipulative information via social media and traditional media sources.

On the positive side, there is now a greater awareness of spiritual realities and the impacts of unseen forces upon our minds.  This has encouraged more empathy and brought into consciousness the need for discernment and boundaries in all areas of life.  However, even the virtues of the Piscean Archetype also has its excesses.  Collective psychosis and mass confusion have been intensified under these energies.  Too much involvement with the drone of human chatter over natural, simple truths fuels this distortion.  There is no question that all of this creates a drain on our energy that never existed before, and is a factor in declining mental health for many people.

What is needed now is a more conscious and directed understanding of our energetic relationship with life, with nature, and with other people.  For the last 14 years of Neptune’s transit in Pisces, we have been discovering and opening to deeper sensitivity without much direction.  As Neptune moves into Aries, all that we have learned must now be rallied into alignment for us to take the next steps and go deeper.

As a martial artist, it is clear to my mind that the symbolism of Neptune in Aries in its higher manifestations evokes the idea of the Warrior Spirit.  This is a person who is grounded in their relationship with heaven and earth, who embodies peace, but is capable of great strength and courage when called upon to act.  The Warrior Spirit is a state of being where one is deeply connected to natural law and also ready to meet any challenge with unbendable will.  This is a will developed through daily focus, daily discipline, and spiritual self sufficiency.  A confidence that is true, based on hard work and effort.

The Warrior Spirit is not an energy of arrogance, nor is it based on physical abilities.  It is about the sharpening of the will, and the embodiment of one’s highest virtues.  It is about becoming unified in all aspects of self with such perfection that one is able to wield the full expression of universal forces with clarity and precision.

In the fast moving energy of these coming times, personal authenticity and directness are very important. Any disorderly behavior will have stronger ripple effects upon us and others around us.  For this reason, we will find it more imperative to remove inner contradictions and clarify our actions.

Likewise, we will also be navigating a morass of hotter tempers and difficult behaviors all around us in our outer world.  So we have the decision to make:  Are we going to be an agent of peace, or of war?  Do our actions and words today call people together in strength, or drive division?  True strength is holding to peace under the great pressure of war.

It has been my perspective for a while now that the Aquarian age is about finding the appropriate balance between collective and individual needs — and that we need to work first on becoming spiritually sovereign as individuals before we can build healthy collectives.  This is because we need to do the personal work of repatterning ourselves to operate in alignment with our soul’s process and path over our alignment with society’s conditioning.  This is the only way to build a new way forward that does not repeat the same cycles and mistakes of the past.  The new society is one that emerges through us, so we must clear the way for that process to occur.

Neptune in Aries is the genesis of this new creation.  Aries is the beginning, the pioneer — in this phase we should remain open and curious.  Get comfortable with not knowing.  Experiment and enjoy the challenges — embrace breaking from convention.  Have no agenda — only a clarity of purpose to keep discovering your purpose.  The more integrated we are on all levels, the more capable we are to be a part of the positive potential that underlies all of the turmoil we will face in the coming years.  Equally important is to stay in touch with the true self and the grounded reality of natural order, as we will soon be entering a new phase of technological acceleration which will tempt us into further distraction and disconnection.

Neptune in Aries will also likely be a time of collective identity crisis.  The moment that we are in is one of flux between the old world and the new.  All of us will be trying to understand who we are in the changing reality, and this will be highly distressing for many people who have been attached to the old order.  The first step to enduring this process is ultimately to accept that the world is changing — as it is meant to — and that there are many things on the world stage playing out that the average person has no control over.  Attachment to this chaos will quickly become tiring and wasteful.  Observe it, and let it go.  Know that this too shall pass and that nothing is permanent.  We are writing a new story, and there will be flexibility for corrections and further changes down the road.

In the meantime, what we can do is focus on continuously moving the energies of the old matrix into a process of transmutation.  To let go of the old, completely, within ourselves, is the first step to making room for something new to emerge.  The powers that dominate our world today are also attempting to change with the times, so this is not to make light of the real perils that exist, but rather to express the importance of our own power through energy to guide the nature of this transformation in the long term and to overcome the karmas that these problems represent.

For guidance on how to do this, I would like to share what I received about working with change and releasing old energies here.

Working With Change

BE PRESENT

To be present is one of the most common concepts across spiritual perspectives, and one that is more relevant than ever.  In our often noisy human minds, in an increasingly noisy modern world, it is easy to get caught in loops of rumination over the past and projections of hypothetical futures — but not so easy to sit fully in the here and now.  But why does it matter?  What does “Being Present” do for us that is any different from any other state?

The most important thing that we can cultivate in times of change is resilience of our own personal center.  To be present and still each day allows all aspects of the being to come together, which in turn allows us to meet the moment in a manner that is more true and clear.  If we can still ourselves enough for the constant movement of the mind to settle, even for a little while, we can become aware of how easily we get carried away into the many thought streams and mind clouds — and evaluate more honestly the state of our own energy, the nature of energies around us, and what the best use of our focus is in that day.

When we build our own center and tune our awareness in this way, we are more resilient to changes and shifts in direction.  There are a few reasons why this is.  First, because we have stabilized our own center, we are not as easily pulled into chaotic thought storms.  Second, because we have cultivated greater stillness, we are more open to our intuition and can begin to feel when changes are approaching, or receive guidance as to our next steps in the midst of a change.

We live in a time where energy is changing day by day, and chaos is increasing in the world.  To be present is to be responsive and adaptable to the changing conditions.  When we are present we face what is — not what we wish, not what we believe — and as a result we move in closer proximity to reality.  Our visions are less theoretical and more actionable, thus more effective.

When we are present we are also more open and able to access new ideas.  As I have mentioned already, new ways forward will emerge from within us.  To stay in fearfulness and attachment about past and future, is in essence continuing the loop of the past.  To close the loop we need to step out of the loop entirely.  To reinvent the wheel based off of a past paradigm is not true creation.  The new emerges from what we don’t yet know, from what we can’t yet see, and through exploration.  There is no external guidebook telling us the steps.  We have to experiment and find our way ourselves.  And we do this through the journey inward.

All of nature is in a state of constant change.  Some realities are expanding, others are fading away.  The past provides essential frameworks for us to work from, and develop ourselves through — but all is evolving, even our frameworks.  To be present is to be able to listen to the true message of the day.  To take what is perennial, to understand the essence — and then to join with those factors in their evolving process.  If we try to define, we constrict.  But if we stay open to the reality of movement, and of change, we are closer to truth.  And closer, therefore, to right action.

CHANGE IS AN OPPORTUNITY

It is a natural response of our human ego to fear change.  In every major change there are unknown and uncontrollable circumstances and outcomes.  Equally, in every major change — there is an opportunity for a new path.

Certainly, there are forces in our world today that are attempting to guide changes in directions advantageous to them.  The battles fought between the powerful place ordinary citizens as collateral.  They treat us like chess pieces on a game board, with no true regard for nature or humanity.

Truth and malice walk close by to each other.  Although malice may open the door, truth will rush in.  The doorways of the world are opened by many types of forces — some of the light, and some of the dark.  In each opening there is a vulnerability — as change does not discriminate.

In other words, we too have the power to drive change.  By following the true evolutionary principles of the time, each phase of destruction can become the fertile soil for new constructions.

Do not allow fear to lull you into complacent inaction.  The period of stagnation that we were in for many years would have shifted one way or another.  This is natural law.

This time of transformation is why many of us chose to incarnate in this era.  We are meant to be engaged with the new creation by using our ingenuity and adaptability, even in adverse circumstances.  This phase of purification is also a golden opportunity to resolve long standing karmas.  Though the going may be painful at times, the difficulties create growth and inform the way we go forward long term. Nothing new can be created without passing through these trials.  

JOIN RATHER THAN RESIST

I have spoken already about the idea of “joining with change.”  This can also be understood as change through harmonization.  In this way of working with change, you adapt, rather than resist, in order to influence the direction of the energy.  At this time, resistance and opposition is a short path to exhaustion, so learning to flow in the energies is a better strategy.

In terms of bigger picture concerns — there is a greater possibility of achieving ones aims through collaboration among divergent factions rather than opposition.  The joining together must be sincere and based on objectives rather than allegiance to groups or leaders.  Alliances based on truth and genuine interest are more likely to find solutions.  Those focused on tribalism and groupthink are not flexible enough to achieve what is needed and will eventually fail.

In terms of personal concerns — whatever changes may come, to join rather than resist is to accept the change and move into the next phase of your process without fear.  If there is a loss, see the opportunity in loss.  Be open to a new path that leads you to a happier and better direction, looking forward rather than back.

Joining rather than resisting is also about engaging your creativity to overcome challenges that may arise.  Release expectations.  Take unconventional paths.  Where there are limits, create new freedom.  Be self sustaining.  There are always better ways to be found — and they are often revealed at the edges of constriction.  This is important in all matters.

UNDERSTAND NATURAL LAW

Natural or Universal Law is the true order of reality.  All human constructions that depart from this will fail, as they exist in falsehoods.  The only sustainable reality is one in which humans learn to work with nature and its processes.  This is discovered through genuine interaction with nature, and inner work.  Having a holistic understanding of reality — one that recognizes the spiritual world as the basis for all existence — is also important.  Without this understanding, humanity will always be lost in false matrices.

If one can be firmly oriented in natural law, rather than human constructs, it will be easier to discern true from false in the current time and going forward.  All truth is energetically coherent and abides the order of nature.  Falsehoods go against and distort nature — and ultimately create trouble down the road.  Regaining our relationship with the natural and spiritual worlds is an important step to rebalancing what has become disordered in humanity.

The earth is a living system and being that we are all born of.  Our perception that there is a separation between us and her is the great illusion of modernity.  Our process of evolution and change is an extension of the earth’s process.  To move with it is constructive and healthy — to remain in separation is destructive for all.

Healing & Resolving Karma, Processing Grief, Accepting the Past

BEAR WITNESS

On internal, relational and societal levels, an integral part to the healing process is bearing witness.  It is why we have memorials and other types of ceremonies when someone dies, and it is also why there is still an integral function to telling stories rather than simply reporting the news.

In our overstimulating and atomized media environment, it can be easy to become “compassion fatigued” by tragedy and loss — to view events almost as if they are movie plots existing in an abstract reality, rather than something effecting real people.  As often is the case, it can also be hard to know how to relate to survivors of tragedies that you yourself have no first hand knowledge of.  When we are personally healing from a difficult life event, we also know how a weight can be lifted when someone truly listens.  We all have been in different iterations of these roles — the bereaved, the one giving comfort, the person who fumbles, and the one who feels not seen in their pain.

Whether it is a personal or collective event, karma, or trial — to bear witness to everything, every perspective, every feeling, every side is the only way to complete resolution.  Bearing witness is not about what is right or wrong.  It is about hearing what isn’t being heard.  The most stuck parts of ourselves are often the ones that carry negative emotions, mostly stemming from anger, fear, confusion or shame.  These are only resolved when we can observe the true reality of these parts and accept them back into the wholeness of our being.  

In society, we have habituated the glossing over of collective suffering — and have politicized nearly everything in order to conveniently ignore some realities in favor of highlighting politically expedient and preferable forms of suffering instead.  All “sides” do this — and then accuse the other of “misinformation” when the incongruent realities are raised.  The result, inevitably, is further polarization, rage, and escalation of conflict.

It would be impossible for all of us, as individuals, to truly honor and bear witness to all events individually.  However, it is possible for all of us to honor and bear witness to the reality of suffering and be present with the truth and illusion of it all in real time when it arises in our lives.  To sit beside our friends and loved ones and hear their stories.  To be willing to step into each other’s worlds without judgment, placating and distancing.  Without one-upmanship.  Without needing rescue or fix.    Without needing to win.

Until we can do this, there is no answer, no solution, and no way forward.  And so it is more important than it ever has been to be willing to look at what is difficult to see.  To observe every possible layer.  Only once full observation has occurred, accounting for all possible variables and perspectives, can an honest evaluation be made.  On an energy and karmic level — only once this is done can an energy be transmuted and transformed.

The conclusion may be different in every situation.  This process, on its own, is a way to begin to move stagnant and fragmented energy.  Whether that energy simply resolves without a need for further work, or is requiring action is observed on a case-by-case basis.  The next steps are only discovered if we are willing to take the first one.

Often when we whittle down our most complex emotions, we find at the bottom a simpler need.  When a soul feels the truth, it is set free — always.  There is no purpose to division but to perpetuate division.  Perhaps, on a higher level, the fatigue we eventually feel from always fighting is what leads us to the realization that peace is never “won.”

In the Tao Te Ching, Chapter 31, it says, 

“Do not rejoice over victory
With the loss of others
weep with sorrow and grief
After winning the battle
do not celebrate,
observe the rites of a funeral

One who is bound to action, proud of victory,
and delights in the misfortune of others
will never gain a thing
from this world below Heaven.” (trans. Jonathan Starr)

May we all remember this truth.

PRACTICE FORGIVENESS

For injuries large and small, we must learn to practice forgiveness.  Forgiveness of others, forgiveness of ourselves, forgiveness of history.  This unburdens our spirits, releases karmas, and allows us to be free of stuck energies and traumas held by bitterness and anger.  Not forgiving is a form of internal resistance.  And while it may feel appropriate for a time, it is ultimately hindering.

In innocence, we are open to possibilities and unafraid of new ideas.  When we get hurt, we become insular and it is more and more difficult to trust and have faith. We cling to the familiar and the safe, and become uninterested in exploring.  Wisdom is understanding that humans are fallible but spirit is eternal. When we are in the deepest void, spirit is always available to shine a light. And it is this that we must come to trust.

Acceptance and forgiveness can be extremely difficult, especially when the hurt is deep.  It might not feel possible to forgive the other for harm they have caused.  In that case, start by forgiving oneself.

Forgiveness in this case is about being able to let go, release burdens, and have greater freedom moving forward.  This is an internal exercise to work on transforming personal and collective wounds.

PRAY FOR THE HEALING OF ALL

“One who sees himself as everything is fit to be guardian of the world
One who loves himself as everyone is fit to be teacher of the world.”

- Tao Te Ching 13, trans. Jonathan Starr

The transformation of this era is one that effects all who walk this earth.  All are a part of it.  All have their roles within it.  And all are in operation with the cosmic cycles and confluences which are far beyond our personal perception.

The true “revolution” is a revolution of consciousness.  It is an internal shift available to all of us — and in each of us we have the choice:  To continue to feed the darkness of division and war or to choose, through our actions and being, to guide the energy towards peace and stability.

To pray for the healing of all is to pray for the awakening of all — including and especially those who we believe to be captured by darkness.  Why should we not wish for the potential of success and positive outcomes as it pertains to our greater world?  Why should we not hope for the awakening of even the most cold hearted?

Like the forgiveness exercise, this is not about naïve faith in the benevolent intentions of people who may very well never change, nor is it about reinforcing an idea of no accountability — but rather the cultivation of the possibility of a higher path.

We are influencing the reality we live in all of the time with our thoughts and projections.  We do this mostly unconsciously.  The expectation of horror, doom, and complacent negativity is a pervasive outlook in our current society.  Through this, we remain in a state of disempowerment and suffering.

Throughout the world a temple is a place of respite — where all people can congregate in quiet reflection and focus their minds toward a higher power.  Spiritual places, over time, become an empowered energetic structure, where the distinction between the noise of the mundane world and the more harmonic qualities of the temple are felt upon entering.

Likewise, all belief systems and timelines are a type of energetic structure.  The immutable truth is natural law — all else in the human world is dependent on the momentum behind collective beliefs.  Right now we have many paths before us — and not all is decided.  There is a more harmonic timeline that is unmarred by the negativity of most of the others.  We strengthen the path of a more positive outcome by remaining connected to our higher visions, and to whatever degree we are able, returning to and building the energy of peace within ourselves.

This takes discipline, as the power of the negativity is compelling and self perpetuating.  However, if such a force of magnetism can exist in a negative way, such as force can exist in the positive.

Our small acts of hope may seem trivial in a world filled with so much darkness and suffering.  We may think there is no point, and that we should give up.  But what, then, becomes of a world without our small hopes, our small kindnesses, our small gifts?

This world is us and we are it.  There are no quick solutions and not all people are open to a positive direction.  Such work is not about immediate gratification, but having faith in the long view.  The erosion of our communities and relationships was set in place and cultivated over time.  Similarly the return to truth and reconnection can also be cultivated.

The funny thing about life is that we cannot always know the way to the highest path.  Without the pressure of the darkness, we could not truly fortify our lightness.  Without our past errors, we cannot nurture the wisdom for correct choices in the future.  There may never be perfection.  But there can be something better.

Benevolent leadership emerges in a new paradigm, not in the perpetuation of the old.  Those who are inappropriate for the new world will not be able to sustain their power — because power is bestowed by the momentum of the collective.  We will understand this more readily in time.

Even with all this, there is so much more still that can be shared about the nature of these energies that I will continue to share over time.  If you have gotten this far, thank you for taking the time to read this tome.  I hope that this message is of assistance for all who come across it.

Peace to all.


If you are interested in working with me more deeply, one-on-one consultations are available on a limited basis. Please check out my booking page to see my calendar and get in touch.

For Qigong work and energetic development, please see our options at Tao Institute & Tao Institute Online.

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2024: Year of the Wood Dragon

Hello everyone!

Happy Lunar New Year!  This is the year of the Wood Dragon, and as has become tradition, I wanted to provide some thoughts on the energies of this coming year from the Eastern & Western astrological perspective.

There are quite a few different topics I’d like to touch on this year, and just about every one of them could have its own article and deep dive, but my aim today will be for efficiency — as such I will do my best to distill the many complex, interwoven cosmic movements as simply as I can.  I hope that what I offer here will provide a beneficial framework for the year ahead.


Characteristics of the Dragon

In the Eastern Zodiac, the Dragon is considered an auspicious and heavenly creature.  Its snake-like body makes it flexible and responsive to change, and its ability to fly allows it to transcend worldly strife.

The Dragon reflects that the true nature of all transformation is spiritual, and in order to meet our highest possible destiny, we must work to rise above the limitations and distractions of the mundane world.

Like the Dragon, our spiritual self is free and unbound.  This year we are encouraged to spend more time in relationship with this aspect of our being in order to gain a broader perspective, refresh our human soul, and ultimately carry this higher energy and awareness into our daily lives.  All that we do, all that we create, should emerge from this centered, and spiritual state.  This is the way of effortless action, and the key to resilience.

We are in a time of great change on the world stage.  Every person alive is, has been, or will be facing confusion, conflict, chaos and turmoil in the inner and outer worlds.  Whether we as individuals are directly or indirectly confronted by difficulties, it is an incredibly taxing time to be alive.  It is therefore of a high priority to understand how to stay centered, clear, and present.  Remaining disciplined by turning away from unnecessary negativity and towards activities that bring in positive support will give us the fuel necessary to weather the conditions of the outer world.  This is not about avoiding or ignoring the world's troubles, but instead, garnering the strength and fortitude needed to sustain a positive influence in a time where negativity is very strong.

With great changes there are also great breakthroughs — and we can expect this year to bring many surprises both positive and negative.  We have been prepared for this next phase of change through all we have already learned in the last several years about ourselves and our world.

Now is a time of transformations.  Illusions may be cast off, or deepened.  Chaos may be overcome, or increased.  Which it is in a given situation depends on the karmic trajectory that has been built up until now.  Clarify your eyes, fortify your health, and use all that unfolds to forge an unshakeable spirit.  To embody this is to embrace the Dragon’s true heart.

Beware of ambition, ego, and delusions of grandeur in yourself, and in those who vie for leadership.  The Dragon has the natural gift of influence, but integrity, wisdom and humility must be practiced in order to appropriately wield such a power.  Those that don’t heed this lead others and the world into deeper illusion, and will eventually see a fall from grace.  The Dragon, in its highest state is both powerful and noble.  Its virtuousness serves to support others, not itself, and offers healing to the world.  Take care of oneself to cultivate strength and peace, but be selfless in giving.  Know the correct balance for giving and receiving.


“Be wary of both honor and disgrace”
“Endless affliction is bound to the body”

What does it mean, “Be wary of both honor and disgrace?”
Honor is founded on disgrace and disgrace is rooted in honor
Both should be avoided 
Both bind a man to this world 
That’s why it says, “Be wary of both honor and disgrace” 

What does it mean, “Endless affliction is bound to the body?” 
Man’s true self is eternal, yet he thinks, “I am this body, I will soon die” 
This false sense of self is the cause of all his sorrow 
When a person does not identify himself with the body tell me, what troubles could touch him? 

One who sees himself as everything is fit to be guardian of the world
One who loves himself as everyone is fit to be teacher of the world. 

- Tao Te Ching 13, translation by Jonathan Star


Yang Wood / Yang Earth

The elemental nature of this year’s lunar sign is that of Yang Earth (natal element of the Dragon, the Earthly Branch) and Yang Wood (the yearly element, or Heavenly Stem).  In the cycle of the 5 phases, these two elements are oriented in a destructive or controlling relationship with each other.  This conflict relationship can either polarize or alchemize — and how this year goes for each individual is, to a degree, contingent on how well you are able to practice the latter.

The trigram associations with the active elements are also informative.  Yang Earth is associated with Mountain, the stable force.  And Yang Wood is associated with Thunder, the shocking force.  Mountain maintains constancy and concentrates energy while Thunder represents the rise of new life and expands energy outward.  One is still, one is moving.  From this you can observe the contrast of these two forces and how they may struggle to work together.  It is true that these energies are naturally moving in different directions in pretty much every sense, so finding the balance of maintaining internal stability while continuing to grow and/or respond to sudden changes is something that we could find quite tricky this year.

In the cycle of the 5 phases there can be a struggle for proper positioning between these two energies.  Too much Wood can deplete the soil of nutrients, and too much Earth can suffocate the growth of the Wood.  At the same time Wood can also stabilize the earth through its roots (e.g. how tree roots prevent soil erosion) and the earth is an essential canvas for the wood’s growth.  There is no way for life to form without the cooperation of these two.

A Tai Chi principle that feels especially relevant for this year is the idea that all movement must emerge from stillness.  So concentrate on stillness first.  Yang Wood’s influence as the Heavenly Stem for the yearly energy is naturally stronger, so engaging the centering and solidifying aspect of the Yang Earth inwardly will help keep the roots intact no matter what storms arise.

Both Yang Wood and Yang Earth are strong and stubborn energies.  Yang Wood is like the hard wood of a tree, and Yang Earth, dry and hardened earth.  These qualities of toughness are fortifying after the previous Water years, and we can harness this energy to strengthen our resolve in any situation that calls for focus and determination.  In the case of the Dragon, the Yang Earth also contains a hidden element of Yin Water, which moistens the earth and provides some softness that helps to balance and harmonize these two elements.  In harmony, this becomes a very stable energy, like that of great big tree supported by moist earth.  Maintaining a good balance of yin qualities (softness, yielding, flexibility) amidst the strength of the Yang energies this year will be helpful.  The seed of Yin should be contained within Yang in all actions and endeavors.


Analysis of Overall Themes for 2024:
Change is happening quickly — and it’s about to get quicker

In the last several years, many different factors have come together to create the conditions for a large change to occur collectively.  In Western Astrology, we had the major planetary alignments of Saturn, Pluto, and Jupiter in 2020, as well as Saturn, Jupiter and Uranus in 2021.  Though these hard hitting transits have already passed, their impacts will continue to reverberate in the collective for quite some time.

From a Chinese Astrology perspective, the yearly pillars during this time have followed a pattern of unhindered flow through the Metal, Water and Wood phases.  Now, as we enter the middle of the decade, we have our first “clashing” energy in a while, reflected by the Wood/Earth dynamic mentioned in the previous section.  Wood has been bolstered by Water for the last two years (both Water/Wood years), and is now slowed down by the Earth energy.

Since the Wood element is very action oriented, if Wood (constant growth and pushing forward) is too dominant, depletion of resources is sure to follow.  This can certainly be seen and felt on the collective level with regards to increased worker burn out, inflation, and the general economic and resource-based crises that have been arising in many countries.  The Earth energy’s stabilizing and consolidating effect will also reveal the weaknesses that have developed in the recent period of intense change.  On the personal and collective level, the excesses of the previous years will be felt more acutely, and many things that have been in motion are going to start coming to a head.  Choices will have to be made, and as a result there may be departures and separations.

In many ways, 2024 is a pivot point.  The earlier part of this decade, while obviously very intense, was characterized by more introverted energies in both the Eastern and Western paradigms.  Metal & Water — the dominant energies of these years — are naturally about internal processes and feeling — and in the Western perspective, most of the slower moving outer planets have spent the majority of their time in Water & Earth signs.  All around, this energy is heavier and more dense in nature — and while it has, unquestionably, been turbulent, the nature of the turbulence has been of a suppressed and somewhat subdued quality, more like an undercurrent.  The emotion of fear, in particular, has kept many things and people in place, despite intense collective discomfort.

Starting this year, but more so in 2025 and throughout the remainder of this decade, there will be a very big shift in the overall energetic atmosphere.  The coming three years, in particular, will be extremely intense as tensions in the collective reach a boiling point.  In the Eastern charts, we will be moving into a potent Fire period while in the Western system, all outer planets transition into Fire & Air signs.  In other words, we’re moving from a stage where much of the change has been under the surface and internally oriented, and into one where change is more outward, moves swiftly, and is less predictable.

That is why this message of slowing down and consolidating is such a point of emphasis.  What we need to accept is that this period of change will be ongoing.  Knowing that, we should be conscientious to adjust our lives and lifestyles accordingly.  If any part of your lifestyle is unsustainable — especially with regards to pace — this should be examined this year.  Instead of living under the assumption that there is a resting place ahead where stability and normalcy are once again assured, we should prepare ourselves for a long haul process.  Learn to move in a way that is energetically, fiscally, emotionally, and mentally sustainable — now.  Learn to take breaks — now.  Prioritize your personal health and needs — now.  And pack sandwiches.

Learn to be one with change.  And more importantly, do not fear it.  The way the world changes is in our hands.  Every day, our every action influences collective evolution.  The positive encouragement, support, and presence we offer others ensures the miraculous.  All we do for ourselves is not for ourselves alone — it is so we can be there for each other.  It doesn’t matter who we are, what job we have, or our life circumstances as to whether or not we can create change.  We are already doing it.

The truth in our hearts and minds is indestructible.  Nothing can ever steal it.  The freedom of a mind unchained by darkness is the light that frees others.  It is this aspect of the self that we must connect with, and carry, no matter what else is going on.  And it is this aspect that will be the guiding light for understanding the “how” of navigating totally new and uncharted waters.

The alchemy of this era is one that involves complete and total personal responsibility.  We cannot hope to correct the outside world if we can’t manage our own emotions or show humility.  The solutions we need are not going to be found in the current way of doing things, but will require new innovations, creative thinking, and likely come about in unorthodox and unexpected ways.  When we align ourselves, correct ourselves, heal ourselves, and balance ourselves — we become self empowered and open to higher possibilities.  In this we no longer need to play out control patterns in our life, but recognize that every person’s individuality is needed.  We can then understand what is ours to do, and respect the paths and processes of others with neutrality.  This is the new paradigm of interdependence among humanity.

Though there are those in this world pushing the idea that we must continue to work in their system of power and control, and that control is the only possible solution to every problem, this is simply incorrect and a false, outdated understanding of reality.  This era of change that we are living in is a naturally occurring phenomenon that we were always destined to meet.  Even against cross currents, it will unfold.  Our part is to use the pressure of these times to break down our false conditioning, and access true power — that of light and freedom.

The trajectories of every soul, including that of the earth itself, are ever changing.  Assisting each other in truth de-powers falsehood.  What prevails in the long run will be what is felt and seen in the hearts and minds of all people, not just the few who believe that “power” is all there is.  This type of power is empty.  Though such negativity is, itself, a part of a cycle — one that has taught us much about pain, trauma, and suffering — it must ultimately become the fuel for a genuine understanding of what goodness, health, and grace is.

True unity must first have respect.  True respect is born from true listening.  True listening is born from sincerity.  We are not meant to discard individuality, nor should we abandon collective concerns.  It is at the nexus of all interlocking worlds where the solutions exist.  Transformation is a change that reaches through every layer.  Even though the outer world is filled with chaos, be undeterred.  Trust in the vision of peace.  Hold the light in your heart.  This is what matters most.


If you are interested in working with me more deeply, one-on-one consultations are available on a limited basis. Please check out my booking page to see my calendar and get in touch.

For Qigong work and energetic development, please see our options at Tao Institute & Tao Institute Online.

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2023 Year of the Water Rabbit: Good Opportunity

Hello Everyone and Happy New Year!

I hope this new year is treating you well so far, and that any challenges you face soon come to clarity and resolution with ease and grace.

As has become tradition, I am writing this article in acknowledgment of the Lunar New Year, as well as the Gregorian calendar year of 2023.  The tone of 2023 is one of transition, opportunity, and harmonization.  After the upheaval of the last few years, now we regain our footing and begin to face life anew.  It is time to look ahead, create new order, care for the self, and embrace simplicity.

This is a year of greater calm, offering necessary reprieve for reflection and reorientation.  Use this time wisely, as the coming years in this decade are likely to continue to be very intense collectively.  Integrate what you have learned about yourself in the last few years to strengthen your resilience.  Be adaptable.  Soften any remaining edges of rigidity, hyper-vigilance and obstinance.  Reconnect with community.  Remember what is true.

To give a more complete overview of what to expect in this coming year, I will share from both the Eastern & Western astrological perspectives.  Enjoy!


I-Ching Reading for the Lunar New Year:  Year of the Water Rabbit 2023

This year’s casting yielded Hexagram 11:  T’ai, “Peace / Good Opportunity.”  Line number 3.  The italicized quotations presented here are from the I-Ching:  Book of Changes and the Unchanging Truth, translation and commentary by Ni Hua Ching.

 

Earth over Heaven

 

General Guidance for this Hexagram: 

“Good Opportunity.  In a time of prosperity, something small is given and something large is returned.  Little effort brings a big reward.  Good fortune.  Proceed.”

The hexagram of Earth over Heaven represents peace and integration.  Because of the rising Yang nature of the Heaven trigram, and the sinking Yin nature of the Earth trigram, in this arrangement, the two trigrams intermingle harmoniously.

Master Ni notes in his commentary that a more literal translation of the Hexagram’s title “T’ai” is “Best Order” or “Perfect Condition.”  The suggestion here is that we can utilize a harmonious time to establish appropriate structures, discipline, and alignment that allow peace to be sustained.  During 2023, it will be important to balance one’s lifestyle, health, resources and affairs, and to do so in a manner that is useful and enduring. 

From a Taoist perspective, integration means no extremes.  If there are discordant, stagnant, disconnected or otherwise inharmonious energies in your life, now is the time to observe these, and invite guidance on how to set them in order.  The conditions of this time are much like a still point between worlds — we are shedding our old concept of self and reality, while solidifying new groundwork and new understanding.  The new frameworks that we build in these quieter times will carry us forward through more challenging ones.

Because the energetic conditions are naturally harmonious, adjustment will be more effortless.  Thus it is a good opportunity to strengthen oneself for the future.

Guidance from Line 3:  

“No plateau is without a slope and no forward movement is without a turning back.  One needs to maintain one’s goal without being discouraged by difficulties.  Have no worries and be faithful; thus enjoyment and blessings follow.”

The third line represents a position of transition.  One must maintain control and be firm in approaching one’s goal.  Though this situation may appear beyond one’s capabilities, with firmness, good results can be achieved.

Line #3 is the “specific guidance” of this Hexagram for the year of 2023.  The events of the last several years have been revelatory and have shown us many personal and societal weaknesses.  At the same time, these difficulties have the possibility to embolden us and lead us to greater understanding, personal strength, and resilience.  While this year might not be as eventful as previous years, reflecting upon what has occurred already provides necessary insight as to what we need to know, do, or be going forward.

Once clarity has been established within, the difficulties that arise must be faced courageously and unwaveringly.  Where we might have withered before, we instead stand strong.  The wisdom we have gained through hardship will not be easily thrown off course.  Yet, we should be prepared for unpredictable circumstances, situations, and outcomes — and pursue the path forward with faith regardless.


Characteristics of the Water Rabbit

The year of the rabbit is a yin energy year, which promises a gentler period after the very intense and stormy energy of the Water Tiger.  Elementally, the year of 2022 and 2023 both share a Wood/Water combination.  This is a combination very conducive for growth and expansion.  Many of last year’s themes of simplification and temperance are still relevant this year — and will likely feel easier to accomplish under the Rabbit’s energies.  The turbulent Tiger can be difficult to deal with, and so while normalcy may have been regained in some respect, there were still many big waves to navigate.  Events around the world were far from stable, and in our individual lives many experienced their fair share of upheaval and disruption.

Last year’s I-Ching guidance of “Self Restraint” encouraged discipline, and retaining one’s energy instead of wasting or overextending it.  In our current conflict laden and psychically pressurized environment, such a skill is incredibly useful to develop.  Under the Tiger energy, we had a lot of chance to observe how well we manage our energy.  Tiger’s intense and dynamic vibe can be very active and eventful, leaving one depleted if down time is not respected.  During the Tiger year we were more courageous, and may have undertaken difficult projects, new adventures, or set new boundaries for others and ourselves.  In this coming year, we will have the opportunity to fully integrate our new understandings with regards to these developments and apply our awareness to forging new structures that protect us from wasteful expenditure of energy, resources, and time.

The rabbit is a quiet and gentle archetype that symbolizes elegance, quick responsiveness, kindness and patience.  The rabbit is skillful, responsible, empathetic, and social.  Those born year of the rabbit are very intuitive and sensitive to their environment.  They will not usually flaunt their thoughts and feelings, but will show their true nature through their actions, creations, and gifts.  They tend to be reserved, but demonstrate a gracious and welcoming attitude.

During 2023, we will all likewise feel a bit more amicable, crave peace, and appreciate our solitude and social life equally.  Calmness is refreshing after such stressful years, and our energy for conflict will likely wane, as inward pursuits take precedence.  I will add as a footnote here that 2023 is also a Numerological Year 7 — the number of retreat and spirituality.  So it is likely that many will feel the impulse to focus more on spiritual pursuits, personal healing, and self reflection, especially if the turbulence of the last few years caused disruptions to your usual routine.  Essentially, it feels a bit like the dial on collective noise will be turned down a bit — and we will regain a sense of sweetness in daily life.

Growth in recent years has been much more Yang presenting — dictated quite often by sudden changes in the outer world, events, and chaos from other people.  This year growth will come through inward exploration, clearing and anchoring.  Instead of letting ourselves be wound into collective chaos — how can we instead stay grounded and centered within ourselves?  To gain and maintain one’s own internal stability and clarity, regardless of what is occurring outside, is what is truly useful.  Through that, we can be a vector for productive and creative forces, contribute positively to others and society, and be an active part of facilitating change.


Western Astrological Notes for 2023

A reading for this Lunar New Year New Moon in Aquarius at 1 degree from Ellias Lonsdale’s “Inside Degrees.”

AQUARIUS 1

A two-headed calf

Taking a good look at things with an eager eye brings you right into the middle of the dilemma with polarities.  As you stand there faced with the different sides, you are impartial; neither side pulls you more sharply than the other.  Immense opportunity.  Huge challenge.  You have vital potential for brilliant synthesis, but a subtle temptation to think too long.  A schooling in alchemy in every moment—do you find what is ready to emerge, or do you think about it?  Progressive evolution draws you through your mistakes into all that can be.

This reading of the Chandra symbolism for Aquarius 1 was quite apt in conjunction with the other facets of this reading, so I felt it would be useful to share as another look at the same general concept.  This reading in particular centers around harmonizing polarities and the opportunity for alchemization brought forth through the synthesis of them.  It is encouraged to engage with life in real time, rather than becoming lost in abstractions — something Aquarius can be quite prone to.  The  Aquarian dilemma of abstract concepts vs real world application, individualism vs collectivism, and mental vs spiritual paradoxes are some of the most pressing issues of our time.  As Pluto begins its transition into Aquarius in 2023 (following Saturn’s 3 year transit through this sign), we can expect this struggle will continue.

The Lunar New Year chart (set for Washington DC time/USA focus) does seem to orient us towards looking at relationships and facing communication barriers with full honesty.  Conversations and connections are fraught, and can be painful, but continuing on in the way that we have leads us collectively further from truth.  We must be willing to engage impartially — to take the time to investigate things, understand others’ perspectives, and build relationships if we’re to reach any potential of higher realization or collective clarity.  Allowing systemic forces to continue to influence us to engage in division is unwise and is our greatest collective vulnerability and downfall at this time.  Nothing is resolved when there is no listening.

The paradox of Aquarius is that it contains both individualism and collectivism.  These concepts are both expressive of fundamental facets of human development and evolution, and are both important.  In this time, however, the guidance that has been shown to me is that we must develop our individual sovereignty, from a spiritual perspective, firmly, before we can have a healthy collective.  This means we need to learn to cultivate our vertical connection (the energetic link to heaven and earth) first and foremost — and allow our horizontal connection (social orientation, material world) to be born from that.

It is so important to develop one’s own relationship with spirit, and with the earth in order to form healthy and clear personal discernment and presence.  At this time on earth there is an unprecedented level of difficult, dark and chaotic energies creating interference in the mental, emotional and spiritual consciousness of humanity.   Many of these are deeply embedded historical energies that are arising to be cleared, while others are simply born of the egregores of today’s outer world challenges.  If one is not sufficient grounded, it is easy to become confused by all of these cross currents, and lose track of the here and now.

On a more basic level, having a firm connection with one’s own internal alignment, and its alignment with natural cycles, as well as a well-developed relationship with our higher aspects, also allows us to have a healthy relationship with ourselves.  The more attuned we become to our personal alignment with both heaven and earth, the more we will be in rhythm with life, have healthy boundaries, and be able to recognize and correct lower tendencies latent in our nature. This personal work is essential if we hope to develop healthy community in any future time — especially on a larger scale. Pluto’s transit through Aquarius will undoubtedly bring this collective shadow process to the fore throughout the next two decades.  Before we can cross the threshold of the true “Age of Aquarius” we must deeply reckon with the roots of corruption that darken communities, organizations and governments — and learn to move from clarity rather than fear or control.  There is no true freedom from the evolutionary loop if this is not resolved.

From a Taoist perspective, the heaven & earth connection is the essential integration that we as humans have the power to actively develop.  To integrate both heavenly & earthly energies, is to be capable of manifesting higher energies through one’s earthly form to the physical world.  If we only orient ourselves through the horizontal plane — socially, intellectually, materially, so on — we are subject to the currents of those realities.  The needs of our soul may or may not be regarded.  And because we are not utilizing our natural alignment or listening to natural order, it is also difficult to create tangible change.  In this case, we may find ourselves simply repeating the cycle.

Being oriented only in the horizontal aspects of reality — that which is visible — is a form of being too “earthly.”  In this point of view, it might also be considered being too “human only” — not respecting earthly cycles or heavenly cycles.  However, it should be understood that there is also a pitfall of being too oriented in “heavenly” energy only.  This is when a person is floating about in the spiritual aspect of reality with no grounding.  While it may appear to be more “exalted” than the “human only” orientation, this, too, is imbalanced.

In the Taoist perspective, it is important to be able to live a “plain, simple life” in the world.  To understand what it means to be in society, to have a home, to pay your bills, cook food, and tend to basic survival.  If one is only focused on spirituality and is not able to bring this into their life in an authentic way, the energy is ungrounded.  On a similar note — all spiritual concepts, philosophies, etc, that one takes on should also be functional in the regular world.   A large part of integration work is alignment, as I have mentioned — which means eliminating hypocrisy and internal contradictions.  Walking your talk.  Whatever virtues one cultivates must be embodied completely and universally.  Not selectively.

Additionally, one of the most important aspects of cultivating our awareness of spiritual reality is to bring the wisdom and purity of heaven into the material world. To give back and serve, even in simple ways. Similar to how the pitfall of being “too human” doesn’t invite alignment to cosmic forces and thus perpetuates the cycle of human limitation, the pitfall of being “too spiritual” doesn’t allow us to ground higher evolutionary change into the world. In both instances, one is separated from an essential aspect of reality and unable to be effective. This is why the integration of both the heavenly and the earthly is the highest calling of this time — and the true path to creation.

Of course, because we are human, we will not be perfect in our execution of all things at all times.  But, if reaching toward a better world is your goal, it is important to practice consciously, and to always work towards self development.  If we can’t maintain goodness and grace ourselves — how can we have the strength to root out the world’s darkness?

The coming planetary movements in 2023 all harken back to these essential ideas.  This is a time for building spiritual discipline, untangling knots in our consciousness, freeing ourselves from enmeshments and falsehood, facing collective shadow, and exploring human consciousness in all of its facets — deeply feeling the truth of this world — its darkness, and its promise.  We transform the world by first transforming ourselves.  Trying something different.  And exploring the possibilities of what lies just beyond our awareness.


Thank you for reading!


If you are interested in working with me more deeply, one-on-one consultations are available on a limited basis. Please check out my booking page to see my calendar and get in touch.

For Qigong work and energetic development, please see our options at Tao Institute & Tao Institute Online.

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The State of Our Union: Fall 2021, Mercury Retrograde, Personal & Collective Crossroads, Global Awakening & The USA Pluto Return

pexels-cottonbro-6503520.jpg

We have passed through the threshold of the 2021 Fall Equinox and since then, I have felt an energy shift in the collective process.  The month of October will likely be eventful as 4 planets station (meaning their energies will feel more intense over the course of the month), and most notably for the USA:  Mercury and Pluto are stationing square to each other, in exact aspect to the USA Natal Mercury — a point of significant tension over the past few years.  As the USA Pluto return, the major event of 2022 for US citizens, approaches, it feels important to discuss where we are now, and the potentials ahead.  So these are the thoughts that come forward as I observe the charts, and my perspective on what is happening.  I hope that it can shed some light on the underlying energies as things evolve.

Social unrest and interpersonal struggles continue across the world, as citizens and governments are in conflict over the ongoing crisis — and this is likely to persist and intensify throughout this fall season.  The aspects on this equinox strongly indicate continued instability between people with an emphasis on fighting around issues of freedom, justice, and the right to peace.  I strongly sense that the Mercury retrograde that kicks off the season will be a time of “truths coming out” in all areas of life.  The equinox chart contains a grand trine in air signs — a strong indicator for the free circulation of information — and the aspects, on their own as well as in relation to the USA chart, lead me to suspect that more information will be brought to greater public consciousness regarding situations that effect our country.  This seems to already have been occurring during the shadow phase of the Mercury retrograde (which started September 6), but I suspect that during the first 3 weeks of October, there will be some major reveals, and maybe even some power plays from the US government.

My expectation is that the information surfacing now will be, for some, greatly clarifying.  For others, it will not be what they want to hear.  Many will feel a great pressure as the dissonance between their belief and the truth being presented intensifies.  However, Plutonian truth is the kind of truth that will not ultimately be avoided.  This is a time for accepting things as they are — not as we wish them to be.  That is the only way forward.  Change, in this circumstance, quickens only when we surrender to reality — and stalls when we resist it.  This is true on a personal level, as well as with reference to collective events and circumstances.

The space of resistance defines much of public discourse for the last two years.  This is especially evident in the constant expectation that around every corner is some distant notion of “back to normal.”  The reality is that there would never be a back to normal.  Cosmically speaking, such an idea was foolish from the start — but on the ground, even more so.  The damage done to the structures of society and the consciousness of people is too great — and the resulting awakening that emerges from such instability is too powerful.  “Back to normal” is denial.  “Back to normal” is a rejection, actually, of the potential of positive catharsis that awaits us on the other side of truth — and the new world which could be formed from this realization.

The symbols of 2020’s Saturn, Jupiter & Pluto alignment in Capricorn all point back to one thing above all — and that is the corruption and dysfunction of society’s systems.  Since 2008, when Pluto began its transit through this sign, we have witnessed the fallibility of the world’s systems.  While the power structures seem to have silently expanded during this time, simultaneously they have become untenable in many countries.  In this last 13 years there have been countless examples of blatant corruption in governing bodies, leading to poor policy that serves only the wealthy and never the people — a condition that has existed and been corrected so many times before in history.  Tracking the Pluto-Capricorn cycle we can see a trend — as past Pluto-Capricorn time periods include events such as the American Revolution and the Reformation — both historical shifts that were originally based in a very similar overgrowth of institutions that hoard wealth, power & authority, while abusing citizens.

In the last decade, Pluto’s transit through Capricorn has, in a sense, reinforced the power of the Oligarchs while simultaneously showing the world every contradiction that exists within the dynamic of control that humanity has become so conditioned to.  It is inevitable that eventually this unsustainable system will cannibalize itself.  The question is “When” — and every day that passes, as the fires of division are stoked even louder among citizens who are, on all sides, the farthest from the roots of the problems, we edge even closer to that faltering.

In the USA, the situation is even more tenuous, as our first Pluto return approaches this coming year, in 2022, and presents one of the most significant crossroads that the nation has faced since the Civil War — which unsurprisingly occurred in a period where we faced the activation of many of the same planetary alignments that we have in the current decade of the 2020s.  Those alignments, in particular, are the return of Uranus (2028), the opposition of Neptune (active from 2021-2022), the transit of Pluto through the Cardinal signs (2008-2024), and the eventual conjunction of Pluto to the USA South Node (also 2028).  Observing the charts, there is an unsettlingly similar trajectory of planetary movement in the decades leading into and during the Civil War — which should not surprise anyone living in the US, as the idea that we are going towards civil war has been felt and even publicly discussed by many at some point in this past year.

However, there is an important distinction in the energetic currents from 1861 until now — and that is the position of Pluto.  Pluto, back then, had just passed its opening square to the USA natal Pluto — which cyclically is a time when energies are pushing outward.  This time, we are at the completion of the cycle — and so there is a feeling, for me, that the energy has a more implosive quality — that it turns downward, and inward.

While there are many opposing opinions on the how we got here, and who is at fault — the deepest layer is actually that the problem lies within the very mythology that the USA was founded upon — and the hypocrisy of our nation’s self perception all along.  It is the kernels of self delusion that have fueled the ever expanding great delusion of our present day political system.  The ideals of our constitution were never evenly applied, and our history exists in the distortion of all colonial history, which bears the idea of heroes, villains, and saved — while burying the facts of dreadful and deceitful actions all along the way.  The founding fathers of the US did try to plan for the inevitability of corrupting forces — however, the spoiling factors were actually overlooked, and it is these factors that are catching up to us now.

These factors, of course, likely could not have been predicted — and are only able to  emerge at this time due to the evolution of human consciousness, and the changes in the outer world that have created circumstances beyond the imaginings of the American founders.  Our current overgrowth of corruption is, at least in part, a result of our globalized world, and the interaction that America has with other nations — both locally and abroad.  Our influence, the influence of others upon us — the way we deal with our “melting pot” culture — the way we remember colonization — and the existence of corporate entities that do not abide within a specific national code, or rule of law.  While there is still much in US ideology that is worth holding onto — a significant update is necessary if we are to maintain our identity in this world.  We must be careful at this precipice, as most, if not all, of the factions currently vying for power do not represent the true identity of this country — or the true potential of what we could be.

My observation of the past year is that identification with political parties has obscured the vision of many.  There is a widespread belief that the corrupting forces, figures, and groups belong only to whatever side is the opposite of what one supports.  This false dichotomy unfortunately fuels powerful and destructive ideological division that significantly stunts our ability to look at, and address our problems.  Many forget or downplay the reality that corporate interests dominate the underlying messaging of not just politics but also the vast majority of the systems that exist in the USA currently — from health care to the media.

The issues of messaging and ideology are most clearly represented at this time by the axis of the lunar nodes, which currently occupy the communication oriented signs of Gemini (North Node) and Sagittarius (South Node).  Transits of the lunar nodes in general color considerably the karmic emotional process of the collective.  Big outer planet aspect patterns such as we have had in the last two years (Saturn, Pluto & Jupiter conjunction 2020, and Saturn-Uranus square 2021) describe the multi-dimensional, long cycled and layered nature of the recent upheavals — but the lunar nodes always tie together the crux of the dilemma, and the area of life through which the dilemma is at its most self sabotaging and troublesome.

In the case of our current times the influence of the South Node in Sagittarius is very pronounced in public discourse and mass media.  Sagittarian shadow tendencies of self righteousness, dogmatism, and belief that what one agrees with is “right” have completely overtaken most channels of discussion.   Observations and ideas are censored, canceled, or politicized in the name of “preventing misinformation” — often while promoting more socially preferable misinformation.  The South Node impulse, therefore, seems to be to stave off uncertainty by clinging to belief and faith.  But it doesn’t work — not in any long term, or solution oriented way —  and not in any way that does anything but placate the mind, which has been quite understandably destabilized by everything going on.

However, there is a solution in the directive of the North Node.  The North Node is the spiritual “due north” of the chart — it describes what we are learning to do, to be, and in a sense, it is the intended end result of our work in life from a soul perspective.  The South Node is the familiar, often over-developed area of the chart — and its untamed expression tends to be maladaptive, destructive, and karmic.   It is my observation that the energy of the South Node will play out most apparently in the collective in the immediate moment — but that the lessons of the North Node will tend to unfold eventually, over time.

The current position of the North Node in Gemini indicates that it is important to embrace multiplicity — which means to take into consideration all information and perspectives equally, impartially, and with curiosity.  For it is from the place of observing neutrally every proposed problem, idea and solution, that real solutions have the potential to emerge.  Withholding or suppressing information at a time when the problems are complex is a form of self sabotage — and we will be forced to evolve out of this space at some point if we are sincere about addressing our worldly and collective troubles.  Gemini North Node energy is not only about multiplicity of perspectives, but acceptance of others as well.  It encourages engagement with others as they are.  This is an essential skill if we are truly oriented towards building a just, free, and healthily interdependent society.

Another great example of North & South Node interplay that I wish to mention here is the “Great Resignation” — a worldwide phenomenon where workers are leaving their jobs, seeking higher pay, more flexible hours, and better treatment from employers in general.  The 2018-2020 transit of the nodes through Cancer (NN), and Capricorn (SN), was strongly aligned with Saturn, Jupiter & Pluto as they traveled through Capricorn, particularly from 2019-2020.  The South Node was emphasized — echoing back cyclically to 2009, the time of the Great Recession, when Pluto first entered Capricorn, and when the North Node was also in Capricorn.  The Great Recession set a precedent for worsening work conditions, as suffering businesses began cutting corners, cutting staff, and cutting salaries to make ends meet — and unfortunately this resulted in ongoing rampant employee abuse and a generally dismal, highly stressful work culture that often took more than it gave to most workers, even well after the recession had passed.

In 2020, this energy came back around when many people were forced out of work, again, and/or transitioned to remote work for a substantial amount of time.  This caused many people to reevaluate their lives and set new boundaries around what they are willing to accept from their workplace.  For those in this circumstance, the sacrifice to the job was no longer worth it and Cancer North Node values of home, family & self care ultimately won out.  This will force businesses to completely reevaluate their approach, and may, by force of pressure, begin to resolve issues of low wages, wasteful and poor management, and more.

This of course, is just one example of unintended systemic consequences to the pandemic shutdowns.  Another example that comes to mind along this same energy are the significant issues cropping up with the global supply chain.  This is another concern that is affecting innumerable industries, and I believe that this will bring in an eventual shift to more localized sourcing of goods, as well as a potential opportunity for new types of businesses, and reform of industries towards more sustainable practices in general.

In the very long view, the 2018-2020 Cancer/Capricorn node cycle connects back to the last iteration of a Saturn, Pluto & Jupiter Capricorn alignment in 1284/85 — a time when many seeds of the current systems were originally sown.  I said in an earlier article that I believed that because back then the North Node was conjunct the Capricorn stellium in 1284, that the energies of great power were favored — however, in the present day, it is the opposite — and therefore the fall of the empire is inevitable.  Unfortunately, or fortunately, I suspect that government mandates (a South Node/Capricorn stellium impulse) will start to backfire like this more and more.  Citizens no longer trust that the systems are working for the greater good, and even with risk to themselves, are exiting increasingly hostile environments towards unknown circumstances.

The result of all of these changes, responses, and situations is essentially the same:  People are finding themselves needing to find a new path, a new way.

In the years leading up to 2020, I saw through clients an almost constant vision of spiritual network — that many people would soon be called into new environments, with soul allies, to begin a different version of their worldly work.  I saw people making an impact with the integration of holistic perspectives and ideas, especially in fields that are typically the most bound by corporate interests and rules.  At this present time, this vision has ripened even further and the sense I have is that, by force of pressure, there will be the development of parallel systems that may in time begin to subvert collective reliance on the larger ones.  This is a form of erosion that leads to the collapsing and implosion of the known structures if they do not respond with change.

This is a potential, and even an inevitability, that I see for the vast majority of our outdated systems in the coming years, the US government included.  The corporate economic scheme on the one hand, seems stronger and more powerful than ever — but if one looks closely, its insides are crumbling.  It has become the albatross of its own ruin.  For the US — our reckoning is soon to arrive, and what comes next is still to be determined.  Global and domestic dynamics are continuing to play out, with a possibility of other powers stepping forward and surpassing the position of strength that the US has long held in international politics.  If such a change were to come to pass, it would permanently alter the geopolitical landscape.

Nothing is ever “Too big to fail.”  Cosmic law shows that all things rise and fall.  Graceful change is one that evolves naturally with the ebb and flow.  Is it still possible for our country to evolve in a natural way?  That is the question we will be facing with great tension in 2022.

What is most profound in all of this — the societal and worldly chaos — is that, fundamentally, every part is just a reflection of the shadow within collective consciousness.  The cycles of this time reflect back to so many cycles and memories of previous times — from the more recent history of this past century to the far distant history of ancient civilizations.  We feel the echoes of our past darkness in the present darkness — the echoes of war, slavery, misuse of technology, genocide, and environmental reckoning, all meet in this moment.  Our souls remember those errors, and that suffering — and it is collectively very challenging for people to manage and place these memories, feelings of urgency, fear, and existential dread.  Instinctively, I think we know that it’s time to break the chain.  Do we really want to keep playing out the destruction of ourselves, or are we willing to try something different and unknown?  Are we willing to look to the higher path?

Nothing we face is simple.  Our solutions will not come through heroes and villains.  No authority will ever be able to give peace to humanity from a high perch.  No evil is resolved by choosing the “lesser” version.

Darkness is resolved only by facing it.  All people must eventually awaken to the darkness that has taken root in every part of our world — and work to resolve it, sincerely, with light.  To keep throwing more darkness at darkness is to invite in more obscuration, more karma, more conflict.  There is more than enough, already.

There is no one answer to the problem, no one way that old karma is resolved — however, clarity, neutrality and discernment go a long way in moving it along quicker.

What sort of world are we building?  Have we lived up to our ideals?  What parts of our ideals are illusions, and always have been?  Do we have the courage to see the world with clarity?  Do we understand that oneness is integration?  That sovereignty and community harmony are not a zero sum game, nor are they opposing values.  It is in the shared space of opposites where equilibrium lies.  What path will we choose?

Peace to all in the (r)evolution.

2020 Social Media Posts

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2020 was one of the craziest and busiest years of my life, so I didn’t have much time to do any long form astrology articles. I did, however, write a handful of shorter messages. I felt it might be useful to compile those here. They are in chronological order. Enjoy!


January 25, 2020

A few quick thoughts on the Yang Metal Rat :)

The Rat is creative, resourceful and intelligent -- while the Yang Metal element is sharp, structured, and focused with crystal clarity. These two together form a harmonious blend of intuition and intellect, and promote action towards our higher goals. This year will be intense, with strong directives from heaven guiding the course. Keep the mind steady, and remain fluid.

This is a new cycle in the Chinese Zodiac and in the Western Zodiac, many new cycles are also beginning regarding the structures in our lives with long term effects. Utilize this turbulent energy to transform and restructure anything and everything that is weak in your life. Direct your life and intentions toward your current long term visions -- those that are lasting 12, 20 & 36 years at least. Cut away what's unnecessary -- especially within the mind, emotions and spirit. Find peace and wisdom in simplicity that makes room for further growth.


June 5, 2020

South Node Sagittarius Lunar Eclipse thought for the collective:

This is a time in history where we begin to observe: What is more important? Relationship or rightness? Nuanced multiplicity or hardlined ideals? Openness or safety?

The Gemini North Node, for the next 18 months, shows us that freedom and justice are principles that cannot exist in a vacuum. It's the interconnection of all people that forms the fabric of society. Gemini easily takes in all views without attachment, and applies what it has learned only after gaining sufficient information.

Flexibility is one of the keys to change right now. Stay curious to new ideas, new perspectives. We can't base the new world off of the old. As consensus dissolves, as reality dissolves, as your own mind melts in the chaos and the subterfuge, return to what's basic, common, and real.


October 2, 2020 (and a journal entry from March 3, 2020)

This message (below) that came to me so clear back in early March continues to resonate and reflect everything that has unfolded since. I take no credit for it because it was a 100% download that was delivered to me in response to my inquiry about the weird feeling that started to arise that first week of March.

I want to share it again as a reminder to look beyond worldly chaos. Don't get sucked into the showreel of collective angst and division. Keep bringing the truth present, as whatever happens during this strange season -- evolution is inevitable, unstoppable, and unquestionable.

The shadow hates the light, but ultimately must yield or be overcome. Darkness may appear as if it is increasing, but all we see is only what was there all along. Our awareness is what is increasing. And quite frankly, there is a lot that we now can't unsee. About people. About society. So on.

But this is positive. For what is in plain sight will not be able to escape back under the rug. And we will continue to see more. It is far from over, but great healing is the other side.

Stay open. Work towards a neutrality that allows you to observe a greater multiplicity of thought and perspectives. Each cloud of consciousness has its own truths -- but none bears the full truth. The highest threads hold the gold -- and these preside in the nondual.

Awakening means not being glamoured by appearances, ensnared by the foolishness of petty conflict, or baited by the control and manipulation omnipresent in today's daily struggle. It is up to us to set those boundaries. To learn the tools necessary to clear, protect, seal up the weak spots, realign, and so on. To learn what health really is. Even if we lose the battle sometimes, that is how we win the war. That is how we overcome everything, no matter what the world is presenting.

Never let anyone, or anything, steal your sovereignty. Stop feeding your beasts of disempowerment. Stop handing power to that which is impotent. There is another way. Look to it, and watch the rest fall like the house of cards it really is.

Journal Entry from March 3, 2020

I came home this night feeling unexplainably "weird," and wrote this in my journal. I had absolutely no idea what was coming, but this message came through very clearly. I've copied it here word for word. Since it is obviously a channeled message, I shouldn't be so shocked by its relevance -- but, whatever -- I am! I thought it worthwhile to share.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"The world is very chaotic right now. I can feel the mounting tension in the air – distant, yet drawing closer.

The real thing is the invisible thing that is now becoming visible: the spiritual war.

The way they always win — is by domination of the mind — and the ignorance of the populace that such a war exists. Now it’s in a critical zone and the light inside people needs to come on. It’s not about fighting in the traditional sense — because that’s like lower self vs. lower self — it’s about rising above the emotions and standing in the light. Being peace, with clarity. And having the courage to face the darkness that fuels our inner war. The reason is simple, and bigger than we realize. If we knew that rallying the troops meant holding the light within — would more people feel motivated and inspired to learn what that means, exactly?

The worldly matters are and aren’t of importance — as there’s rise and decline in everything, always. But it mostly doesn’t matter — it’s mostly a distraction, and a source of fear. How do we remain integral?

Here’s reality – if we can’t do it in moments where bad news is distant – how should we expect to do it when our worst fears arrive? Is there really any function to expecting the worst case scenario? Obsessing over it?

It’s because we make it true, and because we don’t fight back. We allow the mental takeover — the attacks to good sense. And this makes us jaded, unmotivated.

We have to stand our ground, spiritually speaking!

Not allowing this hijacking any further — winning the battles of fortitude — with our will — agreeing to bring light and peace in the world — which is not easy, at all."


November 4, 2020

On the pandemonium and chaos, a very abbreviated perspective from astrology.

Our major planetary players in 2020 are:

  • Saturn, Jupiter & Pluto in Capricorn -- Government/societal structures and institutions of power being transformed.

  • Uranus in Taurus -- Physical bedrock of society/institutions being shaken up and disrupted

  • Neptune in Pisces -- Deception and illusions, difficulty discerning reality, higher spiritual truths

  • North Node in Gemini -- Being able to hold multiplicity, and accept all perspectives impartially

  • South Node in Sagittarius -- Dogmatically holding onto one's own point of view as the only truth possible, staunch rejection of other ideas

I could write a 50 page thesis on all of my thoughts about what has unfolded this year — and perhaps that is still yet to come (I am still very backed up on my projects) — but if I could awaken all of humanity to one simple thing it would be this:

It was never about the virus. It was never about the election. It was never about the president. It was never about masks. It was never about the economy. It is not about any of the things that it has masqueraded as, shouted that it is, and lulled the world into believing.

What it IS about is total and complete transformation of the societal systems that have always failed us and have never truly represented us. It is about the humans of the world being enlightened to the darkness that stokes the fire of the division and hatred, and instead of turning our weapons on each other, turning our swords to the heart of that darkness. This darkness is not the result your neighbor's opinion, or your step-parent's political stance — it is a common enemy whose tactics and tricks are to make us believe this is the case.

What would happen if we all could stop, detach, turn, and look? All of humanity looking right into the eyes of the true evil. All of that light illuminating the foul, cowardly presence it really is. Where would it go? What exit could we grant it?

The light of truth has already broken the bedrock of systemic darkness. All that has occurred since is simply darkness running amok, attempting to call back its control by infecting the mind of humanity with confusion and clouds. But all it takes is to see it. To stand firm and not believe it. To seal oneself completely, become sovereign from it. And its power is diffused.

The process of these times is not about trying to "work within the system." Those days are over. The system is breaking down. Let it happen. And as it is happening, follow your will to the part you are personally transforming and rebuilding. So when the veil of the old world falls, the foundation of the new world is already laid out.

I believe in the heart of humanity — that it is primarily good. That we all have the same basic desires, and can live harmoniously in the correct circumstances. Our error is in externalizing our personal power and hoping for others to create such a reality. No one will ever do it for us. It starts with us. It always has.


December 11, 2020

A brief summary of the coming week's Astrological events:

  • Dec 14: Solar Eclipse at 23 Sag / South Node

  • Dec 17: Saturn transitions into Aquarius

  • Dec 19: Jupiter transitions into Aquarius

  • Dec 21: Saturn & Jupiter conjunct at 0 Aq

For me personally, the winter solstice always feels like the true cap on the year & the next is initiated with the lunar new year. The Aquarian energy will be strong going into next year, as Uranus in Taurus will also be making squares with Saturn & Jupiter throughout the year — another few months of an intense 3 planet dance, before Jupiter finally leaves the arrangement. (Just be glad that Pluto was left behind at the last house... lol.)

I think with this eclipse coming up, and just in general — The simplest and most obvious advice with Mercury on the South Node, with nodes square Neptune, is — Don't believe everything you hear. The strong South Node energy this whole year (particularly with the Saturn-Pluto conjunction occurring on the South Node in Capricorn, with Jupiter conjunct it back in January) implies that agendas are everywhere. The spreading of disinformation and reaches for power are becoming more obvious, but many are taken in by them, because it has been par for the course for so long. This particular cycle of power has been active for at least 735 years... However, since it is South Node energy, it is not truly supported. And the powers that be can feel this energy slipping away as the Aquarian energies start to take root.

The chaotic energy we see now is a necessary part of the process of arriving at truth. Discernment is an internal process that everyone needs to cultivate — to listen openly, but accept nothing outright. The lies are immense. And in 2021, we will become more and more aware of this.

It is my personal belief that the incoming (arguably current?) alignment with the pole star (exact in about 100 years) is a peak initiation into the age of Aquarius. In new age circles the term "disclosure" is discussed often, mostly as an external idea. But disclosure is already happening within us. Every day, we are remembering our true history. Every day, we are awakening to the fact that we are not alone in this universe. Every day, we are being shown the true darkness on this planet — and every day, the light presents clearer impressions of its operations. Once it is seen, it's not long for this world. We just have to have the courage to unhook ourselves from everything the false matrix wants us to believe, and zoom out from the immediate moment enough to look at the big picture.

The most important thing we can do for ourselves is start to understand the mechanics and laws of energy. This is the true power that governs all things, from which we have been veiled — and encouraged to believe that everything is mechanistic and there is nothing more. Our higher dimensional energies are much more powerful than the tendrils of manipulation that infiltrate the collective mind — and once awakened, easily clear away such nonsense. "Awakened" is the key, however.

Aquarian energy is naturally "out of the box" and so we need to have some patience. There are times when it will seem like the people in our lives are veering wildly off course into some small madness. But in fact, this is a part of awakening. We're breaking consensus, and there won't be consensus for a while — as to what reality is.

Discern and stay grounded. Question the noise. The louder the noise, the bigger the question. Clear yourself. Our personal work has power. When we share and encourage others, this also has power. Dismantling false paradigms is an inside job that manifests outwardly. This is what we are learning as we step into this next phase of the process. We will rebuild in the same manner.

It's not over. But we have gotten through a very tricky stage. We have lightened our load considerably. I am grateful for that. Let's go forward empowered.

The Saturn-Pluto Conjunction: Paradigm Shifts and the Battle Cry of the Spiritual Warrior

Note to my readers :)

In light of COVID-19, I have been receiving a lot of requests for Astrological insights. I do have much to say about the astrology of these times but unfortunately not much time to create an article just yet. However, one is in the works and will arrive soon. In the meantime, I have compiled this list of articles, reports & courses that I’ve already created that discuss several topics related to what is going on right now, particularly in the US. Please feel free to check them out — along with the article below from January on the Saturn-Pluto conjunction.

The Saturn-Pluto conjunction is a major influence that will play out throughout the entirety of 2020 in its most intense stages and will effect us for at least another 36 years. This is a highly relevant transit to what is going on right now, so please understand that even though this event occurred in January, it is still playing out right now and will continue to do so. The emergence of COVID-19 in the news first occurred around the time of this Saturn-Pluto conjunction — and so it can be considered a major event of this transit. And it makes sense, since it has transformed the very world we live in, quite unexpectedly for those of us in the West who have been tottering along complacently for so long. This is what Saturn-Pluto energies, in the precise astrological circumstances of 2020, have the capacity to bring.

I will look forward to exploring this further with everyone. In the meantime, please enjoy this article and check out these other resources that discuss many topics relevant to this time. I am sure you will still find some usefulness in these pieces.

3 Hour Course describing the major Astrological factors of 2020 in-depth

 
 

Dear friends,

Welcome to the most astrologically potent weekend of the year, and the moment that defines an era.

This Sunday, January 12, is the conjunction of Saturn & Pluto in Capricorn – a major cycle that is amplified by:

  • A Lunar Eclipse on January 10 that happens to be in direct alignment with Saturn & Pluto – amplifying the power & karma of this energy to a very visceral, emotional level

  • Uranus moving direct on January 11 -- outer planets changing direction always bring a strong energy of that planet, and Uranus is about awakening, shocks & sudden changes

  • Jupiter in Capricorn, currently aligning with the lunar nodes, and approaching Saturn & Pluto throughout all of 2020 – Jupiter adds an influence of expansion to all that is occurring, making the events, feelings, and experiences bigger.  Since it is transiting the South Node currently, this is bringing out the extremism of the Capricorn ambition & power as well as the faith of Jupiter for collective evolution.

  • Saturn & Pluto, along with Jupiter, are also in the same sign as the current transiting lunar south node of the karmic past, as they have been throughout all of 2019.  This amplifies the complexity of their present transformation, showing that it has to do with deeply embedded past patterning that we must now rise above.

  • Saturn & Pluto are also coming into conjunction on their own planetary south nodes.  Where the lunar nodes are the karmic/soul points connected with the moon & earth’s orbits, planetary nodes are the karmic points of the planets & their orbits.  Saturn & Pluto’s south nodes also happen to be conjunct, doubling the effect of the energy, making the event more powerful, especially on the collective level.  Planetary nodes move extremely slowly and Pluto and Saturn don’t meet often, so this is an event of rare cosmic synchronicity.

Saturn & Pluto conjunctions are a 36 year cycle.  In this century, their previous meetings were in 1982, 1947 & 1914, with major culminating phases occurring in 2001, 1965 & 1931.  These are historical years that brought major events to the consciousness of society and the world.  Some of the most notable of these were the start of WWI (1914), the rise of Hitler & contrasting rise of Mahatma Gandhi in the 30s (leading to Indian independence from the British by 1947), the U.S. bank collapse that lead to the formation of the FDIC/The New Deal (1931-33), the Cultural Revolution in China and the Vietnam War in the 60s, and September 11.  This is a cycle that brings incredible change, major upheaval, and transformation to the world and whether the manifestations of this influence are expressed positively or negatively -- they leave deep impressions for decades to come.

Looking at the long arc of history, the two most recent transits of Saturn & Pluto through Capricorn specifically stand out.  Their last meeting in this sign was in 1518, the year Martin Luther famously nailed the 95 Theses attacking church corruption to the church door in Germany, and English King Henry the VIII separated from Rome, signaling the start of the reformation in Europe.  And even further back than that, a transit of a very similar nature to the one we are receiving now occurred 735 years ago in the years of 1284/1285.

Saturn Pluto Conjunction 2020 (click to see full chart)

Saturn Pluto Conjunction 2020 (click to see full chart)

Saturn Pluto Conjunction 1284 (click to see full chart)

Saturn Pluto Conjunction 1284 (click to see full chart)

At that time, in 1284, Jupiter, Saturn, Pluto & the lunar nodes were all aligned in Capricorn, much like they are today – with one primary difference.  Instead of the South Node of the karmic past working its way through this massive outer planetary alignment in Capricorn, it was the North Node of the soul’s destiny.  Back in 1284, humanity was at a time in history when world powers were strengthening and the structure of the world as we currently know it was being built.  Worldwide trade via the Silk Road made accessible by the massive Mongol Empire, the development of early banking systems & coinage throughout Europe, and the unification of city-states encouraged the urbanization of cities, like London and Paris, that still thrive today.  European monarchies were also growing in influence and strength, as their kingdoms also became more defined and consistent (and became fully formed and centralized by Saturn & Pluto’s next visit in the 1500s).  With the big figures of Saturn, Pluto & Jupiter aligning on the North Node in Capricorn (the sign of government structures) – the growth of such power structures was energetically supported, and fulfilled a need for the greater stability that arose from more established and consistent government.

This is not to say that it was all wonderful or particularly smooth.  Several areas impacted by the brutal Mongol invasion of the 13th century did not recover completely until the early 20th century, while other areas retained significant cultural influence from Mongolian rule, even long after the empire receded back to its original shape.  Worldwide trade lead to epidemics like the black plague in the 14th century -- and European Monarchies are famously responsible for all kinds of insane abuses of power that ultimately lead to the Western world adopting democratic government structures in time.  But the most important thing to understand here, at least from my reading on the matter, is that the things that were built and developed back then shaped much of how we’ve operated since.   The imprint has been profound and lasting.

For the better part of a year, I have been pondering the nature of these times along with these historical moments, particularly going back to this period within the 13th century because the astrological similarity is so striking.  The difference of the lunar node placement (North Node in Capricorn then, South Node in Capricorn now) is specifically of interest to me – as it implies that it is time for the world to release its hold on conglomerate power and imperialistic thinking.  This way of functioning in the world has served its purpose now, and through it we have grown and developed in many ways – particularly in the realms of science, economics, industrialization, and the evolution of government systems as a whole.  However, society is no longer sufficiently supported by this structure.  In fact, despite any political differences, I observe that most people seem to agree that out-of-touch & overpowered leadership, hoarding of wealth, and large government systems mismanaging world resources are some of the biggest issues we face as a society today.  Systemic issues that individuals have little power to control or mitigate are the central culprit for climate change, socio-economic crisis, war, and many of the physical and spiritual conundrums we face in our daily realities.

So many of us observe the suffering of the world, and wish there was something that could be done, yet continually it seems as if there is no end to the destructive cycles that are prevalent in our human civilizations.  The realities of this suffering are real, visceral, and not easily solvable.  Why?  Because they are systemic – and these systems that exist are deeply embedded not just in the function of how the world is built, but also in our entire conception of reality – so deep, at this point, that it is hard for us to imagine there is a way out of the way things are.

Yet saying this, I feel we all bear a responsibility at this time.  And that responsibility is to stay awake, stay present, and continue working on unraveling the bondage of our own minds.  Because it is not only the “greater forces” & government class at work in the collective consciousness, but the work of individuals attempting to see what’s not yet visible and not yet imaginable, driving the changes we now face.

Saturn is the planet of structure and this includes our mental structures & paradigms.  Pluto is the planet of transformations at the most profound level.  There are so many paradigms held in a single person’s consciousness – given to us by our family upbringing, society, etc.  We learn them and live them out, because they are the boundaries within which we can mostly guarantee safety.  But paradigms can be limiting & obstructive.  And when the time comes that these paradigms we hold are no longer safe, sustainable, or protective – what do we do?

It is not easy to let go of our mental, spiritual, emotional or physical structures – and knowing nothing else, we might even cling to them.  Structures make us feel at ease, even if they are dysfunctional.  They are familiar, definable, and grant us a sense of control.  To release what is known for the unknown, with nothing to slide in and fulfill the empty space is absolutely terrifying for the ego mind.  So it often takes something big for us to be willing to change: Something major that allows us to surrender.  And that something major has, from the astrological perspective, arrived, and is continuing to arrive.  We must forgo our previous conclusions and be willing to be creative, accept risk, and become fearless in the face of the unknown.

For the past year, we have all been preparing for the transformations of 2020 & the coming decade.  Each and every one of us has been facing major revolution in some area of our lives – it can be a positive breakthrough, a devastating loss, or some combination of both – but wherever it falls according to our human judgment, it has involved a major overhaul & deep inner process.  More important than the outer world changes have been the inner world reflections, revelations and realizations.  Our entire way of seeing a thing is shifting – and the reason why is because whatever structures have been built around that thing are no longer truly functional.  Our visions in that area of life have been limiting, too severe.

In our own selves, the issues are systemic.  We have played them out hundreds of times since their inception in our lives, likely in the earliest parts of childhood, and we know them, and the problems they bring us, so well.   But in this moment – this multi-year unfolding – we are being charged with the unusual and difficult task of truly resolving our systemic dysfunctions and begin understanding and addressing the deeply rooted behaviors that result.   These are things that can be so deep in the subconscious that most of the work is recognizing them to begin with – and the only way to start to recognize the paradigms we are beholden to in our own consciousness – is to continue to live and keep digging at what’s behind the triggers, the impulses, and the situational patterns.

As it comes to society itself, we are in a major nexus where so many of us are making major transitions around our social roles.  Many of us feel called, or are being pushed, to take steps forward that feel epic in proportion and even a bit scary because the tasks before us go against the grain of many prevailing paradigms.  This is a time for fortifying ones inner strength and inner truth, and cutting through these obstructions with crystal clarity – in oneself first, and then as the seeds of awakening for others in the world.  There are many possibilities for how we may be operating in this next phase, but the larger feeling is that many people are going to need to step up in order to bring in the new structure.  This is tending to look like creative, forward-thinking minds, crossing into traditional spheres and seeding new ideas from the inside, or bringing awareness of certain issues to the public in some new way.

Other ways that this is presenting strongly is among those in the healing/intuitive fields – there is a feeling of major growth in this area, and that the past several years of intense clarification and healing for this group has been to create stability in the midst of the massive changes – within the individual to do their work effectively as more and more people are in need, as well as within the collective consciousness of this group who are all working together to assist humanity’s evolution.  Many people who are in the fields of more traditional mental health and medicine may also be facing this, and feeling drawn to more integrative approaches in their work.

There are of course many other ways that this can unfold, but these are two archetypes that I am observing quite frequently in those who are deepening in their worldly work. Overall, I see this as a time where many people are effecting the systems they work in, whatever those might be, through their own personal transformations. As more individuals connect with their truth and natural abilities, they are more effective, creative, and sought after — and unique, personal approaches might start to be more accepted even in very hard-lined systems. I sense that in many cases, this is occurring in a very natural, effortless way.

For those facing personal crisis or changes that pertain more to private life, the growth feels centered in a huge way around the family unit, and healing family patterns – and in relationships particularly: unconditional love, and the recognition/healing of negative behavioral patterns.  It is a time when the bigger picture of our lives is coming into greater focus and so the more harmful, short-sighted & impulsive behaviors are in the line of our observation and inquiry.  What are our real needs and desires – and is the way we behave or are conducting ourselves bringing us in that direction, or actually doing the exact opposite?  Once our behaviors are seen with clarity by ourselves, we might find it easier to adjust or release them.

It is the energetic opening of individuals that creates the possibility for greater change.  The possibility for greater change is here because of the work of sincere individuals who strive to better themselves and serve the world – as well as the technological system that lets us spread and share messages so easily.  Ideas change minds, and changed minds can begin to alter what is awry, and what is awry is getting louder, yet more and more people are able to see that we don’t have to live the way we have been bred to believe.  The answers and solutions might not yet be present -- but the feeling of the truth, of the need for gentleness, compassion, community, and mutual support, and greater care for this world slowly grows.  One day, perhaps it will be so that the human heart will no longer be willing to bear such strife and tragedy as is enacted on our fellow human every day.  And then, we might be willing to step away from the wars that we create.  Inside & outside.

What we are dealing with in the world today and inside of ourselves is like a massive ball of tangled wires.  It will take a while to unravel the whole mess.  But it is not impossible – because we are here, and it is for this reason.  The most difficult thing is to trust.  But the truth inside is so clear if you listen for it – it is the part of ourselves that is whole and incorruptible.  And, next in importance to the strength of that is remembering this: YOU ARE NOT ALONE.  None of us are alone in a desire to do something for the world, if we feel that call.  There are many collectives within humanity charged with different jobs, and they are working together on similar tasks, even if they’ve never met each other.  So much support can be gleaned by connecting with the others in your “soul tribe” or “tribes.”  Through these interconnections we can further strengthen the grids of energy and intuition that we are a part of, and help each other as well as the world.

It is from the space of deep trust in the light that we move forward.  To have faith in that path, whatever form it is taking in your present life, is to have a reason for being in this difficult and extreme place.  It will take a long time to untangle the mess, and perhaps even longer to synthesize and integrate things enough for a new balance to take root – but we mustn’t turn away from the challenge.

All who take up this work, whether in the smallest, simplest ways for oneself, or in a bigger way for one’s community, are spiritual warriors, facing the inner and outer foes with great courage.  And as spiritual warriors we have the ability to shape the future, just as it was shaped in previous cycles throughout history.  Faith is tantamount and support readily available.  Let us vow to make this an era where humanity begins its ascent into lightness, into truth, and into sovereignty.  For ourselves and all who embody here.

This is my deep wish.  Accept it, if you also wish.  And may we all begin to live in truth and power in 2020.  For a better world, for everyone.


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Jupiter Crosses into Capricorn: Transition to 2020 Officially Begins // The Start of a New Era

This is a spontaneous transmission on Jupiter in Capricorn that I wrote yesterday. More on 2020 energies will be coming soon :)

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Jupiter crossed into Capricorn Monday and eclipse season will begin next week at the full moon. Jupiter's motion into Capricorn officially pulls in the transition into 2020 energies, and the eclipses are soon to illuminate and amplify the coming transformations, particularly in January. We have been preparing for this time for the entire decade, and especially this past year.

I feel the transition of Jupiter into Capricorn is bringing in a more focused energy — while it was transiting through Sag, it was a time of spiritual exploration, expansion and even literal travel for many people. Our concept of reality, our lives and what brings it meaning, has expanded its scope to contain more and be less delineated. Especially in the modern world of spirituality -- it feels like a shift towards a more integrated approach to spirituality is available/unfolding.

With Jupiter’s transition into Capricorn, I feel that this a time where we bring some of temple life into our modern life, a bit of the esoteric into the scientific, and so on. This is necessary even more so for people who see themselves as following a spiritual path, as this is somewhat of a departure from past archetypes of ascension/spiritual evolution/enlightment, where asceticism and separation were more of the norm. Now is a time when we evolve within our human lives, and along with this human world. To become like the immortals who have previously walked the earth. Embodied in our light -- and functional in our relationship to the planet and reality as it is and as it can be.

To do this successfully requires a lot of grounded work. It is work that has many manifestations and purposes — and is sorely needed for the gradual evolution of human consciousness on this planet. The 2020 alignment of Saturn, Pluto & Jupiter in Capricorn, is essentially laying the energetic groundwork for this evolution to be possible on the larger scale. It starts first in the inner world and individual integrity of spirit. The more integral we are, the more effective, even if the effect is extremely subtle. Yes, part of the effect can even be our own perception of life shifting — but just because it is internal to us, does not mean that others do not respond to it.

It is hard to say how fast or how slow this process occurs for both oneself and for "all of humanity" as it were. If we look back at history, we can see that evolutions in consciousness occurred slowly over hundreds of years. But if we look at our present day, it seems that they can happen quite quickly, relatively speaking — so quick that people who aren't ready for the changes are quite fearful about where the world is going — so there is a massive amount of conflict as a result. Just look at the social issues that have come up in the past 5 years alone in the USA — racial, lgbtq+, gender, & socio-economic sensitivity & awareness has all been right in the foreground with many people who are fully ready to change their thinking on these matters, and many others feeling extraordinarily challenged by these ideas, even outright rejecting them. From a larger view, the conflict is not rooted in truth or non-truth, but in the fabric of reality being shaken, and people having different reactions to it. There are, of course, many people who will try to seek comfort, while others find themselves in positions where no comfort is available, so the adventure and embracing of the unknown is the reality. It's the latter party that is on the forefront of the changes — and also who face the pain, loneliness and fear of rejection the most intensely. But it is not easy for either side — for changes in these areas are inevitable, and the issues are deeply rooted — in the long run, requiring systemic overhaul. And social issues are only one example. Environmental, economic, health, government and structural issues of all kinds are also up and facing similar conflicts, challenges and need for transformation.

But I am here to tell you that it is beginning. Whether or not it appears to be, the evolutions have been happening for the better part of the past century, and 2020 bears the seeds for an even more profound change in human consciousness that I sense will unfold with intensity over the coming decades. On the intuitive level where I receive these messages from, there is no feeling that we are heading into a dark ages, or that we must worry about descending backwards into chaos as history has shown to be the case in the past (and as some people like to predict) -- this time it is different. The energy of light in humanity is supported. We do not need to live or abide by the darkness in the world, and in fact, we have the capacity to effect it with our deeds great and small. It is the collective comprised of individuals choosing light, honesty, integrity, service and righteousness that creates change.

We might all still be grappling with our own inner struggles and we will not escape being confronted, conflicted, depressed, or discouraged but when we choose service from our sincere heart, we are also requiring ourselves to face our duality and human weaknesses. It takes strength to be willing to create a strong and pure sense of the inner self, to remain integral, not just for the self but for the selfless tasks in life which we are assigned.

That said, it is not always about our outer world and living a life that "looks" like a spiritual one -- more, it is about who we are inside and how we choose to give and be in our lives. So whoever you are, wherever you are, be where you are and trust in the place you stand and the places you feel pulled to go from the higher aspects of your being. This is the truth more clear and correct than anything that could ever be told to you.

We're here to help each other, and we also all have our part, our small piece -- a piece that deserves its own honor -- and has as much breadth and uniqueness as our fingerprints. It doesn't need to look like anything you know of, or it can appear to be completely ordinary. And it also has the capacity to completely evolve in unexpected ways — to be nothing like it was when we began.

Jupiter in Capricorn is about doing this work, actualizing the vision, and seeing the dream come to reality. 2020 & beyond hold so much potential for this to also happen within the greater world.


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2019 Lunar New Year Report: Year of the Yin Earth Boar

Hello everyone!

I am happy to announce this year’s Lunar New Year report on the Yin Earth Boar has arrived! This report was a massive effort and includes an in-depth analysis of the Lunar New Year, as well as the aspect patterns and influences throughout the entirety of 2019 into 2020. This is a report you will want to reference again and again throughout the year as we are entering an extremely potent and pivotal time period, and events in this time period are sure to change the course of our lives, and the trajectory of humanity.

I have made this report available as an individual download or as a combined download with January’s Eclipse report, as the events of January hold relevance to the year ahead and I feel it would be beneficial for readers to have both as a joint reading.

Please click below for more information on the Lunar New Year report for 2019 :)



The 2019 Lunar New Year Report: Year of the Yin Earth Boar contains 17 pages of in-depth astrology analysis for the year of 2019.

This report includes:

  • A short retrospective reflecting on how the energies of 2018 played out and the influences which lead into 2019

  • An explanation of the Chinese Lunar Years and how I work with them

  • Analysis and dates for all major planetary aspect patterns of 2019

  • Comprehensive & intuitive analysis of the Year of the Earth Boar as a whole from an East/West perspective

All of my astrology writings are geared towards spiritual evolution and deepening ones understanding of energy as it plays out in our lives.


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Sincerely,

Mela


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Evolutionary Sparks: The Astrology of November 2018 and Onward

Hello everyone! 

November is a very big month of planetary movements.  My working life has been quite busy lately with teaching and some new projects underway, so I have not been able to write as often.  However, this month is so eventful with many significant shifts that I wanted make the time to share a bit about them and their longer-term impact.

Here is a short list of important astrological events in November:

November 6 - Uranus Rx returns to Aries
November 6 – The Nodes of Fate move into Cancer/Capricorn (precisely square Uranus for the past few weeks, and at the time of ingress)
November 7 – New Moon in Scorpio
November 8 – Jupiter Enters Sagittarius
November 15 – Mars enters Pisces (after many months retrograding in Aquarius/Capricorn)
November 16 – Venus goes Direct (Libra/Scorpio, Rx since October 5)
November 16 – Mercury goes Retrograde (Sagittarius)
November 23 – Full Moon in Gemini
November 24 – Neptune goes Direct

And here are a few notes, elaborations and explanations of the above events, what they mean, and how they influence the energetic currents of this month and the coming months…

 

Long Term Influences: 

  • Uranus Returns to Aries:  Uranus moved into Taurus for the first time in 84 years back in May and will return to this sign in March.  This brief dip back into Aries (now through March) triggers resurgence in the Aries-Uranus issues (2011-2018) and reignites a spark of inspiration and revolutionary zeal around issues of individuality, self expression and independence.  Identity, human rights, and the sovereignty of the individual voice were all major themes of the Uranus-Aries transit.  We have a chance to revisit what might have been left undone in this area and become re-motivated as to the deeper purpose of the Uranus-Taurus projects/ideas that have come up in the collective consciousness over the course of the last few months.  Now that we’ve had a chance to experience Uranus in its new sign, we can assimilate more of what the experience of Uranus in Aries was for, and bring it more deeply into the foundation-breaking / awakening embodiment of Uranus-Taurus energy.   (For a full analysis of the Uranus-Taurus transit, please check out my article here: Breaking Ground:  Uranus in Taurus)

  • The North Node moves into Cancer for 18 months, and crosses this threshold precisely square to Uranus.  For the past several weeks the planet of Uranus has been traveling in precise square to the axis of fate, known as the North & South nodes – a very intense aspect implicating important choices and sudden shifts in the direction of the collective soul.  To have these two travel together through a sign change is quite unusual and powerful.  The chart at the moment of a planetary ingress (sign change) describes the essence of how the transit will play out – and so aspects to the planet/point in question are particularly important.  In this case with the nodes of Cancer & Capricorn square to Uranus the awakener/revolutionary, who is changing signs simultaneously, suggests immense change, instability, and breaking from tradition on many levels over the course of the next 18 months.  Uranus still was in the sign of Taurus during the nodes’ precise ingress, emphasizing that the nature of this change is foundation shaking at the soul level.  It feels as if there is a strong sense of cause & effect at play… Because of the embodiment process suggested by Uranus in Taurus (people becoming more aware of their bodies, health, the earth’s health, feminine roles/health, spiritual engagement with the body, etc), it forces us to fundamentally review, re-envision, and remake the pillars of family (Cancer) and Societal/Governmental Structure (Capricorn).  At the same time the outmoded ideas held by the Cancer/Capricorn archetypes can be experienced as limitations, triggering an even more profound desire to break free from them.  We can expect this to be a big source of inner & outer conflict as comfort zones are severely tested and questioned. 

  • The Nodes in Cancer/Capricorn also means that the points of fate will be involved in a significant configuration of Capricorn planets from now through 2020.  The South Node traveling through the sign of Capricorn means that it will be joining Saturn and Pluto over the course of the next few years.  By 2020, the South Node, Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto will all be together in the sign of Capricorn where Saturn/Pluto & Jupiter will make a grand conjunction.  This is an extremely significant and rare configuration that marks tremendous instability, change, and revolution.  In addition this alignment is occurring in the lead up to the USA Pluto return (an event that happens once every 248 years) making it significant to US politics and government especially.  The South Node traveling through this configuration is sure to bring up the immense shadow side of government systems (Capricorn), institutions and the way power and authority play out in our lives in general (personal & world).   This is a force to be reckoned with and through this energetic alignment the world is guaranteed to go through a huge metamorphosis.

    We experienced the energy of the South Node transiting an outer planet (South Node in Pisces conjunct Neptune) back in 2016, and the results in that case were quite chaotic, however it did trigger a deeper collective impulse towards clarity, participation, and tangible truth/practical solutions (Virgo North Node) in light of the intangible, emotional and confusing illusions & deceptions brought out by Pisces (easy example being the way social media algorithms influenced public division during the 2016 election – this was an insidious & hidden thing which affected the subconscious, very Pisces).  I feel that we can expect some similar “Wake Up” moments over the course of these next few years as the nodes cross Pluto, Saturn & Jupiter in Capricorn.  The echo effects will be far reaching, but significant progress can emerge from these as collective lessons are assimilated and understood.

    The North Node traveling opposed to these giant planetary influences in the sign of Governments and Institutions suggest that despite all of the trouble coming from this area of life, the answers we need stem from something more direct and basic. Family values, loving acceptance, protection of those we care about, nurturance of people in need, improvements to the home environment, tackling the domestic/local/internal issues first, basic necessities as priority — These are the priorities of the Cancer archetype and these are all things that the higher governing structures and other controlling bodies (such as media, etc) have totally lost touch with. So the collective soul lesson of this time is about recognizing the importance of reconnecting and repairing the intimacy of home, family and community, and using that as the rooted place from which we make changes in the outer world.  As a society we have placed so much importance on ambition, fame, “the hustle” etc that we have come to neglect and even shun the fundamentals of life in favor of money or power. This next 18 months will likely bring some major reality checks to this area, to remind us that at the end of the day if we don’t value the real and tangible connections we have with others, we lose out on what truly nourishes us as beings.  When false ambition, power, and ego fail us, what is left?  Did we care for others – or did we only care about ourselves?

    We can expect considerable stripping away of what we currently hold true regarding the dynamic of Work & Family (Cap/Cancer), reflections on what has evolved over time with regards to these two basic realms of life, and where to go next.  The image that comes to mind for this transit is a beautiful home (Capricorn) on a weak foundation (Cancer).  Remembering our humanness and returning to our roots, we can progress further with less effort.  This is a secret that we’ve forgotten.

  • Jupiter moves into Sagittarius only a few days after the Node/Uranus transition, amplifying its energy.  As I mentioned earlier, the planetary configurations at the time of a planetary ingress describe a lot about how the transit as a whole will play out.  Now, think about all I have discussed this far and add Jupiter, the planet of expansion to the mix.  A big energy grows even larger!  However, there is a bright side: In Sagittarius, Jupiter is quite a bit more optimistic than in Scorpio – so it gives a buoyant, more hopeful influence that allows us to see the positive side of change.  Jupiter in Scorpio, where we spent the last 12 months, is a difficult energy because wherever Jupiter travels, it increases the energy and asks us to expand our perspective in order to see MORE.   Scorpio is a dimension of reality that contains many things that most people find unpleasant – sexuality issues, power issues, trust issues, money dramas, abuse, death – so when Jupiter transits here it brings up a lot in the collective consciousness that is highly charged and emotional.  After a very challenging year around these issues (the most prominent Jupiter-Scorpio topic being the “Me Too” movement), Jupiter moving into Sagittarius will help us take action, achieve justice, and see with greater vision what has occurred, what is coming, and how we can influence the issues toward positive growth.  This also amplifies the sense of exploration and discovery that is essential to arriving at unique solutions to collective issues.  Jupiter in Sag will also expand and carry forward the energy of breaking tradition/social norms as it occurs the day after a new moon (always a symbol of a new path/uncharted territory) and with the Uranus/Node aspect strong in the chart.

 

 

Short Term Influences:

  • The New Moon in Scorpio occurs in close relationship to the above planetary movements is a particularly potent one occurring amidst so much change.  The changes and alignments echo each other… suggesting mystery, transformation, and deep discovery in the years coming.  This is a time to embrace that walk into darkness, as winter approaches, and as the cycles unfold.  The collective shifts of this time are not comparable to the past… they are distinct, and in a way, unpredictable.  So I feel this is a call to be in the present moment with everything, in the moment it is occurring.  As that is the nature of the dark moon, of Scorpio, and of the time in general.

 

  • Echoing this, Mars’ exceptionally long transit in Aquarius this year comes to an end on November 15, bringing us into a space of the unknown – Pisces.  Coinciding with all I just mentioned plus Venus & Mercury Retrograde – from now until the end of the year Mars will transit Pisces.  After we spent the summer in a doozy of a Mars Retrograde that was accompanied & aligned with 3 eclipses and 5 other retrograding planets, Mars’ shift into Pisces is a fascinating end to an elaborated reevaluation of our use of will and considerations of the collective direction. The transition reads to me like a period of integration, as well as an opportunity to practice intentional openness with the sea change we are about to dive more deeply into.  Mars is the principle of action and in Pisces, its direction is vague.  In this moment, the directions feel most appropriately guided towards listening inwardly to the new ways of being that are waiting to be discovered.

 

  • Venus moves Direct and Mercury goes Retrograde on November 16.  Venus will move forward in Libra and return to Scorpio on December 2 where it remains until January.  Mercury goes Retrograde in Sagittarius.  Both influences are active until the end of the year, adding to the evaluative, reflective, deep nature of this time period.  Venus & Mercury in the realms of Scorpio & Sag also seems to echo the transit of Jupiter across these two signs, showing deeper evaluation of the issues that Jupiter has brought forth in Scorpio and will spark in Sag.  Sex, money, power dynamics, control issues (Scorpio) – dogmas, creeds, philosophies, meaning, and ideals (Sag). Venus will also pass through the space of Uranus and the Nodes at the end of November, triggering the message of change in relationships/finances that has been active throughout this time in a new way, adding another dimension to what we’ve working with since September, because both Uranus and the nodes are in different signs than they were when Venus first crossed them during this retrograde period.

 

In short, November kicks off a wide array astrological events, while also calling us deeply inward for integration, presence and perspective on a variety of different issues we face in our lives. As I anticipated when reading the chart for the Lunar New Year, 2018 has been very intense, karmic, and evolutionary year. Incredibly challenging, but deeply transformative on so many levels it is truly amazing. It is a change so involving that it calls every part of us to the table, and we cannot ignore it — but yet this is what we are here for. To become present, whole, and healed.

I really hope that these notes are helpful to you in navigating the remainder of the year.  The most essential message that I can distill from ALL that is coming through right now is to not be afraid of change, and to remember that it’s the little things that matter.  Change starts with the individual – with the dreams that call you, with the visions that inspire you, with your way of being in the world, and the people whom you love and attend to.  Harmony within the self, within the family, within the community, within the country, and then within the world.  This is the way we can grow as a collective at this time.

Peace and blessings.


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Uranus in Taurus: Breaking Ground

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On May 15, 2018, Uranus made its first Ingress into Taurus.  This transit is the most major planetary movement of 2018 and is one of several concurrent planetary movements and patterns that suggests we are entering a pivotal time of epochal change in the world -- one that has been building and developing for quite some time.

In general, outer planet movements in astrology often denote major shifts in the mass psyche and mark generational patterns.  This is because the planets that are furthest out in the solar system move the slowest through the zodiac, and therefore have a more sustained impact over a greater period of time – creating long-term evolution in the area where the influence is traveling.  These energies are distilled through changes in society during the time period that they are active, as well as in people born during those periods who embody the struggles and gifts of each placement.

The planet of Uranus – awakening, disruptive, electric, technological, individualistic – entering the sign of Taurus – fixed, focused, earthy, feminine, material – is an energy that brings change to our tangible experience very directly.  Taurus is a sign that governs money, the environment, physical earthly life, and stubborn, deeply rooted habitual attitudes.  Taurus, in many ways, represents the bedrock of society – the well-established norms and unchanging forces that allow us to feel stable.  Whether or not we enjoy or love these forces, they are accepted and maybe even taken for granted, because they feel so essential and immovable.

When Uranus comes into the picture, however, those definitions change and they change quickly and in often surprising ways.  Uranus is a thunderous energy that causes eruptions and volatility, sudden flare-ups, and dramatic, unexpected events that alter perceptions forever.  In the sign of Taurus – the bedrock is shaky, fixed perspectives are at their breaking point, and the physical world is no longer as it has seemed.

The coming 7-8 years, as Uranus travels through this sign, promise to bring immense, tangible change to that which is immediately apparent and relevant to our lives:  economic systems, the health of the earth and environment, as well as the function and use of esoteric and earth based knowledge in a modern society that has largely lost touch with such information, and/or struggled to find significant, grounded application for it.

One major message that I received for this transit is:  “In order to shift the tangible reality (Taurus) – the intangible (Uranus) must become tangible” … this, I feel, summarizes much of what I am going to share in the coming sections.

So without further ado, I’d like to begin breaking down my thoughts on this transit by topic.

 

First, Uranus in Taurus in the Greater Astrological Matrix

(Note:  I strongly suggest also reading my articles on the Lunar New Year, Saturn in Capricorn & Jupiter in Scorpio for further depth and additional layers)

Timeline of Uranus in Taurus Transit:

  • Uranus first enters Taurus: May 15-November 7, 2018

  • Uranus returns to Aries via Retrograde: November 7, 2018-March 5, 2019

  • Uranus returns to Taurus for remainder of transit: March 6, 2019 – July 7, 2025 (with retrograde November 8, 2025-April 26, 2026)

No planetary movement ever exists in a vacuum.  It is always a part of a larger picture of planetary movements that augment the interpretation of a transit – and also give specificity to a transit’s impact from one period of history to another.

The last time that Uranus transited through Taurus was 84 years ago from 1934 to 1942.  This was a time period that historically followed a worldwide economic depression and culminated in the beginning of World War II (1938-45). Although there are many things about the present day’s Uranus Taurus transit that will make this period of time quite different from the last – many of the themes which were active from that period are likely to recur and be rewritten now.  Economic systems, collective ideals & attitudes around what creates stability in our social organizations, and the role of technology in human progress are among the topics that will be especially considered and likely to cause friction.

When considering the long range, I feel that it can be reasonably stated that the events leading into WWII and their aftermath officially “set the stage” for much of what has occurred since.  The evolutionary arc of most people living today arose from the rubble of this extremely harsh and tumultuous period in world history and our collective cultural outlook has been deeply influenced by it.  The atrocities, the reasons that they came to be, and the subsequent growth determined what we collectively agreed upon as acceptable from there on out.  In like fashion, I see the events of the next 7-8 years to be similarly pivotal.

In the present day Astrological picture, this transit of Uranus through Taurus comes at an interesting time.  Particularly, Uranus crossing into Taurus also coincides with Saturn’s transit through its two signs of natural rulership:  Capricorn & Aquarius.  Pluto is also moving through the same territory (albeit much slower) at the same time.  Uranus in Taurus indicates significant shifts in the foundations of life and Saturn & Pluto in the signs that relate specifically to greater society, social order and government throughout this transit suggest major social overhaul and structural change at both the fundamental and larger societal levels.

Because of this alignment, the earlier years of the transit will feel very real.  We will be grappling with situations directly, and as a society, that have a physical impact on our lives.  This will come to the greatest level of intensity in 2020 when Saturn, Pluto AND Jupiter all align in Capricorn – this, in particular, can be considered a major turning point/breaking point.  We will not be able to turn away from the change – it will not be something running in the background, ignorable.  Change will be coming right to our doorstep, whether we want it to, or not.  The issues at hand will feel intractable, but the pressures to change will continue to build and increase until it can no longer be contained.  Expect change to burst forth explosively and violently in all areas where stagnation has gone on too long, and swiftly and surprisingly in all areas where progress has been allowed to naturally unfold.

After 2023, when Saturn leaves Aquarius, there will be a tone shift.  At this point Pluto will cross into Aquarius, and Saturn will travel through the sign of the collective unconscious and dreams, Pisces.  This undoubtedly will bring about a deep reckoning of where we are going as a society, and a clearing/awareness of what hidden remnants might be left behind from the previous years’ destruction of status quo.

By the time Uranus leaves Taurus, Saturn and Neptune will both transit into Aries, leaving only Pluto left in the “collective” oriented signs of the zodiac.  By the time that this occurs the world will have shifted incredibly, and the focus of the collective energy will be largely on more direct, individual-oriented issues.  When Pluto finally crosses into Aries some decades later (2068), perhaps that is when our collective work of transition from the age of Pisces to the age of Aquarius might be fully established.

All in all, this is one of the most potent times of transition and revolution that we have seen in a long time, as so much energy is focused not only on the fundamentals (Taurus), but also on the major pillars of society and collective consciousness.

 

So now that we’ve got that overview and context, let’s get specific about what types of changes might we expect during this period…

 

Body Consciousness & The Integration of Earth Energies

Although this might not be the most obvious external influence, for me it was one of the first messages I got regarding the Uranus-Taurus transit.  As a person who practices Internal Chinese Martial Arts (Tai Chi Chuan, Baguazhang, Qigong), this was something immediately relevant to my work and day-to-day teaching.

The sign of Taurus is a bodily sign – and Uranus is the planet that relates directly to the divine mind & consciousness.  As an intuitive and energetic practitioner, this immediately tells me that issues of body and consciousness are going to come to much greater relevance throughout this period.

Where does your consciousness sit in your body?  Are you aware that it can be directed, moved, and utilized?  How do we even begin to sense the deeper consciousness in a physical, tangible way?

The era where the energetic arts are hidden in secret sects and mystery schools and/or written off as quackery is coming to an end.  More and more people will be needing access to energetic embodiment practices and health care services in order to find better physical health and basic equilibrium, as most of us experience a great deal of energetic bombardment in our modern, high stress, high tech lifestyles.  With Uranus in Taurus, it all won’t seem so “kooky” or weird anymore.  In part, mainstream consciousness will (as it already has) start to adjust more to the ideas.  The quality of the information, practitioners, etc. will also improve and evolve.

Throughout this period, the ways in which we have drifted from embodiment and connection to nature, as well as how this impacts us in a concrete way, will become increasingly evident.  For those who are already involved with embodiment and consciousness refinement work, the integrity and realness of this work will be tested, and there is a potential for tremendous growth as we find more and more ways to bring modern understandings and realities (Uranus) to ancient nature-based techniques and teachings (Taurus).   At the same time revolutionizing (Uranus) the modern frameworks for understanding reality (Taurus) to incorporate this new information more widely (Uranus).

In this way, I expect that ancient sciences and cosmological practices will not only gain more traction culturally, modern sciences will also start to “catch up to” this information.  Deeper understandings of the functional aspects of intuitive and spiritual work will start to emerge within practitioners who are/have been working with these perspectives, as well as in a society that is grappling with environmental crisis.

The other element to this that I see goes back to my initial comment that “in order to shift the tangible -- the intangible must become tangible” – and what that means from this perspective is that consciousness must become totally embodied (not just floating around in our heads or in the atmosphere) in order for us to manifest, real, sustained and sustainable change down on the ground.   Actions taken on a mental/intellectual level only will not work for sustained change.

The whole problem that created our current situation was a human need to mechanize and intellectualize matter.  Along the way, our true connection to matter became “mind over matter.”  The reframe that I see at this juncture, which is the most profound – is “mind within matter.”  What if everything we can touch, see and feel is sentient?  How would we change our approach to life if this were so?

Because here’s the dig – in many ways, our survival and health is dependent on conscious embodiment, e.g. intentionally uniting the consciousness of the mind/spirit with the physical body and physical world.  In the world of crazy technology and urbanization, chemical drugs, pesticides, processed food, etc – without embodiment, we will never feel quite “right,” because almost everything is working against us and we have no idea how to work with available natural resources.  But on the other side – the more that we do become embodied, the more that our personal consciousness starts to resonate with earthly consciousness.  The more that destructive practices to ourselves, as well as to the earth, become disturbing to us.

While this is painful, it is also necessary.  Humans must intentionally embody & reconnect with the energy of the earth in order to bring healing to the earth and the wounded relationship within us and between us.

This is also an important process to face and transmute human trauma equally to earth trauma.  In order for us to fully ground, we must be able to pass through the centers of our body that store the deepest, darkest pain.  That is, in order to connect with earth energy in a fully grounded way, we need to deal with what’s happening within us first.  Earth energy can be of assistance, however – as natural places, objects and medicines can help us clear distortions that manmade places & products cannot replicate.  Earth energy naturally digests, transmutes, and heals all that is thrown into it.  By working in connection with the earth, together with its energy in a symbiotic rather than parasitic manner, both humanity and the planet can experience transformation.

 

Environmental Progress & Technology

Following that note, throughout this time period I also expect to see major changes to how we look at and deal with environmental issues.  The aforementioned dynamic of deepening embodiment within people is one piece of how I see this coming about -- but bigger and more direct will be weather patterns, contaminated resources, and other such situations and their effect on populations, that will create a sea change in the environmental conversation.

Uranus is an unpredictable and stormy planet – and under this influence erratic weather patterns are likely to intensify, along with other ecological disasters – jolting us out of complacency and into action.  At the same time, Uranus is a planet that also relates to technology.  Very likely, new innovations will be developed to lessen ecological impact, assist in earth clean up, and also help us deal with the effects of intensified weather.

Farming and environmental agencies will face major adjustments to their practices – but the impact will likely spread to all areas of our lives where earth resources are involved (papers, fuel, use of chemicals in products, mass production of foods/animal products).  More and more people are going to want products that are natural, sustainable, and not chemically loaded.  Alternative methods to deal with preservatives, composting of trash, etc, may come into the picture as well.

 

Revolution of the Economic Structure

At present, the economic structure throughout the world is highly government-based with citizens having very little control over how their tax dollars get utilized.  Our class-based social structure leads to oppression and suffocation of the many with freedom and mobility afforded by the very few.  In addition to this, people who are concerned about matters of economic justice and the intelligent use of resources to create sustainable infrastructure, are severely limited by powerful entities that hold more wealth and power.

Just as conflicts over wealth and the distribution of resources were the root of mounting tensions between nations in the pre-WWII days, the world today is faced with mounting tensions between corporate entities/governments and people (Saturn in Capricorn/Pluto in Capricorn & Jupiter in Scorpio, of course, also contribute to this state of affairs).  If these larger forces of power are unable to change, the influence of Uranus in Taurus at this particular time has the effect of enabling and inspiring people to work around oppressive economic structures, effectively breaking it apart from the bottom.  Many astrologers have discussed this possibility coming about through the rise of cryptocurrency (digital "one world" currencies) but it could occur in any number of ways where the people-based freedom granted through technology (Uranus) overrides and erodes the current economic foundation (Taurus).  However new economic solutions manifest, people will opt to find ways where they can be more self reliant and less dependent upon failing & stagnant economic systems.

In the broad picture, the world might also see a shift in the current “Super Powers” as it pertains to the wealth of nations.  This could very well be tied to the different ways that technology allows citizens to connect and exchange resources/information.

 

Cultural Mind to Reality Manifestation

Due in large part to social media & social sharing apps, we have already witnessed immense change in how the cultural “hive mind” operates and directs change in society.  Social media has become an integral part of how we receive news & information as well as how people are able to instantly share on-the-ground footage of real time events.

Throughout this period, technology will continue to have a massive effect on the evolution of society.  The cultural mind to reality manifestations will take root much more quickly and directly – and methods to use technology for a wide variety of practical day-to-day life applications, will continue to be streamlined and integrated.

The power of individuals to create life as they see fit is only going to keep growing and solidifying with the freedoms offered through technological means.  The result being that new social, economic and other systems will be born.  Individuals have more power than ever to assert their voice and vision and create “something” out of “nothing.”

Even as pushes for greater regulation and censorship of digital resources, as well as attempts to sway the masses with falsified information may come down from the powers that be -- ultimately, I feel the energy is supportive of private individuals and companies overcoming attempts to seize the collective will.  The information and truths that are able to be shared online will continue to shock and awaken people's most basic core understandings, such that there will come a point of no return in the priorities/understanding of every day people.  Guided by the choices and realizations we make as a collective at this time -- technology, and its place in our lives, will likely begin to solidify into a new order that becomes the foundation of future developments, and shapes the way we move through the world for decades to come.

If individuals stay focused and empowered, there is incredible potential for great progress in a totally new direction.  One we have not seen before in our history.

 

Shifts in Masculine / Feminine Roles … The Value in Emotional Intelligence

Among many issues that have come up since Uranus began a new cycle through the zodiac in 2010, human rights issues have been a major one.  Uranus governs the ideals of an equal society where everyone’s unique genius is a respected, appreciated and essential contribution to the whole.  As Uranus traveled through Aries, the sign of the individual, marginalized social groups from all over the world began to speak out against oppressive social structures of all kinds.  Individual voices were not only able to be heard in new ways (through social media and technology) – but were becoming valued over the homogenized ideals presented as truth up until this point.  Every individual has a voice, everyone has something to offer.

As Uranus begins its transit through the sensual, feminine sign of Taurus, the female voice in particular, is receiving a boost of independence.  Women’s issues and feminine roles will be seeing continued shifts – and women may be at the forefront of many innovations & evolutions at this time.

In addition to this, since Taurus is about ingrained attitudes & values, there will likely also be a softening (or breaking apart) of outdated outlooks in all areas of the social spectrum encompassing many groups – as more feminine traits of intuition, empathy, and caring come to be more valued in general.  The overall attitude that these traits are weakly emotional, foolish and unproductive can start to fall apart as the social agreements shift more towards embracing and truly understanding the other rather than marginalizing them.

The equalization of groups is something that will continue to evolve and become even more powerful as the transit progresses.  Major shifts will most certainly unfold by the time Pluto crosses into Aquarius and Uranus progresses into Gemini (2023-26).  Gemini & Aquarius are signs that highly support social equality, however I anticipate considerable progress being made at the root level between now and then.

 

Steady Growth In All Things

The transit of Uranus through Taurus brings with it tremendous potential and a sense that new horizons and unprecedented breakthroughs are ahead, along with the immense tumult and turmoil involved with large scale change.  Much of what we are working with now may feel totally “new” to us, and there’s a lot to learn on the fly.  What’s helpful to remember is that this is an opportunity to start to materialize all that was conceived and envisioned in the past 8 years as Uranus traveled through Aries – and that the materialization of anything takes time.  Even with fast-moving Uranus at the wheel, Taurus is still essentially about steady, determined growth – one step at a time.

A final major message of this transit is that the Old must embrace the New and the New must embrace the Old.  The truth of life is inherently a paradox and we are in this moment in history where modernization is not going anywhere but references to the past are more essential than ever.  To really root into who we are, as we are supposed to be, and keep up with the many developments before us – we have to have the wisdom to learn from the past: whether that means acknowledging the failures of history, drawing upon the wisdom of ancient medicine techniques and philosophies, or connecting deeply with nature (the source of life).  Likewise, our grand visions must be applicable and meaningful in our modern context, not just idealistic notions of some bygone age recreated but ill-fitting in the now.

Wise upgrades to our way of life are a part of evolution.  We’re supposed to change, evolve, branch out and then re-merge.  In this period of time, many of our branches and separations have the opportunity to remerge into something whole and more complete, if we are willing to be open.


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