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

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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 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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A Spontaneous Message for the New Moon in Libra

Hello Everyone! Happy New Moon in Libra!

We have passed through the fall equinox and October is already fast approaching. It is a time for reaping the year's harvest and also contemplating balance in our lives. This year in particular, it feels important to take some time this fall to assess our progress, clarify our goals, and reckon our successes, failures, energy levels, and engagement with the various facets of our life. 2019 has been an incredibly intense year for many people and with the fall now upon us, we will begin positioning ourselves for the serious ramp-up that will occur over the next several months as we cross the 2020 threshold.

The big Saturn-Pluto conjunction will be occurring in January, amplified by eclipses and Jupiter's ingress into Capricorn -- it is a collision of massive change that will shake the world. This is a time of rapid transformation that cannot be ignored. Expect a long, intense, deep, exciting, at times raw and often profound unfolding process throughout all of 2020 that will plant the seeds of change for decades, and potentially centuries, to come.

Whatever we have been working with in our lives in 2019 is about to meet an important nexus, as we redefine who we are, and embody more of our truth and potential. We all are embroiled in complicated situations, and many of us are in meetings with destiny -- accepting big soul projects, and facing steps into something unknown. It is a beautiful, mysterious, rollercoaster of a time to be alive. A time of deep surrender, acceptance, and engagement with what is.

Whatever is destroyed must be rebuilt, brick by brick. With greater intelligence than before. There are no more superficial patch-ups. That which has eroded is beyond saving. But it is not a failure -- rather, this is the natural way of things. A stage we don't particularly favor, but one that must exist.

This is a season of savoring what is gained and also what is lost equally. As we move deeper into the darkness of the year, surrendering the parts of ourselves that must now go in order for us to move forward to the new now. A notion that often sounds romantic but rarely is. Though it could be quite easy or very difficult, depending on us. Nonetheless, it is unavoidable.

All that said, please have a wonderful fall season. I hope that wherever you are there are pretty leaves and plenty of hot apple cider to enjoy moments of peace in the chaos. Hold fast to the center.

Sincerely,

Mela

P.S. The awesome stock photo is by sergio souza from Pexels. I love how nostalgic it feels... a fitting image for the end of the summer going into the fall ... or the end of an era!

Originally written for my October Newsletter (feel free to read all the updates & subscribe here)

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

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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2018 Year of the Earth Dog // Lunar New Year & Solar Eclipse

On February 15, 2018 under the New Moon in Aquarius at 4:06PM EST, we welcome in the Lunar New Year – The Chinese Year of the Earth Dog!  This lunation also happens to be a solar eclipse – which supercharges the energy of the 2018 Lunar Year, making it a powerful year for change and soul evolution.  This year will be a significant turning point -- with many choices made during this year having a lasting impact on our lives, as well as setting us up for the major astrological alignments that are to come within the next several years.  This year, it is all about seeing the long view and integrating all of the lessons and realizations of recent years to create our lives from a place of wisdom and clarity.

Please enjoy this perspective on the spiritual lessons and projects ahead of us during this time period.  I hope that you find it helpful and illuminating with regards to your personal direction and process at this time :)

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First, a bit of background on the Lunar Year Cycle and why I use it:

As a practitioner and teacher of the Chinese Taoist Arts, I work with Taoist cosmology and energy theory on a daily basis.  Although my primary astrology work is based in the Tropical perspective, I am greatly influenced by the Taoist system in many ways.  In observing both people and current events, I have found the lunar years to be extremely useful in understanding the overall themes and character of a year.  The correlations between East & West are often uncanny – and so I have found drawing from both offers a well-rounded view of what’s ahead.

The Lunar New Year begins on the 2nd new moon after the winter solstice.  This is a time period where we are beginning to transition from winter to spring, and as such naturally feel a sense of settling more fully into the energies of the year.  In the Chinese Zodiac, those energies are defined by the 12 animal signs and 5 elements, which are paired and cycle through over a period of 60 years.  Each year within this 60 year cycle has its own distinct flavors based on the animal/element combination and of course the planetary and star-based factors that we know so well from the Tropical astrological view.

When I look at a Lunar New Year chart, I observe both the patterns of the animal/element from the Chinese / Taoist Cosmology point of view, as well as the Western Astrological planetary factors that are shown at the time of the New Moon.  This helps me see a lot about the function of a year as a spiritual process, as well as what it might be like from the mundane view.   The natural interweaving of these is what I will describe in this post – with an emphasis on the former (the year as spiritual process), rather than the latter.

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2018 Year of the Earth Dog Analysis:

As mentioned earlier, 2018’s Lunar New Year energy is especially powerful as it is also a solar eclipse.  The eclipse that initiates the Earth Dog Year directly corresponds with that mega-powerful Solar Eclipse that crossed the USA back in August.  In fact both eclipses in this cycle (January 31’s Total Lunar Eclipse & Feb 15’s Partial Solar Eclipse) activate many of the same degrees as the August eclipses -- So everything that came up last summer has been back up this month with a vengeance, and we may feel that the time has come to make the decisions and commitments that will define our lives going forward.  It is the implementation of and dedication to these decisions, commitments, and projects that will characterize 2018.

However, this does not have the same “hit the ground running” feel that the previous years have had.  Earth energy, is by nature, measured and methodical – which is quite the opposite of our recent experience.  The last two years were fire years – the Yang Fire Monkey & Yin Fire Rooster/Phoenix.  Two extremely strong characters paired with an extremely potent element – about as unpredictable as you can get!  Fire energy is the most unstable and most difficult to control element in the Chinese Zodiac and this energy was very strongly reflected and even amplified in Western charts -- especially in 2017 with a massive grand fire trine dominating the sky for a good part of the year.  Under these energies change flew into our lives rapidly and wildly, and for the most part all we could do was respond.

Moving into the earth year, the momentum is slowing waayyy down.  Since the winter solstice, which was strongly defined by Saturn’s transition into Capricorn, we have been actively feeling this deceleration.  This is not to say we are less busy or experiencing less change – we may in fact feel we are facing more than we ever have before in terms of workload, karmic backlog, and transformation – but the tone of the process has become quite a bit more heavy – more meticulous, more deliberate, more “at the bottom of Mount Everest looking up.” This tone shift may have felt somewhat abrupt after how hectic it has been, but it offers something very important – which is the time and space to “digest” all that has come to pass in recent years.

In Chinese astrology, the Earth element is the element that combines and harmonizes all of the other elements.  It is the pure “yin” – the absorbing element – and is literally correlated with the stomach and digestion in Chinese medicine.  If earth is weak or imbalanced in the body – then the entire system is affected.  When Earth is restored, the center is restored, and balance can begin to return to other areas as well.  As such, Earth times are not a time of fast, intense, hard change, but a time of integration, introspection, moderation and establishing stability & strength by way of the insights gleaned from previous years.

In this case, the process of integration is quite involved.  From a cyclical perspective, earth element years fall about a decade apart -- and in the past decade, the world has seen incredible change!!!  Back in 2008 (Year of the Earth Rat), the world economy was greatly disrupted when Pluto made its first ingress into the sign of Capricorn (the sign of the government/social order/financial institutions), followed quickly by many other significant planetary shifts and alignments that have shaken up our world, inside and out. In the process of the past decade, many things that had been long established shifted dramatically.  And our ideas about what is important to us, what we really need, and where we’re going have also shifted as a result.

So the integration, rebuilding, and stabilizing process that we are currently facing is one that involves the transformation of ourselves and society.  Quite literally.  And what that really means, at this time in history, is a total reform of many pre-established social constructs that we carry deeply within ourselves, as well as those institutions and systems that pervade culturally throughout society.

Incidentally, the Earth element in the Chinese system is also correlated with Saturn – the planet that speaks specifically to creating order and new structures - and Saturn’s influence during this period of time is extremely powerful on all counts.

• Both 2018 & 2019 are Earth element years, and therefore Saturn ruled.

• Remember how I mentioned it was Pluto’s transit into Capricorn that initiated the huge economic collapse of 2008? Well, now Saturn is transiting that same sign over the course of the next 3 years, stirring up all of the broken pieces left behind in Pluto’s wake.

• While in Capricorn, Saturn is going to make an extremely potent, epochal conjunction with both Pluto and Jupiter in 2020, an alignment that will undoubtedly trigger a significant sea change with regards to Capricorn institutions (governments, banks, the structures that hold society together).

• In fact, from now until 2023, Saturn will be in its own favorite signs of Capricorn & Aquarius – strengthening its general vibration for this time period and putting a special emphasis on social/societal overhaul.

• And on top of all this, Saturn is the ruler, and therefore influencer, of the transiting South Node (representing karmic past and shadow self) until May of 2020, making us truly aware of how deeply embedded the issues really are, and how much will power, attention and care is needed to overcome these.

All of this basically spells:  MAJOR OVERHAUL!  It really does not get more Saturn than this!

With an energy like this operating as the primary baseline for the next several years, it is essential that we take the time to fully digest our lessons and regularly evaluate our lives for authenticity, clarity, and alignment with our karmic purpose – or we will find ourselves running headlong into obstacle after obstacle.  The next two years are years of learning to respond to change – not impulsively or purely on instinct as we’ve had to in a lot of recent times – but having thought it through, weighed it out, and consciously decided.

Saturn in Capricorn is especially focused on taking our life and whittling it all down to the most essential aspects, and creating the order of our lives in the image of our ideal.  This is the planet and sign of mastery over the material realm – the ability to navigate our lives in the highest perfection possible.  To do this takes discipline, focus, and discernment – the ambition to look realistically at what our lives ARE, and make cold evaluations on where we’ve succeeded and failed, as well as how to make actual, tangible improvement.

Saturn can be a challenging influence for many people, as it constantly pushes our growth and doesn’t leave room for excuses. In general, because 2018 is influenced by an eclipse, the lessons and triumphs of this year will be greatly amplified.  Because this eclipse is also ruled by Saturn, this is doubly so.  All of our personal Saturn missions are UP – BIG TIME!   Our karmic lessons, inhibitions, spiritual obstructions – especially those focused around our earthly mission and embodiment, are all going to be a source of great focus for this year.  We are likely to feel a lot more pressure to make the right choices, as well as a lot more kick back for even the most subtle missteps.  However, when we are able to adhere to Saturn’s promptings for growth and maturation through its tests and trials, we will emerge feeling empowered and more in control of ourselves and the direction of our lives.

If I were to draw out one major theme for the 2018 Year of the Earth Dog that pulls all of this together – it would be Mastery of Mind.  Dog is an animal that is extremely loyal, protective and fierce – but there is a huge difference between a wild or feral dog and one that is well trained and obedient.  From an alchemical perspective, the Earth Element in Taoist cosmology is linked with the intent.  Intent, in its highest sense, is the directive we receive from spirit.  The mind can be like an untrained dog, running rampantly with distracted thoughts, emotions and misdirected aggression – but is most useful and effective when it knows what its purpose is, and how it can serve its master, the true self.  Dogs respond well to boundaries and to direction that comes from “a higher place.”  Where is your truth, your intention, and your direction in life really coming from?  That is the question we must really get clear on this year – and ideally strive to more deeply develop our connection with the “true” intention that is held within our souls.  Discerning this takes focus, discipline, training and effort, but it is a skill accessible to each of us just as it is for our canine friends.

Clarity of mind and sincerity is what will allow us to access the evolutionary & manifestation energy that is represented by the many archetypes at play in 2018.  The soul aspiration, represented by the North Node in Leo at this time, is about a life created from the pure genius of the heart.  In order to move in that direction, a direction that is desired by many people, we have been undergoing a profound purging of socially embedded core patterns and beliefs – all constructs of mind that present obstacles to the realization of this dream.  Many of the active planetary influences at this time are really feeding this process – inspiring us to dig deep into the darkest areas of our life, society and self, and seek the necessary counsel to become aware of and overcome these burdens to our being.  Not just to “get rid of” the bad feelings, but to resolve real problems at their root, so that the dis-ease can be removed rather than suppressed.

What this time period is really about on the spiritual and evolutionary level is revolutionizing the order from the inside out.  Eclipse periods are always gateways of alignment and deeper visioning, where we have a cosmic opportunity to examine our lives from the soul level.  Eclipses often give us big clues about whether or not we’re on track and are known for doling out “course corrections” that can show up in the form of sudden endings, failures, or new and unexpected opportunities.  A year that is influenced by such an energy is a cosmic opportunity expanded over a larger period of time, with a deeper and more collective push toward change.  The visibility and tangibility of the change, which has already taken root in many individuals, is only going to increase -- with greater and greater ripples out into the culture at large.

This is the true meaning of manifestation – that is, making tangible the vision of the spirit.  This sort of manifestation is not something propelled by the emotion driven will, but an alignment of the self with divine will.  As each year passes, the world becomes more and more Aquarian – with information traveling quickly, both literally and etherically.  When individuals make strides in regaining autonomy from the societal dysfunctions, society can also start to evolve.  Because we have changed, all of those things that we are tied to have the possibility of change.

2018 is an excellent year to get proactive and serious about changing your life for the better, and should be very fruitful for the motivated.  However it is also a year where we ALL will be faced with our shadows and obstructions with greater intensity – and so we must learn to be at one with the process wherever it takes us.

Discipline, focus and order are a huge focus this year – but good will, fellowship, and enjoyment of life are also important to keep the heart remembering.  This is a period of balancing and harmonization, as well as commitment and dedication to what’s truly important to us.  Remember to take your time this year, even when the pressure is strong.  Great change is achieved gradually, deliberately and with wisdom.  On the path to mastery, there is no need to hurry.

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Saturn in Capricorn: A New Order

On December 19, 2017, Saturn the planet of structure, order & authority, moved from the sign of Sagittarius, to Capricorn, where it will remain until 2020.  Capricorn & the neighboring sign of Aquarius are both signs of Saturn’s rulership, so this is a significant shift for all of us and strongly influences the Astrological picture for the next 6 years.  To put it simply – Saturnine themes of reform, self control, discipline, and realism will be especially strong in our lives and in the world.  In the course of this transit we will be forced to confront seemingly insurmountable obstacles – and if we rally correctly, we may even find that we can make significant progress towards reform.  But it will require work, focus, deftness and wisdom – a conscious cultivation effort on both the personal and collective levels.

Because this transit is such a big one, I felt inspired to consult the I-Ching for specific insight that I could provide my readers as to what this transit represents for the collective process and what we are to learn through it.  The response from the I-Ching was quite fascinating, so I would like to start my analysis with this reading, followed by my usual break down of the Astrological elements surrounding the ingress.

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I-Ching Reading for Saturn in Capricorn 2017-2020

HEXAGRAM 53 transforming into HEXAGRAM 57

GRADUALNESS  ---------------------- GENTLENESS/SUBMISSIVENESS

Wind over Mountain    -----------------    Wind over Wind

Changing line is Line 2:

“When you find food and supplies – they are not only for you.”  //  “Enlightened instruction should be given to eliminate foolishness and confusion”

These hexagrams were fascinating to me as they both spoke of the wisdom in gradual processes, slow development, cooperating with others, and carried specific insight into creating lasting change with integrity.  My interpretation of this reading as a whole was about cultivating the higher virtues of Capricorn and Saturn energy, and utilizing these virtues to establish a new, more appropriate social order.

Hexagram 53 “GRADUALNESS” speaks about the full integration of the elements through gradual, natural development.  Taking life step by step without attempting to force progress or trying to ‘read ahead,’ true long-term harmony can be established.  This hexagram reminds us that we must accept that the creation and cultivation of anything real in life takes time.

Gradual progress leads us to higher levels of being.  Although it may feel slow, the result is authentic and ensures a true understanding.  The example in this hexagram is an apprentice working under an elder to gain expertise – to work diligently in this manner, listen, and really learn things thoroughly without skipping steps or attempting to rush ahead is better than trying to prop up one’s own reputation with no foundation beneath you.  In this sense, this hexagram is about understanding that true success is earned, and cannot be easily taken.

We must do the work of the soul, honor what is truly wise, and develop deep roots of trust within ourselves.  To always protect and value true wisdom is the way to lead life with great vision and great achievement.

Line 2 -- “When you find food and supplies – they are not only for you” -- Is about sharing knowledge & good fortune with others.  When we share with a good heart, everyone benefits.

Hexagram 57 “GENTLENESS/SUBMISSIVENESS” is about evolution through a gentle and non-forceful approach.   In order for humanity to transcend its darkness and its brutality, we must learn to employ yin methods – soft methods – to address conflict.  This includes being patient, cultivating a righteous heart, and having the wisdom to seek external support and assistance when needed (or be an excellent supporter/assistant to someone else whose vision you believe in).

The basic message of Hexagram 57 is that through collaborative efforts we can achieve great purposes – but in order to achieve harmonious collaboration we have to develop a degree of emotional and spiritual intelligence:  the ability to yield, listen and cooperate.  This also refers to the subtle listening such as being able to receive messages, guidance & support from the other realms.  Both types of listening & collaborative support require sensitivity and openness.

This hexagram also speaks about learning from the wisdom of the past.  It is important to look to history to learn our lessons and aspire for growth, rather than assuming the old adage that “history repeats itself” as fact.  The responsibility ultimately lies upon us both as individuals and as a collective to correct ourselves and disperse patterns of darkness.  When we cultivate gentleness, we can look beyond the demands of the personal ego and consider more clearly what is best for all.  This is what is needed most in the world right now.

Line 2 -- “Enlightened instruction should be given to eliminate foolishness and confusion” – is about being receptive to information provided by others in order to assess a situation clearly and make proper judgments.  This line also instructs us to be clear, firm and gentle in guiding others as well – when leading, lead in a way that fosters cooperation, not control.  When supporting, support with a positive spirit.

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Saturn in Capricorn In-Depth Astrological Analysis

In light of these times and the general energy of late, I found the messages of the I-Ching to be compelling, somewhat unexpected, and definitely instructive.  This reading so clearly reflected many themes of Capricorn: respecting the wisdom of the past, looking to history, taking responsibility, acting/responding to life’s challenges with maturity, slow evolution over instant gratification, etc.  I really saw these messages as a gift to help us understand how to hold our integrity, be a positive influence and grow well regardless of the difficulties we might face in our lives and in the world.

Of course, there is no doubt that the coming years will be riddled with Capricorn’s shadow aspects:  Arrogance, greed, materialism, need now attitudes, self-serving institutional structures, law for the sake of law, rigidity for the sake of being right, authoritarianism, maybe even attempts at totalitarianism – all the ugliness of the current social paradigm at its absolute worst is up with intense clarity.  Society as a whole is in a time of sobering realization, and there is profound need for real and lasting change.  The process will be long and unglamorous, humbling but ultimately evolving.

Under Saturn in Capricorn’s vibe – slow effort is required to have mastery.  And mastery itself is only partly related to the tangible work – the real work of mastery is about learning lessons.  To master one’s lessons is the only way to move towards deep, authentic fulfillment.  So, in short, our project collectively and individually, is to recognize, confront, and complete our lessons.  We are at the point of being unable to neglect this work any longer.  Bandage solutions cannot hold up under these energies.  This is a project that requires deep excavation and complete reformation.  The house that has been repainted, and built upon for decades without addressing the foundation issues must finally be torn down and rebuilt in a way that serves the needs of all who reside there.

So it could be postulated that the transit of Saturn through Capricorn will bring a lot of progress through the undoing of things.  The world has changed since Saturn’s last passage through this space 30 years ago -- the order as it is must adapt to these changes, must make room for reformation – or crumble completely under the weight of the patches and cheap fixes.  Ultimately the “patches” have become weighty clutter that impedes the usefulness and efficiency of our social systems, and even our personal lives.  Now is the time for letting go of what holds us back and getting super focused on what it is that we truly want to create.  Brick by brick, step by step – undoing and redoing.  Unbuilding and rebuilding.  Cleaning up, perfecting, restructuring with vision & precision.

There are several different themes to this transit that I have come to, and I would like to go into those to help unravel how this all takes place and to interpret – to whatever degree is really possible – what we might expect from the next few years.

First, I’d like to just talk about the Astrological Context of this Ingress – New Cycles of Reform:

The Saturn in Capricorn Ingress occurred during a particularly “busy” week astrologically speaking!

We had:

• The New Moon in Sagittarius on December 18

• Saturn moving into Capricorn on December 19

• The Winter Solstice on December 21

• Mercury Rx Stationing Direct on December 22

That is a pretty big line up of entry points all at once.  First, the New Moon occurred in late Sagittarius on the point of the “Galactic Center” which is one of the most psychic areas of the zodiac.  Saturn & friends had been hovering around this degree for the majority of December, bringing up very deep healing & purging processes for many people.  With this new moon there is a feeling of “wrap up” around the chaotic and wild transit of Saturn through Sagittarius.  What happened?  What does it mean?  What is it all for?  This lunation is the last one to align with Saturn in Sagittarius for another 30 years, so this next month will be one of concluding those lessons and clearing the decks for what is to come.  It is a moon very much about insight, letting go, and determining what is moving forward with us into the next phase.

After that incredibly profound, mystical new moon energy, Saturn made its transition, followed immediately by the Winter Solstice and Mercury’s station.  This has really brought in a totally different feeling all together.  The weightiness of Capricorn earth, paired with Mercury “stopping” has a feeling of everything suddenly grinding to a halt.

The winter solstice is the initiating cycle for the season and is considered by many the astrological new year.  This means that the energy of the solstice defines what to expect in the coming season/year.  The winter solstice coming with the sun precisely conjunct the newly arrived Saturn really adds extra oomph to the power of this transit for 2018 – and the themes of deep assessment and slow, hard, continuous effort will be felt very strongly throughout the whole year.

In addition to this, with Mercury stationing to go direct only AFTER all of these initiating transits means that Mercury was retrograde during the New Moon, Solstice & Saturn Ingress – extending its influence not just through this lunar cycle, but through the 2018 solar year AND the next 3 years of Saturn’s transit through Capricorn.  Now before you totally freak out about this – remember that Mercury retrograde helps us break things down in order to remake them better.  Mercury is in Sagittarius, so the feeling is that we are applying what we learned from the last 3 years of Saturn in Sag.  What truth did we realize about our lives and path going forward?  And how do we effect that truth in the real world – how do we actually live it out?  Where our beliefs hit the brick wall is where we will need to adjust and become more realistic.  Or more creative, in some cases.

To add yet another wrinkle to this picture – the Lunar Year coming up in 2018 will be an Earth year (the Earth Dog), doubling up this earthy energy coming out of two Fire years and a Fire Saturn.  Uranus will also be moving into Taurus in 2018, adding another sense of shift from very fast, chaotic, difficult to control energy – to more steady, slow, maybe even agonizing processes of structural readjustment.  Life will feel a bit more manageable and tangible, but it will also come with more heavy lifting, attention, and effort.  The earth energy and grounded feel of Saturn in his domicile after the fire years will really help us regroup, FOCUS, and develop discipline after several years of lightning fast, unpredictable, and wild change.

All of this sets the stage for the current and sustained flow of Saturn in Capricorn’s energy and vice versa – so although I am writing here primarily about the Saturn Cap energy, I felt the above factors were worth mentioning.  The overall feeling I have about this line up is that it has heavy implications of something “new” emerging from the old -- the old falling away like a heavy shell – and our new ambitions being put to the test as they develop.

Saturn in Capricorn Ingress Chart Factors Dealing with COLLECTIVE KARMA:

There are several fascinating alignments in this chart regarding our current collective evolutionary process.  First, at the time of the ingress, the Sun was precisely trine the August 21, 2017 solar eclipse degree – which automatically ties the Saturn in Capricorn transit to the processes initiated by the eclipse.  The solar eclipse in August was a major threshold and turning point – so what I see in this is that this transit is about developing and building upon what was initially seeded through the eclipse in August.  This is when the intangible elements start to become more defined and manifest… and throughout the next 3 years we will be working on mastering the lessons, new beginnings, and transitions that came up.

In addition to this the axis of fate, where the collective soul is currently working towards evolving & growing, is closely squared to Jupiter in Scorpio.  This combination is very intense – but yet it lends itself well to the “deep excavation” work that Capricorn process is all about this time around.  The Leo/Aquarius process as highlighted by the axis of fate is about how we balance heart-centered creativity and finding what truly makes us happy with the needs of society at large.  Conversely it is also about retuning group idealism and tribal thinking to greater awareness of individual diversity.  Add Jupiter in Scorpio into the mix – an energy inherently about digging into the dark spaces of the psyche – and you have a recipe for a lot of super deep social and personal karmic processing around mucky, dysfunctional psychological programming that leads us into all of the social traps – mob mentality, hunger for power, social distortions around identity issues, etc.

With the aforementioned Mercury retrograde square to Neptune and Venus nearby square to Chiron, people will be feeling especially receptive and sensitive to all of these issues.  This brings a sense of reckoning & deep inquiry, whereby we must begin to seek solutions beyond just the rational / materialistic approach.  This is a reform of the mind and patterns of belief that triggers confusion, soul searching, intense emotional reactions, vulnerability, and also healing.  I see this being particular potent around women’s issues with both Venus & the moon strongly aspected.

The Moon is of course closely conjunct Pluto in a separating aspect and approaching a square to Uranus – which means this is definitely going to be a time of major breakthroughs and collective/personal evolution that is very, very deeply felt.

The changes, adjustments and transformations that are experienced throughout this time are not just occurring in the external world – they are also occurring – and MUST be processed -- on a deep spiritual level.  The identity is being reshaped.  There is no way around it.  What’s worth remembering is that we are all contributing to this through our individual growth.  The individual is processing collective issues for the good of the collective – so as we all sort through these things within ourselves and share what we have discovered, this helps keep the collective moving forward.  That’s why INDIVIDUAL EMPOWERMENT and finding the INDIVIDUAL PATH is also such an important emphasis of this time.  You don’t have to be everything to everyone – just be YOURSELF and that is enough.  Individuals being individuals in their most positive possible manifestation is the best thing for the evolution of all.

Saturn in Capricorn Major Alignments:

The final thing I want to cover very briefly is the major alignments of Saturn as it travels through Capricorn.  I will no doubt talk about these in much more detail in times to come, but for now I’d like to just touch on them.

First, Uranus moves into Taurus – this will bring the revolutionary energy of Uranus to confront issues of stability, security, financial institutions, value, physical foundations.

In 2024, the USA will be experiencing its Pluto return.  This is preceded by a Saturn-Pluto conjunction – this further emphasizes the sense that we will be facing some major epochal shifts in how the world’s systems operate.  Pluto has been in Capricorn for 10 years, exposing all of the flaws of these systems.  Saturn’s influence here serves only to intensify the break down of these systems.

In 2020, there will be a Saturn-Jupiter-Pluto alignment that is very significant.  Saturn-Jupiter conjunctions happen every 20 years and are regarded as watershed moments.  With Pluto also involved this is a super-powered alignment that will undoubtedly define the direction of things for a very long time to come.  2020, in short, is basically the year that we can expect all the things that have been building to “pop” in a big way.

After Saturn leaves Capricorn, it will then move into Aquarius, which is the other sign of its rulership.  This will be the time of revolutionizing, as Capricorn Saturn focuses most on looking to the past, reforming the old, etc… while Aquarius Saturn is focused on creating the future.  Saturn will be in Aquarius approximately through the end of the USA Pluto return -- so this round of Saturn through its home signs will be very significant for the future of the USA.

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The significance of this time has tremendously far reaching implications that I expect will be memorable individually and historically.  We are at the bottom of the mountain and a treacherous ascent awaits.  What we are to find, ultimately, is greater wisdom.  The wisdom to find space for multiple perspectives and aspire towards legitimate solutions.  The wisdom to treat others with gentleness and kindness – even when being firm.  The wisdom to look towards the needs of the collective, not just one’s own self centered desires.  All of this is essential maturation to be the best we can be in life.

To be nimble, yet firm.  Open, yet wise.  Flexible, yet steady.  This is harmonization with natural processes, the virtues of achieving perfection.

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Sitting with the Eclipses -- further elaborations on the energy of August 2017 and its larger implications

Tomorrow, August 7, is the Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Aquarius, the first of the pair of eclipses that are to occur this month.  As we prepare for the major Solar Eclipse that will touch the entire continental USA, the Lunar Eclipse precedes it carrying important messages, realizations and revelations.  Because the Solar Eclipse will be so profound, the energetic unfolding has been with us throughout this summer in anticipation for the transformational energy it brings.  I often view eclipses as energetic thresholds – but another way to say it, perhaps, is that an eclipse is like an energetic neutral zone or zero point.  From a Taoist cosmological perspective, transformation arises from stillness – and an eclipse of any kind carries with it a sort of interruption to the energetic flow, creating a still point, particularly in the case of a total eclipse like the one we will be experiencing on the 21st.   In this cycle leading up to the Lunar Eclipse tomorrow, many things have come into our awareness on a conscious level that are up for deep transformation.

I think it is worth noting that this lunar cycle began with a new moon at 0 Leo and the Solar Eclipse is a new moon at 28 Leo.  So that is two Leo new moons to kick off the transit of the North Node through Leo – for me, what this means is that we’re getting kind of a preemptive opportunity to consider and plant our intentions regarding Leo issues (fun, creativity, romance, sexuality, self expression, will power, etc) – and then, through the subtle energetic influence of the Lunar eclipse and the messages/changes received therein, we then get to consider and plant those intentions a second time with the necessary amendments.  The reason that this strikes me in this particular way is that the lessons of Leo seem very important for us to grasp right now – as our society, and as a result we as individuals, suffer greatly from Aquarian shadows.  Just to name a few -- we live in a culture that supports individuality and freedom, but can often lack a sense of warmth, community & support.  Many people have strong ideals and beliefs, but few are genuinely applicable to real world diversity.  Rationality and ideas are at odds with human and spiritual connection.  Technicalities become obstructive to truth.

In the Aquarian spirit of our culture we strive to be more inclusive by creating more distinctions, but in the process we unknowingly create more divisions because the distinctions are made in an almost surgical way.  They are not made with the heart, really.  They are made with the mind that wants to right the afflictions of the heart, created by the problems of our ideals.  The ideals, simply put, are just too rigid.  They are less like a framework and more like a rulebook, and this can actually be harmful to the social freedom that we desire to find.  On a personal level, we are being guided to really trust in the flow of our own hearts to find the solutions that vex us, no matter how big or small the problems may be.  Not to analyze, research, and over-think our ways to the answers, but to find them ourselves BY FEELING, by LIVING.

The Solar Eclipse on August 21st is of special significance for the USA because it is impacting us directly.  We will all experience the literal effects of the moon blocking out the sun for just a few minutes at the height of the day.  This event is so incredibly powerful it has been difficult for me to separate any astrological happenings for the summer from the coming of that eclipse.  For me, it feels, most simply, like a major karmic, and likely historic moment in USA history and for all of those who are alive and living here during this time.  The Lunar eclipse energy is just a part of this process: it serves to help us IDENTIFY the inhibiting factors – the reasons why we, ourselves, do not utilize our own personal will to the best of its potential.  What are the social, mental, and emotional factors that keep us trapped in our heads instead of shining freely in the world – giving back by giving our GIFTS which were uniquely bestowed upon us.  There are a million ways that we undermine our own freedom every single day due to subconscious ideals that don’t really serve us to truly be our best self.  Shifting just a few of these mental obstructions can be the difference between positively influencing life by way of greater happiness and authenticity or just merely existing within it.

The insights that have to come to me about the eclipse cycles have largely centered around the wise use of energy and really knowing and understanding one’s personal direction rather than allowing ourselves to succumb to peer/social/societal pressure of any kind.  It is important for us to be undistracted – even by the most valid & positive ideas – because each of us has a specific journey that we need to honor and fuel, and the information loaded world that we live in can easily deter us from those pursuits if we are not paying close attention and acting with intention.  Doing our individual piece is what will serve society best.  Personal will & personal effort to create something tangible trumps abstractions and ideals.  Actually live life nobly, in total honesty with regards to what is truly beneficial to yourself and those you touch.

Regarding the USA astrology in overarching cycles – The eclipses come at a very interesting time in our process as a society.  The solar eclipse is in close aspect to the USA natal moon – signifying transformation at the level of the national psyche.  In addition to this, the President happens to be someone who was born during an eclipse (so eclipses impact him extra strongly), and his natal Mars & Ascendant also align directly with the eclipse.  The August 21 eclipse also just happens to be a part of a series that has historically triggered significant events in American politics.  In so many ways, I believe we are being pressed to deal with the dichotomy of individual will and social structures and there is no question in my mind that the solar eclipse across the USA is going to trigger an important shift on the national level, starting with the people in power.

The next total solar eclipse in the USA is in 2024 – the two eclipses (2017/2024) are like bookends to the USA Pluto return, representing a 248 year cycle of maturation around issues of power & social order at the government level.  We have arrived at this place for a reason and whatever changes lie ahead are, in a way, unavoidable.  The direction of those changes should start to become clearer in the coming months after the major impact of the eclipse starts to manifest.  I personally feel that with the energy of LEO in charge, the will is in individuals to direct the change – we are the “king.”  We must awaken to that.  And I believe we will and can, as we may also simultaneously awaken to the shadows of culture and society that have not yet been revealed quite so clearly.

With that said, I feel compelled to leave these notes with this:  The King is not the person who rules all – rather it is the person who rules himself.  The King is the one who is sovereign.  Free unto himself, unbound unto himself.  This is the true aspiration of LEO for all people.

For more thoughts on this topic, check out my article covering the Astrology of the Summer of 2017 :)

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Astrology of the Summer of 2017 -- The Next Level ... Discussion on the Great American Eclipse, USA Pluto Return & July's Full Moon

Hello everyone!

It has been a little while since I’ve sat down and written a fully in depth post on the current Astrology.  It’s been a time of big structural change for me and so I’ve been taking longer than usual periods of quietness as I make these adjustments and begin developing my next steps.  This month I felt called out of my hibernation to talk a little bit about the astrology of this summer, so I hope that you find these words helpful…

Since the New Moon in Cancer on June 23rd I have noticed a shift in the energy, and it was about this past week when it suddenly occurred to me that this energy shift is a gateway opening to the eclipse cycle that we will be experiencing this August.  Why is it that a whole lunar cycle previous to the eclipses that I feel we are already approaching this gateway?  Of course, anyone who lives in the US, where the eclipse is visible, will be naturally more attuned to the energy, as eclipses are generally more powerful in the places where they are happening.  But it also feels like more than that.  With the dynamic of the Leo North Node/Aquarius South Node at the helm of the current spiritual process of humanity, this summer and the approaching eclipses are creating fast and significant shifts in the consciousness of people.  More specifically, what it seems like to me, is that there is an expansion of the level of consciousness that is available to us – if we choose to tune in to it.

The total solar eclipse will have a profound impact on the United States as a result of it happening here.  The United States itself is in a cycle of change and is teetering on the edge of major turmoil.  As the U.S. moves towards its Pluto Return (2022) the government organization of this nation will continue to be under stress, and most likely reach a breaking point in the coming years.  On a spiritual level the U.S. and its inhabitants are currently facing deep questions about what it takes to make a society functional and positive, and where the most deeply ingrained structures of our current society have become burdensome, unhealthy, outdated, or never really sound to begin with.  Pluto represents the complete dredging of all the darkness that exists within the societal consciousness, and the transit of Pluto to the USA Pluto involves a total and complete overhaul of these elements, and as we have seen in the years since 2008 (When Pluto entered Capricorn, the sign of the USA Pluto), it is not always a pretty picture.

Where we are as a country at this stage is energetically “stuck” – as all of the skeletons in the closet arise & multiply – what is needed, and what is beginning/to come, is a clearing of this old stagnation.  How does that show up?  It can be disruptive, chaotic, destructive and problematic – but it can also be creative, resourceful, inspired and freeing.  In my personal estimation, difficult and painful transitions are unavoidable and much falls within the realm of “things that must play themselves out” – but people still have the power to determine the direction of the changes through the power of consciousness and personal will.

This upcoming eclipse cycle is also the first cycle of eclipses to occur after the North Node (point of fate – focal point of our “spiritual work” at a given time) transitioned into Leo at the beginning of May -- which gives the eclipses an initiating and somewhat “unleashing” feel with regards to the workings of the Leo energy at this stage in humanity’s growth.  Since eclipses occur along the nodal axis, they always amplify the lessons associated with the nodes that are active at the time.  In this case, with the North Node in Leo – we have just left a time where the North Node was in Virgo and unbelievably debilitated by Neptune in Pisces which drew us into a sea of problems with no solution – and entered a time where the North Node is greatly supported by Uranus and Saturn both in fire signs for the entire summer of 2017.  It is a seismic shift in focus, and not just that, it is a shift in how well we are able to motivate, mobilize and materialize.

The biggest energetic shift that I have noticed since the North Node moved into Leo is a pull towards the manifestation of ideas that have been long germinating, and doing so in a manner that is considerably more direct and simple than previously conceived.  However, some rewiring is necessary, as we can tend to overcomplicate things and as a result interfere with our own progress.  The dynamic of the Leo North Node / Aquarius South Node has made me very aware of the subtle difference between acting from the head and acting from the being – that is, attempting to parse through life with logic to determine the correct way forward, rather than simply moving from feeling.  To put it most simply, what I feel is that it is time to take the energetic load off the mind – off the how’s and why’s of things – and just live from a place of trust that motivation arises without force, and problems can likewise be solved by working through the steps.  “One thing at a time.”

What the Leo North Node is all about is understanding that WE DON’T NEED TO HAVE ALL OF THE ANSWERS in order to make progress.  What we need is to take action and show faith in our inner spirit’s guidance.  If we haven’t already established a relationship with our inner or higher guidance, the urging right now is to begin doing so.  If we do have a channel for this guidance – that channel, if engaged with, is growing even stronger.  The reason is because Leo, above all other things, is about the creative impulse – and to truly be at one with the creative, is to be at one with the divine spark – that little thing that inspires us uniquely, and that we have an organic ability to develop and express.  To engage with Leo energy is to BE OURSELVES completely and freely – which means that we need to be embodied and fully present as the beings that we are, without getting hung up on how we are supposed to fit in with everyone else.  Leo encourages us to define reality for ourselves and now allow ourselves to be trapped by social and cultural circumstances.

The technological (Aquarius South Node) world that we live in greatly challenges our ability to be whole and comfortable in our embodiment.  There are so many reasons for this – the obvious physical reason is that when we are sitting on computers and devices, we aren’t moving our bodies, or fully present in them.  But of almost greater precedence is that our information overload world so deeply saturates our mental reality that it leaves us with no room for our own creativity or natural thought processes unless we make efforts to mitigate these effects.  The combination of these factors, of course, can be quite obstructing to the spirit as well as our overall health and well-being.  I am seeing with greater clarity the location of the mind as the defining factor for action and the quality of action.  Am I all in my head, literally, or am I actually present with the physical world?  It may seem like a simple question, but in our go-go-go society, many of us hardly give ourselves the time and space to experience presence fully.

Right now the North Node in Leo is part of a Grand Fire Trine in the sky – this is a pattern of flowing and supportive energy that is especially bright around inspiration and the actualization of inspirations.  The other energies involved are Saturn in Sagittarius (karmic process around one’s journey, one’s philosophy and meaningful contribution) and Uranus in Aries (energy of change, awakening, and breaking new ground).  These energies are greatly supportive of our work with the nodal axis, but they also seem to offer choices along the way.  I believe if we take time to slow down and really observe the energy, the choices are easier to see.  The reason is that FIRE energy moves quickly, and if we get caught up in the energy of fire at this time without taking the time for pause and reflection, it is easy to let our emotions – particularly impatient, aggressive, or angry emotions – make our choices for us.  Situations can flare up quickly and intensely – and due to some of the other aspects involved with the current patterning, we are especially SENSITIVE and may tend to jump to conclusions, or just be reckless in our communications.

Likewise, fire is also an energy of purification, and so what triggers us at this time may be signaling situations that need to be expunged from our life (or at least heavily adjusted) in order for us to step in to our greatest happiness.   What I feel is most important is to recognize these choice-making situations as signals and really listen to what the heart is saying with regards to the best way forward for YOU.

A big part of the Leo/Aquarius process is the constant seesaw between awareness of what I want vs. awareness of what is “correct” according to social standards.  We can start to see where we’ve been trapping ourselves mentally by staying within the confines of a certain group, mentality, or mental subscription that we have made to ideas about reality, society, and other people.  We may find that we have been constantly catering to others – and not even physical people, but the IDEA of others.  What OTHERS want, think and believe…. And our inner assumption that somehow understanding the rules of these invisible “others” will free us from experiencing conflict and disharmony.  But Leo knows that this is a lie and is reminding us that we all have free will, and we can think and act for ourselves without having to play mental gymnastics around it.  We can legitimately “Just do it.”  No asking permission, no inner list of reasons why we’re not qualified/allowed/etc, no need to indulge the critical inner voice, you can actually just make it simple take action on your ideas.  The perfect medicine for this time period is to DO not think.

That might seem like really shaky advice to be giving in a world where the news and social media outlets are basically overloaded with human fallacy, always showing us the ways that people are unvirtuous and unwise – so I want to be clear that what I am suggesting is not blind action, but rather ACTION with INTENT.  Action driven from a space of inner clarity and presence of mind, rather than action driven by habit, association, fear, over analysis, rationalization, assumption of expectations, or any other kind of mental trickery that we are ALL guilty of!  Most of all, it is important to not get lost in mental paralysis – and to find the ways that we can begin putting our ideas to work, rather than just letting them live eternally and always in our own heads.

We sometimes forget that we can also LEARN by doing.  We can learn from being imperfect.  And our greatest growth occurs through the process of making mistakes.  By pushing the edges through action, we come to understand our own personal methodology – and also where we can enhance our skills through practice, further learning, etc.  What’s important right now is that what we cultivate in our lives comes from the heart – have faith in this, take tangible steps towards this, be open, and the rest will unfold naturally.

This, to me, is integral to the “new level of consciousness” that I mentioned at the beginning of the article.  It is a BIG surrender to trust.  What I feel when I really tap in to the energy is that underneath all of the chaos we see on the surface of things is an immense current of flowing “light” energy that we can all tap into.  It is like a river, a flowing and healing force that has the power to purify and distill.  The fact that Leo is a sign that is ruled by the sun, the source of light in our solar system, is interesting with regards to the upcoming total solar eclipse.  Our ego self is going to experience a sort of “black out” – and we are, in essence, getting calibrated/recalibrated for that experience.  It is a putting down of burdens, an opening of space – but not yet we are not fully aware of what is on the other side of that space, simply that it is time to clear out and make room.

What I feel is that we are being asked to surrender more and more deeply into a state of present being, as this is the only way we can experience the expansion necessary to hold the light bright enough to process the great changes coming in a positive, constructive and creative manner.  Basically, it is this energy of light that has the potential to heal the world.  Yes, it sounds lofty, but from a world awakening perspective, there is a distinct sensation of huge energy clearings happening in the midst of all of the turmoil and in return an ability to arrive at a greater sense of presence, and light.  Simply because there is more SPACE for light to exist.

We as individuals are responsible for choosing whether or not we engage with this light energy and do the work to become vessels for it.  In order to develop the space for the energy to flow, and begin moving the old energy of stagnation, we have to actually create the space in our lives to do this process.  Let go of the part of you that thinks holding on to stuff is of any benefit and begin to see those aspects as the very things that don’t allow you to be clear and at peace.  The more we open up space, the more things can move, the more space opens up, the more that we can BE even more deeply.  And the process can continue on and on.

OK, So how do we MAKE the space?  You might now be asking…

All of the suggestions and methods that you might typically see as ways to “find peace” would apply here – meditation, going out in nature, tai chi, yoga, etc…  But with the specific instruction of really taking the time to sink in to the space beyond your thoughts.  This is the space where you realize you are here, in reality, existing, a part of something, a part of nature, alive.  This is the space of the true intent, the true self, and the true will – the space where we can access the deeper currents of light and healing energy that are available to us.

It is so simple, but can be so profound.  To realize, especially that life does not have to come from a place of contraction but can be lived from a space of greater relaxation, deeper feeling, and responsiveness.

The other part of this process is letting the emotions flow…  Whether they make sense or not.  And doing so in wise manners – writing in a journal is one of the best ways.  But any way that suits you is just fine -- listening to/playing music, making art, exercising vigorously, crying, whatever!  Just feeling and being with that experience, and letting it go all at the same time.  You’ll find things come, are expressed, and then are able to leave because they have been expressed… and then it’s on to the next thing!

Working with the emotional flow can also help us with our creative flow at this time.  The type of creativity that we must access is not one that we find through having a specific method – it is a way of creating that doesn’t operate by the rules we put upon ourselves such as timelines, expectations, etc.  It is ORGANIC creation – saying what you feel when you feel it, and then going back to fine tune, structure, and organize it later.  It is respecting the wholeness of the original approach without having to rush to the finish line – appreciating the natural evolution of things in their own time.

In the Tao Te Ching there is a line, “Do nothing and all will be done.”  This line is speaking to a principle that in non-action we are in a state of receptivity and responsiveness, and that all things come in their own time.  Of course sometimes this line is mistaken for “Don’t do anything ever and it’ll all work out.”  But its meaning is actually far from that – when we learn to sink into the flow, we will find we arrive at natural impulses to take actions.  And when we take those actions, we will usually work for a time and then reach a point when we feel complete, or ready to take a break.  The principle of “do nothing and all will be done” also contains the idea of “work when it’s time to work, rest when it’s time to rest.”  Basically, don’t force the process.  This is a way of working effortless, and also a way of MAKING ROOM for RECEPTIVITY – of ideas, of inner guidance, and of blessings!

Sometimes we must allow ourselves to do nothing in order to uncover the treasure and find the answers we’re looking for.  It is from that space we can then take action that’s in full alignment with ourselves.  When we only concern ourselves with work, worry about work, and obsess about productivity, we can lose access to inspiration which is absolutely integral to success.  Even if today we are not where we want to be – even if today we have barely begun our journey, be where you are TODAY, take the steps that inspire you TODAY – and that ultimate vision is bound to become reality.  It’s not foolishness to believe that, it’s simply an alignment of the inner self with the outer action.  This brings a sense of peace and solidity to the process, even in times to doubt, and gradually helps us focus our lives so that we can give our attention to what is needed, undivided.

Feel and flow, allowing, settling, opening, receiving – this is the way we get closer to truth, clarity, and the ability to be of service to the world.

Specific Thoughts on the July 9, 2017 Full Moon in Capricorn

Since much of my writing this month is basically an overview of what the energies of the entire summer mean for us on a spiritual level, I do want to get a little bit into the nitty gritty of this weekend’s full moon (and I intend to write something about the New Moon as it gets closer).  Basically, as things come to me, I’ll probably keep writing articles about the eclipses – but for the sake of this article, the energies of the eclipses, the grand fire trine, and the Mars-Pluto opposition are so strong I felt I needed to elaborate on them from the grand view in order to relate them back down into the small view.

A lot has been written about this full moon’s energy.  Aligned with malefics Pluto & Mars, in opposition (the opposition was last weekend, and has been felt for the past two weeks), the energy of the full moon definitely doesn’t have a soft, friendly feel.  Eruptions of anger, rage, violence, arguments, etc. are all a big part of what this energy represents.  The reason I wrote about the USA Pluto return earlier in this article is because on the grand scale, I feel transits like this (along with the “Great American Eclipse” coming through) are also triggering to those greater cycles.  For me, I find it helpful to understand these layers when it comes to looking at specific, more individual concerns.  Especially because we are in a time period where many people are being directly confronted with the issues of these larger cycles in their everyday lives to a much greater degree than previously.

In any case, with that being said, the intensity of the energies will undoubtedly bring up challenges in the mundane world, as well as the potential to bring up interpersonal & internal dilemmas we will have to respond to.  When it comes to the interpersonal/internal, we may have been finding feelings of anger, irritation and impatience arising within us moreso than usual.  These feelings are likely to be triggered by some very deep seated and sensitive parts of ourselves that we have the opportunity to work with to transmute and release under these energies.

If there is anything I would suggest under this full moon is to not approach it with fear, and to receive the experiences of the past few weeks as opportunities for growth, shedding and transformation that allows you go to forward less burdened than before.  If you find yourself mired in interpersonal conflict, TAKE SPACE to diffuse anger.  Try to get to the true feelings underneath the anger – the vulnerabilities that anger is covering.

This energy can also be fruitful for experiences of merging and being more emotionally open and vulnerable, but since we are dealing with Capricorn and Cancer there are quite a few layers of defense to break through.  Lots of emotional processing can be accomplished by one’s self and then brought to a partner for a more calm discussion.  We can really be with our deep feelings right now if we allow it, despite the fact that they might not be easy feelings.  It is productive for us to feel and express our feelings.  LET GO!

With that, I hope you all have a good summer.  If this article resonates for you, please share it or consider sending a love offering to my blog at the button below to help me keep these sharings free and accessible to everyone :)

Peace and blessings to all :)

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