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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Eclipse Season Reflections: Summer of 2018

Hello Everyone!

I wrote this piece several months ago during the summer and posted it on Facebook. I thought I might do a more formal edit and put it on this blog, but I never ended up doing that. However, I wanted to share it anyway. I am backdating this entry for the date it was originally posted — even though it’s technically “old news” I hope that it’s interesting/helpful to read, reflecting on the events of this past summer! Astrologically we had 3 eclipses and 6 retrogrades, so it was a seriously intense, super crazy summer!

Enjoy!

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July 29, 2018 // Eclipse Reflections

The middle eclipse was Friday -- the big Total Lunar Eclipse that sits right in the center of the three-eclipse cycle we are currently under, and had a totality duration of a whopping 1 hour and 43 minutes (!) in the places where it was visible. It was extremely powerful, echoing in so many ways back to the Total Solar Eclipse last August. Tapping into the atmosphere of the people I serve, I can sense that it's been a challenging month for many, and that people are really going through it. For that reason, I wanted to take some time this weekend and share my observations.

For the past several evenings I've been watching the Moon & Mars slowly come into and out of conjunction. The red star seemed to be the only star visible, and I thought it was no wonder the ancients saw it was ominous.

For me, this eclipse period has been a time of beautiful breakthrough and positive alignment -- a stepping in to my spiritual responsibilities with less fear, and more clarity. Projects are starting to move forward and the nature of my role in spiritual community is starting to settle in. I feel more expanded than I ever have in my life, but confident in my ability to take on this growth. After years of grueling work, faith, and preparation, I have moved into the space of creation and vision. I can take off the coat of the past, and live in my spiritual present.

I see reflections of my experience in the experiences of those around me. That in general, we are all taking off some coat of the past. That we are moving from stagnant space into action -- and that action is directly derived from messages of "seeing our place in it all." When we can perceive our actual role in a broader level, it's easier for us to make adjustments in our lives where it previously seemed impossible. So much of this energy I wrote about in my Uranus in Taurus article I am seeing playing out under these eclipses more acutely -- as well as the issues that came up for all of us at the time of last August's solar eclipse coming into resolution, finality, or at least the 'next steps' now.

Eclipses represent doorways, endings and beginnings. They tend to amplify energies such that when there is an issue we have been ignoring playing for a long time in the background, suddenly that thing pops and we can't ignore it anymore! Relationship issues, health issues, life path, spiritual direction, emotional/mental issues -- eclipses will tend to bring these to the foreground in a demanding manner and they can be the moments that tip the scales towards "break up" or "break through." Any endings or new beginnings that have been delayed due to habit, inertia, indecision, etc -- come crashing down with the full force of sometimes exhilarating, sometimes dismal, clarity. Basically -- wherever we are stagnant, wherever we aren't looking closely enough or clearly enough, especially if our natal chart is the pathway of the eclipse -- suddenly we are awakened into a state of understanding about the situation that we can't go back from.

It can take months to years for the fullness of the events of an eclipse to play out. Sometimes the echoes of particularly potent eclipses will carry on for the duration of their 19 year cycle before the full karmic process is complete. They are power packed periods with an energetic quality and resonance that has the potential to deeply, and quite profoundly affect us.

I recently read in one of astrologer Michael Erlewine's essays on eclipses (Check those out here) that the Tibetan Buddhist perspective on new & full moons is that these are times of energetic potency during a month, when our inner channels are most open and chakras in natural alignment. This, of course, is amplified considerably during eclipse periods -- when the heavenly bodies themselves are also in very close, and sometimes very precise alignment! This is one of the reasons why many traditions across the world take the time of an eclipse for meditation and inner work.

This perspective makes absolute sense to me and aligns perfectly with my own experiential relationship with eclipses over the years. When we consider eclipses in this light, it certainly stands to reason that if we are in a period (consciously or unconsciously) of intensified alignment, of course we might feel struck with sudden enlightenment (pleasantly or unpleasantly) around where we are blocked and out of alignment! I feel this can also be understood as a time when our spirit and our physical body are the closest -- as the earth, sun & moon are also the closest -- and so our spirit has a chance to speak VERY LOUDLY into the momentum of our lives. No matter how painful or difficult it is for the ego to grasp at times, we often need these course corrections for some reason or another. Our higher spirit is always aspiring to help us move through our lessons and stay on track with what it is we are supposed to be accomplishing.

But eclipses are really not all doomy and scary. Sometimes the shifts that happen at eclipses are downright magical, even though they have a reputation for being the portents for disaster. At the end of the day, eclipse times are portals of expanded awareness and energy. And they are also opportunities for transformation. So no matter what is happening in your life at an eclipse -- if it is really heavy and hard, full of movement, unexpected, or boring and noneventful -- it is an incredibly potent time to surrender into the flow of spirit and allow the transmutation processes available to take place.

This eclipse energy in particular seems to be bringing up a lot of stuff around the role of relationships in spiritual process. I see relationships needing more fluidity, and recognition that whatever relationship situation one is in, there is a firing process that the two parties are agreeing to walk through by being involved with it. This applies most to close intimate relationships but with Aquarian energies at the forefront of the eclipse, this really is also about relationships with friends, relationships with community, and our function and role in society. I feel that the feminine energy of the Taurus/Uranus energy is calling for more tolerance and understanding in relationship dynamics, and more softness/heart awareness as a method for awakening and transformation. My favorite recent metaphor is seeing the old energies/attitudes/whatever in our society, personal social conditioning, etc, as being like a layer of burnt crud on a dish -- you have to soak it for a long time, have patience, and work it out gradually with all kinds of scrubbies and sponges to get it clean again. It's not an easy process, but one that is achievable -- and in the case of humanity on a spiritual level -- NECESSARY.

I see it as the YIN feminine essence coming to digest errant YANG rigid perceptions/false ingrained patterning through embracing, and slow transmutation/cleansing. Rather than through clashing. Yang energy, when purified, can become light again.

There is also some work I see regarding attunement to the physical body as a messenger, and people realizing they need to become more aware of their subtle bodies to get to the bottom of mysterious ailments.

All of the above is also contained within the idea that we must recognize that it is our PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY to accept our role in spiritual process -- for the betterment of ourselves, our relationships, our community, the world, etc. And no matter what the place of our focus is -- even if it seems small -- it is important that we actively engage with our part in a conscious manner. Our engagement in our part is what influences the growth of the whole. So if we feel stuck somewhere or unhappy, it's our job to take a look at that and get unstuck. That, of course, is where listening to spirit comes in -- now's the time to listen, and act. And step in more fully through it.

Stay centered and trust.

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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