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October 19th, 2018

10/19/2018

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​Earlier this month I attended another one of Steven Forrest’s Northern California Apprenticeship Program retreats. This one focused on Jupiter and Saturn and their upcoming conjunction which will be exact in December of 2020.
It stimulated me to resume my blog posting which used to be a regular function on this page, but which I abandoned for a number of reasons.
I used to post on the Full and New Moons, which since they are somewhat time constrained, were very difficult for my Moon in Pisces to fulfill. I also noticed  how many astrologers on Facebook are already writing about this.
To honor my Moon and its need for a more intuitive approach, my topics will be more flexible and thus the ‘task’ will not be as onerous.
What I plan to write about is more personal. I plan to share how astrological information impacts me and has helped me in my personal journey.
Hopefully, this will be useful to others.
Let me begin with Saturn. Steven Forrest (SF) (and possibly others) says that wherever Saturn is transiting in your chart indicates the area where ‘work’ needs to be done. Of course, you always have a choice as to whether you will do the work. If you don’t, you are more likely to suffer depression, but the work is not going to be easy. Thus doing the work results in exhaustion.
So paraphrasing SF: “Depression or exhaustion, those are your choices”. Some choice. The thing is: exhaustion may result in changes that will make your life better, whereas, choosing not to do the work…depression…will only lead to more depression.
Many of us are used to our ruts. We adapt to them. They become our reality. We can even come to think of them as the only possible reality. This is related to the ancient belief that Saturn defined the limit of the solar system. As the last visible planet, it defined the outer limit of what was possible.
For years I had tried to get the necessary repairs and improvements done that would make my house more comfortable. I had tried lots of ways of acquiring the labor and funds to fix a bad roof and windows. There were always setbacks. I just gave up and believed I would have to just learn to live with it. Things got worse and worse. In addition, every year I feared flooding of the creek which was only 3 feet from the house. I spent a lot of time watching weather reports and tide tables online during the winter.
In 2015 as I watched Saturn ready to go into my 4th house, I knew that ‘the work’ had to do with, among other things, my home. I somehow knew this would be ‘it’. Something huge was going to happen.
In the spring of 2016 a huge road improvement project took place near the house. They installed signals and floodlights that stayed on all night. Cars backed up at the light and the drivers honked and revved their engines (since when does that change a light?). The noise and dirt was horrendous as they dug huge holes in the ground and poured concrete to create supports for the highway which had begun to collapse. Ah Saturn! This was what I needed to shore up the banks of the creek near my house and there it was happening on a ground scale close to my house. Well at least the road would not collapse. Did they know something I didn’t? I thought this might be the ‘big event’ related to my house. So when they finally finished I sighed with relief. Road improvement, no problem.
It wasn’t. The winter started with little rain and I thought I was going to get through it. The big storm came in January. It was as if all the water that had not fallen for years all came at once. When the forecast came in about a huge storm that was coming, I grabbed my cat and left. I just didn’t want to spend my time watching the weather reports and emptying buckets. The flooding nearby forced me and my cat out of the house for 10 days. We came back to broken water pipes, no phone or electricity for a couple of weeks and ‘kiddie pool’ of water in the tarp I had put on floor. A couple of houses had been leveled by falling trees. Again I thought this was the ‘big event’.
It wasn’t. The high water in the area brought hordes of rats. They invaded the house. My cat was terrified of them as they took over the house. They destroyed so much and got into everything. I worked desperately to kill them with safe means (no poison) but they proliferated rapidly. Finally my limit was reached. I found a rat turd right in the middle of my jewelry making area. I was totally outraged since jewelry making had become my ‘next’ and was a way I was augmenting my income.
It was time to go. I had to move. But how and where? I had hit a wall. I prayed for a solution. ‘A way out of no way” I was going one way or another. If I had to drive away and leave it all behind, I would do that.
My neighbors had also decided they wanted out of the area. With tarps on my roof, my house was quite an eyesore and they felt it would detract from their ability to sell their house. They offered me a deal I could not refuse. I took it. But getting out of there and into my new place would take over a year. My mantra became “Depression or exhaustion”.  I had already decided I had reached the limit of depression, so, in order to create my new reality, exhaustion would be necessary. I pushed through each obstacle (and there were many).
By the time Saturn left my 4th house and went into Capricorn, I had bought a new place, moved and sold my old house. By the way, the guy who bought it is a Capricorn.
In two years I went from ‘no way’ to a totally different life. The 4th house also represents where you are coming from. Your ground of being. Where you make your stand. Mine has been completely transformed.
Yesterday Saturn went in to my 5th house. And here I am rededicating myself to writing my blog again, but from a different perspective. One that reflects who I am now.
And what is the ‘work’ that you need to be doing in the next couple of years while Saturn is in Capricorn? A reading can help you decide. Contact me.
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Phoenix Rising - Fires in Santa Rosa

11/6/2017

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Knowing Jupiter would be going into Scorpio, I was paying close attention to events. My South Node conjunct Chiron is in Scorpio and I knew it was possible that something would happen that would cause 'retraumatizaion'. I have been working consciously on manifesting my North Node, which represents the healing promised in the chart and so I am paying close attention to anything that echoes the traumas from the past.
Just 2 days before Jupiter went into Scorpio, I awoke to smoke in my new home. I checked everywhere, then opened the front door. The smoke was dense and a hellish wind blew. It was like a horror movie. I called 911 and found out there were numerous fires in the area, but none in my neighborhood. I went back to sleep waking again to the sound of my neighbor pounding on my door. She's 86 and was in a panic about what was happening and what to do about it. Neighbors were in the street. You could see the fire nearby. We chose to evacuate while we could. She went to a family member's home, I went to a shelter. 
Deja vu for me. One Saturn cycle ago, I had to run for my life and was in a shelter, but for a very different reason. Here it was again. Forced out of my house by threat of death.
Saturn was and is transitting my 4th house. 
Why am I telling you this story?
For the past 29+ years, I have devoted myself to a study of astrology. It has provided me a tool for understanding the events in my life. The planets cycle through our natal charts at different speeds and many of them will touch the same points several times in our lives. Each time we have choices as to how we will respond or react. we can either consciously work with a planet or it will work on us ... usually in more challenging and difficult way. Things happen, but we do have choices. Astrology can help us work with events in the most conscious way so that rather than going around in circles, we can spiral upwards towards healing and wholeness.
What is the meaning of this fire in your life? 
Perhaps an astrological reading can help you sort things out. 
Until the end of 2017 I am offering readings half price for anyone in Sonoma, Napa, Lake, Marin or Mendocino counties. Email or call to set it up.
(BTW The Moon is in Gemini. My Sun is in Gemini and Scorpio is in my third house. Was 'called' to write this post today.... for some reason.)




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Full Moon in Gemini 2016

12/12/2016

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This Full Moon in Gemini emphasizes knowledge (Gemini) and meaning (Sagittarius). They are different, but related. We have heard about the basic needs that our human body must have to maintain life. But, I believe, that we also need to have a sense of meaning and purpose, in order to thrive. It is not enough to just maintain the physical body. We need to have a ‘why’, especially during challenging times.
We are going to need a strong sense of ‘why’ in the next few years….especially ‘why bother’.
Gemini collects the data through our senses and Sagittarius synthesizes it into a meaningful pattern that gives us a reason to continue. But, as many studies have shown, the data can be incomplete and even flawed thus leading to ‘incorrect’ conclusions. We only see what we focus our attention on so we might miss some important and useful information that could change things completely.
Lately I have been thinking a lot about a homeless man who sits in a chair on the street in town. His belongings are under a tarp and when it rains, he hunkers down under a large umbrella. Thinking he might appreciate a hot meal and knowing he has preferences (since I have given him food before), I thought I would ask him what he would like.
After greeting him etc. I said, “I’d like to buy you a hot meal. What would you like?” He said that since he had to go to the bathroom so badly, he didn’t want to eat anymore right now. Hmmm, I certainly did not expect THAT answer, but it made sense. So I offered a hot cup of coffee. “I don’t drink coffee,” was his reply. Of course, I had thought he was so desperate and needy he would jump at the chance to get anything. I said he could eat later….his said…”No I’ve got so much here I need to deal with, thanks.” I wished him well and went on my way. I had been pitying this guy. Now, I sort of envied him. He knew what he wanted and needed and was not settling for anything else.
He turned my perceptions upside down. But, if I had not engaged him in a dialogue I would never have had the chance to change my mind about him. I know my action took some courage, since most people fear the homeless so much they don’t even want to look at them, but now respect has replaced pity.
The next day, I realized how comfortable I have become in the area where I live. I know lots of people and even if I am alone, I run into people I know, so I get ‘face time’. I know where everything is that I need. If I were to move (as I have thought a lot about recently) I would have to spend a lot of time creating my new maze, making new friends and finding things to do. I don’t want to do that. I am satisfied where I am.
This Full Moon sheds light on the importance of continuing to ‘collect data’ and ‘create meaning’ in order to feel fully alive. Finding comfort and satisfaction is important…but it can also lead to stagnation, boredom, listlessness and futility. Although content where I am, I do, sometimes feel my light is diminishing.

Since we only perceive what we turn our attention to…for good reason….apparently we can’t handle all the data that is available, it is important to spend time setting intentions, then turn your ‘dish’ in that direction. Don’t make hasty decisions. Take time to inform yourself. On the other hand, don’t overdo it. There is a time to act. You learn a lot from acting, making mistakes then correcting and acting again in another way.
The other day my post office box was full, but none of the mail was for me. They had mistakenly placed someone else’s mail in my box. Also, one of my magazine subscriptions failed to show up, so I assumed the post office had put this rather expensive magazine in someone else’s box. I was fuming.
I emailed and called the magazine company, but since it was the weekend, I got no response. Today I called again and found out that they had a delay on their side and that all the subscriptions were behind. I should receive it in a couple of days. Before that call, I was preparing to call the post office to complain. By taking time to seek more information, I avoided an embarrassing conflict.
This highlights another aspect of seeking more information. Rather than assuming, which as we know makes an ass out of u and me we need to slow down and find out what’s really true before acting and reacting.
Our president elect, DT is a master of putting his foot in his mouth. In fact, I don’t know how he walks, talks or eats since that foot is in there most of the time. He blows up, screams, yells, etc. then has to eat his words. He is the perfect example of what not to do if ever there was one. He teaches us all to reflect and ponder on what we really want to achieve with our words before we utter them.
During this holiday season, take time to gather information and contemplate before making assumptions and acting irrationally
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New Moon in Sagittarius 2016

11/27/2016

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The New Moon in Sagittarius occurs midway between the South Node in Pisces and the North Node in Virgo, referred to as the “bending” point of the moon’s nodal axis. It is considered a crossroads where we can either move backward (SN) or forward (NN). It is considered a date with destiny and a time we have to choose.
There is a compulsion to move in some direction since it is in a fire sign, but we may have no idea where, why, or how. This placement indicates that doing nothing is not an option. Movement is required.
This indecision and feeling of unknowing is enhanced by the SN conjunction with Neptune which may cloud our mind with nostalgia, reminiscences about the past, or doubt. Neptune’s positive input at this time is related to creative imagination. Imagination is the source of all accomplishments. If something is never imagined, it cannot be created. All creations by human beings began in imagination. There are several spiritual traditions that say even human beings began in the imagination of God.
Take the time for reverie. Allow your mind to drift (not while driving of course), dream, and fantasize.
In setting our future course, it is suggested that we head toward the NN on the horizon, which even though the NN is not an actual object, but just an imaginary place in space, it nonetheless can serve as a beacon. Virgo is at its highest expression when it keeps us taking one step at a time, remembering to evaluate our progress as we go along then readjusting the course as necessary. Virgo, a sign that is often criticized for being nit-picking, serves us at this time as a check on our progress. Analysis and evaluation are important tasks to determining how we are doing. Remaining objective helps us to not fool ourselves.
While not knowing may be uncomfortable, it may be necessary. In fact, it may be less useful to have a particular goal in mind at this time. It is better to be flexible as to result allowing for serendipity to bring in options you may not have thought of before that are actually much more satisfying than anything you may have fixed your sights on.
I have been trying to figure out how or where I could move while cleaning up and selling my house. Last night I dreamt someone offered me a free room in their house and unlimited free storage. I was overjoyed at this offer (now I just need someone to do that on this side of the veil). I had not been thinking along those lines at all, thinking I had to ‘do it all myself’. It never occurred to me to seek help from others. Which leads to another element to understanding this New Moon and how to best work with it.
Jupiter is the ruler of Sagittarius and it gets support from an exact sextile to Saturn and trine to Mars. Both these planets are ‘doers’ – Saturn likes to accomplish things and Mars gives the energy to do it. They serve to assist in moving forward albeit into the unknown.
It is suggested that we seek our ‘tribe’ at this time – those with whom we resonate. Working with like-minded people can accelerate soul growth. Collaborators along the path.
All archetypes are complex. Virgo is no different. It represents daily routines including work and habits. It is concerned with health, especially digestive health which starts with healthy eating. Small animals are under the care of Virgo as well…such as pets. The role of pets in our lives has expanded since many people now live alone and have opted out of having children. Pets are significant companions.
So here we have a place to start. Look at your daily routines and decide whether they are part of a healthy lifestyle. Take care of yourself. During the late fall and winter, we need more sleep. Make sure that is part of ‘your day’. While you think you get more done running around, getting sick then having to stay in bed for a few days or a week can set you back. Instead, pace yourself. Plan for slow, steady action. Be like a tortoise. Who won the race?
And finally, the Sabian symbol for this degree of the New Moon is “Within depths of the Earth new elements are being formed”.  The astrologer, Dane Rudhyar says this degree signifies “psychic gestation”, like the “alchemical fire which both purifies and transforms the very substance of one’s inner life.”

 
 
 
 


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Full Moon in Taurus 2016

11/11/2016

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Evolutionary Astrologers have been talking for years about how Pluto in Capricorn will shake up the status quo, including political, economic and religious institutions. The revolution started in the ‘60s when Pluto and Uranus were conjunct would be retriggered by the Pluto/Uranus squares leading to some huge changes.
Although the last of seven exact squares was in 2015, the impact of those transits took time to manifest.
What we see now is the surfacing of a roiling undercurrent. Many of us thought the hippies (now senior citizens) would rise and finish the revolution they started. Instead, those who feel they have been left behind, the ‘Silent Majority’, the white, uneducated lower middle class has triumphed in this recent election.
I have lived among them. I know something of how they think. They have been dissatisfied for decades. They feel they have worked hard and are now getting the shaft and are looking for scapegoats. The Donald provided them. Of course, they have no idea what they have unleashed. They feel vindicated. They believe their values have triumphed.
However, one of the darker sides of Scorpio is betrayal. And it will soon become apparent to his supporters that The Donald will not…in fact, cannot deliver. He has no idea of how to run a country, produce jobs, uplift their lives. Part of the issue is that they feel some sense of entitlement. They are the true Americans. They are Christian in a so-called Christian country.
I hate to admit it, but I am a Gemini like The Donald. Therefore I know of what I speak. One of the darker aspects of Gemini (ruled by Mercury, god of thieves and tricksters), is our ability to speak out of both sides of our mouths. In other words, lie. We can be silver-tongued devils. We will say whatever to whomever, to get what we want. And we don’t necessarily want it. We just want to win with our words. We will say one thing to one person and the opposite to someone else. Not a good combination for a President.
Also, Scorpio ruled by Pluto, represents death and transformation. I feel we are seeing the last gasp of a dying dinosaur – our capitalist economy whose base rests on slavery and its legacy. Hillary won the popular vote, DT won the electoral college, which was created during the days of slavery to count the slaves as 3/5 of a person so that the low populated southern states had a chance in elections.
So the legacy of slavery won DT the election. Our past traumas are up for examination and healing. Many are feeling triggered and are experiencing PTSD-like symptoms.
Jeffrey Wolf Green, the originator of Evolutionary Astrology, said up to 75% of people are born with PTSD either from past life experiences, in utero issues, or difficulty at birth. Current events are bringing up this trauma. Many report inexplicable fears arising, nightmares, physical symptoms.
Stephanie Austin says: “All Full Moons offer opportunities for us to see things in a new light, guiding us toward complementarity and integration, rather than polarization and division.” The Mountain Astrologer Oct/Nov 2016 issue.
This country is now polarized. Some say we could face a modern Civil War. And it will, once again, be related to slavery.
In some ways, DT is acting as the messenger from the Underworld, the manifestation of our irrational fears, the cancer that has been silently growing in this country for decades. Of course, I don’t think he has any idea what his role is during these transformative times. I think he thinks he is doing something. It is clear to me that larger forces are at work. Nothing else makes any sense.
During this Taurus Moon, I suggest you find ways to soothe yourself. Physical comfort, including healthy food, soft clothing, personal care in the form of baths, massage etc. can help deal with the pain and trauma this election has brought up in people. Don’t stop your self-care after the Full Moon. Let it be the beginning of a new daily regime.
I find comfort in Beauty (Taurus ruled by Venus) in the form of my jewelry making. Color and pattern eases my stress. Working with my hands helps my mind relax.
Another influence on this period is Neptune. All planetary archetypes have light and shadow aspects. Neptune’s shadow is addiction, escapism, codependency and victimization. It is conjunct the South Node in Pisces right now showing how these things are part of our collective past life. The South Node can represent our ‘fall back’ position. The known. There is a danger for many of us to find ways to escape the pain we are feeling. Now that recreational marijuana is legal in California, I fear more people will become enveloped in a cloud of smoke for the next four years. Tempting I must admit.
But the higher octave (hee hee no pun intended) is a deeper connection to the spiritual, creative, inspirational and compassionate. Jesus issued in the Piscean age. What Would Jesus Do could be our motto during these times. He did not back down when faced with inequity. He defended the down-trodden, the poor, the defenseless. We are asked to stand up to the Romans and all other forms of tyranny.
Neptune in its home sign of Pisces conjunct the SN also suggests we actively connect to higher energies to gain inspiration and develop our intuitions so that we can act more effectively during this time of great turmoil. Don’t waste your imaginative abilities on fear. Focus on what you want, not what you don’t want.
Then practice being in the NOW. Deal with WHAT IS…..not ‘what might happen.’ Actually anything could happen. Right now, my life is not effected. I am showing my fellow humans more kindness. Letting people go first, smiling at strangers, helping people I come across in my daily life. Practice kindness.
No one lives forever, not even tyrants. Nothing lasts forever except in our minds. Keep your thoughts as positive as you can. We are in life school. This is just a test.
 


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New Moon/Black Moon in Scorpio 2016

10/30/2016

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Here we are the New Moon in Scorpio conjunct Mercury. Among the many meanings of Scorpio, and the one I like best, is that it is the sign of transformation/reincarnation. At this time of the year in the northern hemisphere as we approach winter, we see all that appears to be dying around us. The leaves are turning colors and falling. The sky is dark, the days are short. And Scorpio signifies all that. But it as I said above, it also includes the transformation into something new. The atoms shift from one form to another. Where is consciousness in all this? Have you ever witnessed death? The person you once spent hours talking to, laughing with, being angry at….is what GONE? How can that be? The force that once lived inside that body that was once so vibrant, can’t just disappear. And if it does, what was it in the first place? It seemed so real. We seem so real….Our dreams, hopes, fears, loves….will all be gone someday. So why worry about it? Why do we spend so much time believing in these passing things?
And yet, we can’t just sit around and wait to die. We are here. We have to do something. One of my professors early in my college education said …..as long as we are here, we should study different languages, then….we will be able to communicate with more people. A noble cause. But there are hundreds of other pursuits one can follow. In fact, there is no limit to what we can do.
A couple times a month, I go on the bus with a bunch of seniors to a local casino. Many of them go every day. I ask “Why?” The answer is often “Because I’m bored. There’s nothing to do.” OMG! I think (and I would with all the Gemini and Mercury energy I have). Nothing to do? There’s too much for one lifetime!
But with all that there is to do, we still put it off for ‘someday’ when I have time. Maybe one reason we procrastinate so much is that something in us knows  that we will return and so have ‘plenty of time’ to do all the things we want to do.
I’d say few of us remember what it was we left undone in the past life, unfortunately. It can take a whole lifetime to know yourself, figure out what you truly want, then to do it. Back on the wheel of karma.
The last time I saw one of my long-time friends, I noticed the piles and piles of brand new books he had bought. I remember thinking: “Do you really think you will live long enough to read all these?” Of course, I did not say that. What I did say had something to do with all the work he had set up for himself studying all these things and that clearly, he planned to stay around for awhile, just so he could read all those books.
We are taught that New Moons represent new beginnings. So, what can a New Moon in Scorpio at the edge of winter say to us? Could it be that this is a time to question our beliefs about reality and our place in it? To change/shift/transform our opinion of ourselves….of others? To allow different thoughts and beliefs to arise that will be more in line with who we are now rather than we were 10, 20, 30 years ago.
For me there is a paradox with Scorpio. On the one hand, it is the sign for sex, death, transformation and reincarnation. On the other, it is a fixed water sign. Fixed signs like to hold on to the status quo. They seek stability and security. This is a contradiction. Perhaps, because they know deeply that things are always changing, they seek to hold on as much as possible. To create an illusion of stability in order to feel safer, more in control.
I think in this time of ‘dire beauty’, a term coined by Caroline Casey, what we need to develop is resilience. We need to deeply understand that there is no end…The Earth abides. Form and shape will change, but not substance. We see evidence everywhere that the Earth has been through a lot. Humans have been here but a short time and we have had a profound effect on everything around us. But maybe our time is ending. Just like the dinosaurs.
But the atoms of the dinosaurs are still with us. In fact, their decayed and transformed bodies, along with all the ancient plants, are the coal and oil that drives our world. We have taken them out of the ground and vaporized them into our atmosphere. We changed them from solids into gases.
We, too, will become rarified someday.
Don’t take yourself too seriously. Do think about what regrets you might have on your death bed, then get moving and do something about it NOW!
I think there is significance in the fact that this New Moon is one day from Halloween. Many of us associate Halloween with ‘shape-shifting’, living out our fantasies by dressing up in costumes. We allow others to see something normally hidden from others…our dreams, our desires. Why not do that every day? Why hide behind to façade of acceptability…wearing the uniform of uniformity? Dress up every day. Cosplay…everyday. Why not? Show the world who you really are inside?
What keeps us from doing this is usually fear. Fear of rejection. And yet, I have found that usually everyone is secretly longing to be released in this same way. This was the best part of the ‘60s for me. That we ‘dressed up’ as our fantasy self. It was marvelous to go to the Haight and see the beauty and creativity. Now we are back in uniformity. The young today all look alike. Same hair, same clothes. So afraid to be different, unacceptable.
Remember that EVERY ONE will die. Even the bully.

 
 
 
 
 


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Full Moon in Aries 2016

10/13/2016

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This Full Moon is conjunct Uranus (radical change) and Eris (discord). One of the recent mantras of astrology “you can’t make this shit up” is so apt at this time. Just look at this election cycle. This Full Moon is in a wide orb to Pluto in Capricorn…a T square in cardinal signs. If you factor in Vesta in Cancer...it’s a wide Grand Cross.
Cardinal signs are those that initiate things. The year is winding down, and we are going into dark of winter, not the best time for new beginnings. However, a great time to ruminate about what you want to do ‘next’ and plant the seeds you want to see blooming in the Spring.
The Aries/Libra axis is about freedom and partnership. Ideal relationships are those where people can fully be themselves while being in relationships of all types. Seeking a balance between individuality and cooperation. Most of us know what the lack of this looks like. Few have witnessed or experienced true equality between the sexes.
Years ago I knew a heterosexual couple who were consciously striving to accomplish it. But after spending time with them, I saw that the man was giving in a lot just to keep the peace and not be ‘a chauvinist pig’. The woman was dominating and she ruled the roost. Not really balanced after all.
So many people on KPFA radio today are talking about how the information coming up about Trump is great because it is revealing the under-belly of our culture. Digging up the taboos, bringing the crap up to the surface to be looked at and hopefully, cleaned up. Talk about Pluto in Capricorn! Yes, we have all heard about ‘locker room talk’ and actually, most of us probably have done it ourselves (c’mon, be honest, you never talked like that with any of your friends?), but in his case, he seems to actually act on it. 
The trouble is that it reveals an underlying belief system; that people are objects that we can use and abuse, then discard when they no longer serve. This is what the whole planet is suffering from. Mother Nature has been treated with this type of disregard as well and she is fighting back (all these severe storms). She is fed up with having her pussy grabbed at will by any fool who comes around.
One of the causes of this is Capitalism. Just finished and highly recommend a book by called “Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind”, by Yuval Noah Harari. I highly recommend this book. It talks about the rise of the state, money, trade, religions, and so many other ideas that have been invented to control people. He makes the case that all of this is a result of ideas….not reality. All made up by people and foisted on others. Culture is created by people to inculcate ideas into the young. Means of enforcement are developed to make sure people are toeing the line. Caroline Casey quotes a Revered Billy: “If we can think it up, we can think it down.” I love that.
Mars will be conjunct Pluto, the God of Transformation Oct. 18, initiating a new cycle in our consciousness desire natures. Desire, conscious and unconscious is what this level is all about. In EA we believe that until all our desires have been ‘satisfied’ we cannot return ‘Home’. Our bodies will die, but our souls will reincarnate to fulfill the remaining desires. Desire is not bad in and of itself. It is part of the material plane. When acting out our desires hurts another, karma is created.
Last week I went to Steven Forrest’s Apprenticeship Program astrology retreat in Calistoga. I had a revelation there in relation to Trump. Since he has spoken the unspeakable, we are now free to talk about what we believe in. Time to come out of the closet as an astrologer, past life regression facilitator, energy healing worker, whatever. No need to hide it, be embarrassed about it or fear repression. The lid has been blown off. Free speech applies to us too!

 
 


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Libra New Moon 2016

9/29/2016

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New Moons are said to opportunities for new beginnings. Libra is characterized by the Scales and so many think Librans are balanced. Actually, they are learning balance, especially in relationships. Learning to balance the needs for independence and connection. For many people, co-dependence is the ‘go to’ condition…the natural tendency, so this is a lesson for all of us. Cooperation and compromise are useful in all human relationships.
Libra is ruled by Venus. Neptune is considered the ‘higher octave’ of Venus. Neptune trines Venus and quincunxes this New Moon. Venus relates to Beauty, Neptune the inspiration that motivates the creation of beautiful things…like art, music, poetry. Perhaps this New Moon you might consider starting a new creative endeavor. The quincunx is a 150° aspect and thus, since it is a multiple of 5, is related to Venus.
The orbit of Neptune is 165 years and it stays in a sign around 14 years. Thus, like Pluto, in EA we speak of there being Neptune generations as well as Pluto generations.

Many of us have Neptune in Libra (1942-1956) and thus share some common issues. We are motivated to find the balance between the sexes and seek fairness in dealings with others. We also share certain past life issues: slavery and exile from homeland which has left a residue of fear making balance and fairness challenging. Some of us will have to ‘give up and give in’ and others will have to become more assertive and ‘demanding’. Both can be unfamiliar and difficult.
I have found it easier to identify and ask for what I want now that I am a senior. I am not willing to be overlooked, nor am I willing for others to make decisions for me. Of course, I wish I could have been like this earlier in life, but better late than never.

Jupiter, now in Libra, is within 4° of this New Moon, expanding the opportunities for new beginnings. Jupiter in Libra relates to our beliefs about relationships. These ‘beliefs’ are initiated by our upbringing and then often reinforced by our experiences since we tend to project, then attract based on our ‘beliefs’ thus strengthening them.  Many feel that challenging their upbringing is a type of betrayal of their families, religions, culture….but if no one ever challenged the ‘status quo’ we would still be living in caves and hunting and gathering for our food. Innovation can be risky, but growth means creation of the new.
This New Moon in Libra will occur within orb of my natal Neptune. Since my Moon is in Pisces in the 7th house, and Neptune is currently transiting there, I feel this is a kind of mutual reception.
For me, the ‘new beginning’ has been a return. I joined the Embroiderer’s Guild of America and went to my first event yesterday. As some of you know, I make soutache jewelry
www.silkroadsoutache.com and often tell the story of how my first entry into needlework was around 6 years old when one of my auntie’s bought me an embroidery kit.
I always admired the embroidered and crocheted linens I saw in my older aunts’ homes and wanted to learn how to do it. Now over 6 decades later, after many years doing different types of needlework, I make soutache jewelry which uses many of the same skills I have learned over the years.
Yesterday I spent several hours with mostly women, learning a new embroidery technique. It was comforting and grounding being surrounded by these women who have a passion for needlework. I realized women have been getting together like this for centuries. The foundation of culture. Women weaving the web of life and culture together.
But, the downside of this is that women teach culture to their children. Women in traditional China who wanted their daughters to marry, were complicit in the foot-binding process sometimes being the ones to break their daughters’ bones.
The bond with Mother can be stifling and suffocating. This relationship too, needs to learn balance. Mothers need to free their children (boys and girls) while providing care and support – not an easy task.
We are all being given the opportunity to grow in the way we do relationships, no matter who we are.
 

 
 
 
 
 
 


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Full Moon Eclipse in Pisces 2016

9/14/2016

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Those of you who have been reading my blog posts may recall I didn’t post the New Moon Eclipse last time. I have been deep in a process of review including reading my old journals. This process was motivated by something Stephanie Austin wrote in her article in The Mountain Astrologer. She says that since eclipses have a 19 year cycle, we might look back to what was going on during the last eclipse that occurred at a particular degree to see what choices we made (or did not make) last time. The eclipse we will have on Sept. 16 is at the same degree as one that occurred on Sept. 16, 1997.
Seems like a million years ago doesn’t it? So much has changed since then. I thought by reading my old journals, I could gain some insights that could inform my present and future. In September, 1997, I was preparing to go to Egypt and one of my beloved cats (Amber) was in the hospital. She did not make it. I took some of her fur with me and put it in the sarcophagus in the Great Pyramid and some in Hathor’s Temple of Dendera.
Among the reasons I love astrology is that one can get so much insight about themselves and others and as one continues to study and learn, that insight deepens and expands. Personally, I have two significant T squares that make it difficult for me to make decisions on the one hand (Sun, Moon, and Ascendant) and an overblown sense that my decisions have life or death consequences (Pluto and Saturn square the Nodes).
Currently, transiting Saturn and Neptune form a T square with my Sun. The transiting NN in Virgo makes it a Grand Cross. Since I see transits as opportunities for growth, I always look for the ‘positive’ meaning. So, part of my life review has included how best to work with both my natal T squares and those created by transits. This morning I came to a useful synthesis.
Now on to the Eclipse. I want to start with a quote from Stephanie Austin whom I met while visiting a friend in Port Townsend and then spent some time with on a subsequent visit.
“Eclipses propel us to take big steps on our soul’s journey. While solar eclipses induce shifts in self-perception and the roles we play in the world, lunar eclipses activate us on a more subconscious and emotional level, exposing motivations that have been below the level of our awareness.”
Another idea about eclipses is that they function as portals between worlds through which souls come and go from the planet.
I believe we are here on this planet to learn. But ‘what’ and ‘why’? I would also ask ‘how’? At first we learn through pain. ‘Bad things’ happen and hopefully we learn from them. Often what we learn is so skewed by the fact is was learned through pain, it ends up making things worse. We shut down, act through fear, anger or revenge. Seldom do we learn to love or give more. Seldom do we open up wider to life. This process of learning through pain does have a limit however. It takes a kind of ‘bottoming out’.
The Pisces/Virgo axis in Evolutionary Astrology represents service/servitude. Do we willingly serve others? Or do we feel forced or compelled? Do we serve out of love or guilt? Do we serve with an agenda or freely? Virgo and the 6th house relate to the tasks of everyday life. Pisces and the 12th - the infinite the boundless Cosmos. Many spiritual paths include daily practices and disciplines that are to be done in order to reach the Ultimate. But if we do our practices grudgingly, they will not get us there. Better not to pray than to do it with resentment.
In Arabic the word ‘abdul’ means ‘servant’. Ultimately, ‘servant of God’. It is considered an honor to serve, not a punishment. The ancient Maya saw taking on burdens of responsibility as gifts to be earned. Imagine! A person saw added responsibility as a reward not a punishment. In our culture, we see success as being freed from burdens and responsibilities. But, in fact, all successful people actually work MORE than the average person.
Look to see where this Full Moon eclipse falls in your chart. This is the axis where growth can occur. Examine your motivations. Do you act from fear, compulsion, guilt or anger? Can you see all your work: job, tasks performed for your family, or even cleaning the cat box…etc. as ‘service’ performed with love? I mean no insult, but what if all we do can be seen as service to God (as we see him/her/it)?  If we could get our Ego out of the picture, we might see that everything we do here on Earth is, in a sense, a gift. A gift that comes with being incarnated into a human body. According to some, there are souls lined up hoping and waiting for a chance to get here.
We might ‘hate’ having to do laundry, go grocery shopping…whatever. But, if we became bed-ridden or dependent on others due to an accident or illness, we might long for the time when we did things ourselves. We might actually miss those mundane tasks which we complained about before. I try to ‘be grateful’ that I can do things myself (need to expand this to a major house clean…ha ha), saying ‘aren’t I lucky I can do this’, rather than resenting it. Try it.
 



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Full Moon in Aquarius 2016

8/17/2016

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The Full Moon is actually a reflection of the Sun. When the Sun is exactly opposite the Moon and there is no blockage by the Earth (an eclipse), we call this a Full Moon. The Moon itself emits no light. If not for the Sun, the Moon would not be visible. In fact, without the Sun’s light no planet would be visible. This gives us important information about the role of the Sun in our chart.
The Sun in our charts is our ‘Sun sign.’ Few ever ask you what your Venus sign is…In Evolutionary Astrology we ask about the Pluto sign, but that is a feature that distinguishes the EA method.
The Sun shines light on every other part of the chart. Some astrologers ask where the Earth is in the chart and some say the Earth is You standing in the center. The Sun allows all the other bodies: planets and asteroids to be seen. That Sun is both the witness and in many ways, the Founding Source because the Sun is the center of our solar system which would not exist without that central star.
I’m sure many of you have heard of this conundrum: if a tree falls in the woods and no one is around, does it make a sound? We are asked to give our gifts, but without a receiver, an audience, a client….whatever, how can we do this? We may be a writer, but unless someone reads our work, so what?
This shows the ultimate importance of relationship and sheds light on the dilemma of Leo. The Sun rules Leo and needs to be the center of attention. Leo needs an audience. Some say Leo is self-centered. Without others to witness ‘their glory’ they become depressed and sullen. They need people. And yet, we all know what a drag the unevolved Leo, who constantly demands attention and is never satisfied, can be. So Leo needs to learn to share, to let others have a chance to be the center of attention.
Official ‘baby boomers’ all have Pluto in Leo. Many of us are such late-bloomers, we die before we manifest our destiny, yet we spend our entire lives trying to ‘find our thing’. We started the conscious-movement. We opened the doors of perception. We threw ourselves into the spiritual life. But after that, what next? Expanding awareness is important, but to what end?
After the hero goes on his journey and finds the treasure, his task is to bring it back home to those who stayed home and try to find a way translate what he has learned so that it benefits humanity.
But what if no one cares or is listening? What if our ‘message’ is unwelcome or disturbing? This is where the finessing influence of Mercury or Venus enters. Helping to translate the message or make it more palatable. Mercury and Venus are close to the Sun and in our charts are never far from it. They can help us deliver our message.
Mercury and Venus are both in Virgo, slightly ahead of the Sun. They can help us prepare and refine our message.
On the other hand, the Moon in Aquarius can be viewed as the alienated loner. A quote attributed to Aquarius is “I love humanity, its people I can’t stand.” That being said, it looks like Aquarius does not need an audience. As we know, the Moon is invisible without the Sun. The Moon in Aquarius might, in fact be a little uncomfortable with all the attention.
This Full Moon you might think about what you want the shed light on and what you want to remain hidden. Do you really want to be the center of attention? Are you prepared for all that attention? We may dream of fame and fortune, but could we handle it?
Another important transit that is in effect now is the Saturn/Neptune square. Many of us are feeling both stimulated and exhausted. Full of creative ideas and no energy to manifest them. This is one way to see the effects of the Saturn/Neptune square. More me, it makes a Grand Cross with my Sun in Gemini and my Ascendant in Virgo.
As some of you know, besides being an astrologer, I make jewelry www.silkroadsoutache.com
My business is growing which is very exciting. I will be teaching a workshop next April through Art is You www.eatcakecreate.com I have had to ask myself “how much success am I prepared for?” And how can I expand and grow my business in a manageable way? What are my next steps?
For me this is the manifestation of Neptune in Pisces transiting over my natal Moon. I have been receiving so many downloads, it sometimes interferes with my sleep. However, with Saturn squaring that, I find myself unable to translate my ideas into actual pieces. This has led to frustration bordering on self-sabotage. I am highly motivated, full of ideas and stuck and exhausted. The way I am working with this is to take tiny, but continual steps. Not giving in to the frustration, not expecting huge results, but being content with slow progress.  
When I recount events from my own life, I do so hoping they will serve to illustrate how transits affect our lives. Hopefully, you the reader, can get some benefit from these examples.


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    Hamida Judith Dides, M.A. is an evolutionary astrologer living in Northern California.

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