Make the most of your chart

Many astrologers have discussed the concept of freewill in astrology.

In a natal chart, we are given many different routes of expression.  

We tend to side with one end of an opposition while disowning the other, or we could hop from one side to the other.  

Internal struggle can find its way to our system with a square, while the intensity in a conjunction can act like blindspots to aspects of our personality.

We can't rid ourselves of the oppositions and squares in our chart, but we do have freewill in how we can deal with them.  'Consciousness' is the key.  I can't even remember where I had read this but if you have a square or opposition, e.g. Venus square Saturn, frustrations may arise in love relationships where the native ultimately needs to learn to love him/herself.  The blockage can be ameliorated by becoming conscious of this psychological tendency.  With this awareness, the individual can learn from the expression of a trine and/or sextile between Saturn-Venus, e.g. to develop a realistic view of what to expect from others and to be cautious without being suspicious.

Currently, I'm grappling with my Moon-Uranus opposition.  I'm forever hopping from one end to the other:  craving intimacy one moment (Moon) and yearning for freedom the next (Uranus).  It's driving me nutty at the moment, though I know this is merely a learning opportunity - for me to learn to express it as if it is a Moon-Uranus sextile or trine.

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Full Moon in Taurus 2012

Full Moon is a time where the shadow is under the glaring illumination of the Sun.

With the Sun in Scorpio and the Moon in Taurus opposing one another on 29th October at 19:49 BST, we have our monthly chance of receiving a message under this culmination point.

With the Full Moon in Taurus, we are shown where our values lie.  Taurus is associated with the physical body, our values, our sense of worth and our material possessions.  The Sun in Scorpio, in a separating conjunction to Saturn, is not just showing us what junk to release but also highlighting the lessons on the darker aspects of life.

This full moon conjunct my Chiron exactly, where my natal Chiron conjunct my MC.  When you look at the vastness of the world, or even the Universe, one feels so insignificant.  How can tiny 'me' contribute to the greater whole?  The sign Taurus is about building something up, step by step.

'Rome wasn't built in a day'.  

If there is something you feel strongly about, but don't know how to go about achieving it, then you can begin by taking incremental steps towards it.  Remember all of us learn to crawl before we walk, and walk before we run.  Don't be so hard on yourself and expect to achieve your goals instantly.  After all, we have a T-square, where Venus in Libra oppose Uranus in Aries and square Pluto in Capricorn respectively.  External conflicts on a global scale can have a knock-on effect on us individuals, but we mustn't let that stop us from reaching our full potential.

If you have the opposite problem, where you find it hard to motivate yourself, then you can tap into the diligent and persevering qualities of Taurus to get yourself moving and get something done - however little that might be.  For example, if you are a writer, the first step is to get yourself seated in front of your computer/writing materials and write SOMETHING down.  It's a start at least.

With my MC involved under this Taurean Full Moon, I am also being made aware of my worth in society.  What can I offer the world?  Being a perfectionist, I often try to do my best in every situation possible, but now I can finally say to myself, 'It's OK NOT to be know something,' and as Robert Ohotto once said on his radio show, 'There are times when you can only give 75%.'  Yesterday, I found out that an organisation I belong to had to deal with some legal issues.  Being outside my area of expertise, I couldn't offer any assistance at all, but I soon learned that there were many other members who could and were putting their heads together to solve the problem.  Had there been noone available to deal with the matter, I would see it as an opportunity/lesson for me to learn something from that 'problem'.  However, since the matter was being whipped away from me by more able-bodies, I took it as a message for me to understand that each of us is endowed with our unique gifts and talents.  I couldn't offer my assistance on this matter, but I know exactly where I stand in the organisation and what I CAN offer the group with my other talents.   In essence, I learn to be aware of my role in the outer world.

What message have you received from this Taurus Full Moon?  Where do you need to build-up something step-by-step?      

New Moon in Virgo 2012

The New Moon in analytical Virgo on 16th September is at 23 degrees 37 minutes, exact at 2:11am GMT.  

This New Moon conjunct its ruler Mercury, symbolising the start of a new plan, a new way of thinking and a new routine.  However, with the other Mercury-ruled planet, Jupiter, in Gemini quincunx action-oriented Mars in Scorpio, there is a danger of taking on too much and thus energy becomes scattered.  Moreover, with the New Moon trine the South Node, laziness is likely to creep in through the back door, since the South Node is the path of least resistance.  Any supposed 'new' inspirations may merely be a regurgitation of re-organised old ideas.  Creativity is likely to be strained too with Neptune square this South Node.  

How to harness this New Moon energy in Virgo

Practice Makes Perfect 
Virgo rules the 6th house of daily routines and mundane living.  Being a practical and down-to-earth sign,   Virgo reminds us that repeated actions do eventually become a habit.  The more you do something, the better you become, i.e. Practice Makes Perfect.  The process may seem like a drag, but obtaining expert status ultimately is well worth the hard work.

Increase your Efficiency
Virgo has the wonderful energy of helping us to organise our time and focus our energy on getting things done.  This is fantastic for procrastinators like me.  I find it a necessity to write a 'to-do' list on a daily basis. It acts as a framework for me to accomplish compulsory tasks/chores.  So instead of allowing time to fritter away, have in your mind what needs to be completed and have the determination to stick by it.  If it feels as if 24 hours isn't enough for you, work faster or find a different method of working.  Use your time effectively and efficiently.

Healthy Lifestyle
A participant in my Virgo New Moon Wishing workshop mentioned the importance of adhering to a set routine when it comes to eating and sleeping, i.e. at the very least, keep your meal times and bedtime stable.  Virgo is associated with physical health and unless we feed our bodies with wholesome food and allowing them to rest adequately, we won't be able to reap the benefits of good health.  Too many people take their health for granted and do not realise that it is something which requires active maintenance.  And we mustn't forget the importance of exercise too.  Doreen Virtue, angel therapist, once claimed on her radio show that exercise should be a daily habit - just like having a shower!

Find order from chaos
Besides becoming an efficient individual, the Virgoan energy also allows us to untangle 'knots' we encounter in our daily lives.  What appears to be a mess in your life?  It may look ominously impossible but there is a way to straighten it out - perhaps not completely in one go, but there is bound to be a solution for it.  Or maybe it's not as serious as you think?  Sometimes, I find it extremely valuable to run the 'problem' by a friend and get their perspective on it.  They could take you closer to the solution than you think.  (Or tell you it isn't a problem in the first place!)

Be kind to yourself and others
It is easy to fall into the Virgo trap of focusing too much on the finer details and missing the forest for the trees.  Both are equally important - find a healthy balance between organising the smaller steps without losing sight of the overall picture.  Being meticulous is one thing, but being downright pedantic is another.  Relax and permit yourself to say 'Well done, you have tried your best.'  Being overly-critical on yourself and others is not productive for anyone.

Full Moon in Aquarius 2012

The full moon in Aquarius (10 degrees 15 minutes) on 2nd August at 03:28 GMT brings us to our monthly culmination point. Look out for natal planets in fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius) making major aspects (conjunction, opposition or square) to this full moon.

This is a time when hidden information is exposed under the full illumination of the Sun and a time to review your current projects, especially ones started two weeks ago at the time of the Cancer new moon.  Full Moons are also times when emotions are heightened.  However, since the moon is in Aquarius, a fixed air sign, a touch of logic is added to the mix.

The theme of 'me' versus 'you'/'they' is prominent in this full moon. The Sun is in egocentric Leo, concerning with self-expression and allowing the inner self to shine (especially with communicative Mercury also in Leo, albeit in retrograde). However, we have the Moon in humanitarian Aquarius, concerning with tapping into the group consciousness. Together, we are urged to allow ourselves to shine (Leo) and be unique in a group setting (Aquarius) where similar goals are shared by all the members of the group, i.e. network with like-minded souls who hold similar hopes and dreams as you.

The Sun is in its natural sign this time (Leo) so let's take a look at Uranus and Saturn, which rule the Aquarian Moon. Uranus in Aries, another ego-driven sign, trine the Leo Sun and Mercury and sextile the Moon. Take a detached-stance in your thinking. Saturn in Libra conjunct Mars and trine Venus in Gemini, encouraging the need to compromise with others where appropriate - being an individual is important but so is being a team-player.

There is a definite 'buzz' in the air with all the planets (except Neptune and Pluto) in fire or air signs. In addition, this full moon is blessed with a trine to Jupiter in Gemini, boosting our optimism and expanding the mind. Think big and be positive.

Where does the full moon fall in your chart?

New Moon in Taurus 2012

New Moons give us fertile grounds to sow seeds; to throw our wishes out to the Universe.  What's the energy pattern like astrologically during the New Moon in Taurus (at 1 degree 35 minutes) on 21st April 2012?

With the New Moon falling in the earth sign of Taurus, practical concerns, financial matters and sensual pleasures are highlighted, so planting your wishes surrounding these issues aptly correspond to this Taurean New Moon energy.

Though not in aspect to the New Moon, Jupiter is also in Taurus, thus amplifying the Taurean energy somewhat, bringing a sense of joy and abundance to the picture.  The New Moon is oppose Saturn, retrograding in Libra (though it is an out-of-sign aspect).  Sign-wise, it is a quincunx.  The point worth noting here is that both the New Moon and Saturn are Venus-ruled so an understanding can be achieved by tapping into the Venusian energy.  With Taurus-Libra, we have two different ways of expressing our Venusian qualities.  Taurus is concerned with the physical world, the body and the senses, whereas Libra is concerned with relating and interactions.  This New Moon is also part of an earth grand trine with Mars in Virgo (now going direct) and Pluto in Capricorn (in retrograde).  'Tread carefully' seems to be the theme here with the Taurus New Moon wanting a new beginning on a practical matter, encouraged by the trine from Mars, thinking that enough planning has been achieved (Mars in Virgo), and just as long as steady progress is maintained, all will be well. However, Mars continues to oppose the Neptune/Chiron conjunction, so there could be unknown factors at play.  If it's concerning a personal development project, e.g. building your self-esteem or reshuffling your beliefs and values, then go easy and ask yourself if you are ready to confront your demons (Pluto in the grand trine in retrograde).  Do what you feel comfortable at this point.  Venus in Gemini balances the two opposing sides (New Moon in Taurus versus Saturn in Libra) by injecting a breath of air.  Be flexible with your thinking and express your desires verbally.  Lighten up, don't take negative comments to heart.

With Mercury (now direct) conjunct Uranus in Aries, both trine the North Node in Sagittarius, it is tempting to think big and wild, but both are Mars-ruled, and with it in Virgo, focus on the smaller steps in achieving your goals.  It is well enough to have a plan but to implement it requires astute research and planning.  In addition, the Mercury-Uranus conjunction is square Pluto so take it easy and be true to yourself - how much can you really take on?  Don't open a can of worms with no contingency plans.

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Venus in Gemini 2012

Venus normally stays in a sign for three to four weeks, but due to its retrograde motion, it is to remain in Gemini for three months - from 3rd April to 7th August.

With Mercury ruling Venus for three months, the Venusian qualities are being expressed through the spoken word and the objective mind, particularly that Mercury finally goes direct on 4th April, ending the period of introspection of the mind.  Mercury in Pisces may inspire you to utter loving words, but if you're not feeling brave enough, perhaps with Mercury re-entering Aries on 16/17th April, it may provide you with the much needed push to boldly serenade to your object of affection.

Besides love and relationships, Venus also rules money and sensory pleasures.  With the Sun and Mercury ingressing into Taurus (a sign ruled by Venus) on 19th April and 9 May respectively, practical concerns move to the fore with this energy shift  into the earth element.  Spend money on beautifying your living space, titillate your palate on exotic cuisines, unwind at a spa with an aromatherapy massage, admire paintings by your favourite artist in an art gallery, or simple take a walk in the local park - just stimulate and indulge your five senses.

By 15th May, Venus goes retrograde at 23 degrees 59.9 minutes and turns direct again on 27th June at 7 degrees 29.3 minutes.  Look in your natal chart for planets in Gemini between these degrees, and any mutable signs too (Sagittarius, Virgo and Pisces).  Planets in retrograde allow us to slow down and turn within.  In Venus, we are encouraged to introspect in relation to our values and beliefs during this six-week period.  What do you value the most?  What are your beliefs?  This is also a time to review the state of your current relationships.  Are you happy where you are or do you want to take things to a different level?  Concerning finances, this may be the time to evaluate your assets and shop around for the best deals on offer, but remember this is a time of review and evaluation rather than action.

Venus in Gemini will form a T-Square with my natal Sun-Saturn opposition by mid-April and in mid-June.  Interesting times ahead concerning my self-esteem and belief system - be kind to me, Goddess!

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Full Moon in Libra 2012

Did you make any New Moon wishes?  Besides bringing revealing information, Full Moons are also perfect times to review your plans and New Moon wishes.

With the Sun in Aries and the Moon in Libra (at 17 degrees 23 minutes) positioning themselves exactly opposite one another on 6th April at 20:20 GMT, we have the opportunity to balance out the need to co-operate with others and being an individual. The Full Moon also illuminates the shadow sides of Aries and Libra - where are you being egotistic and impulsive?  And where are you being co-dependent and a people-pleaser (in the name of peace)?

Mars, the ruler of Aries, and Venus, the ruler of Libra, happen to square one another under this full moon, making it extra challenging to iron-out the differences between these two archetypes. Fortunately, squares are not just all gloom and doom, the tension can create that surge of motivational energy, propelling us to overcome our problems and pushing us to personal growth.  Taking into account that Mars is still in retrograde until 14th April, its usual brash energy may be easier to tame and negotiate.  However, as both planets are ruled by Mercury (Mars in Virgo and Venus in Gemini) and with Mercury in Pisces (and Mars oppose Neptune), confusion can cloud one's thinking.  Venus, as the focal planet in the T-Square with Mars and Neptune, the way forward is to reach a compromise by being diplomatic and choosing your words carefully (Venus in Gemini).

I wonder what kind of message I will receive under this Full Moon, with it conjunct my Venus-ruled Pluto in 3rd sextile Neptune?  Being a generational aspect though, the effect is unlikely to be personal but affecting the masses.

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New Moon in Aries 2012

The Sun and the Moon are due for their monthly rendezvous on 22nd March at 14.38 GMT.  This time, they meet in the sign of bold and dynamic Aries at 2 degrees 22 minutes.

Even though Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, its leadership quality and its tendency to blaze new trails are unlikely to be unleashed in the usual fashion.  This is due to the fact that its ruler, Mars, is still in its retrograde phase. In addition, Mercury is retrograding in the sign of Aries (not to mention Saturn is also in retrograde, but in Libra).  Therefore, the theme of introspection is interwoven into the message of this new moon.  All in all, we have 4 planetary bodies in an Aries stellium:  Sun, Moon, Mercury and Uranus.  You can still act, be courageous and take risks, but only after the careful consideration of all the available facts. Even so, this may be a bit tricky, especially with Mars, retrograding in Virgo, oppose Neptune (and Chiron), so information could be kept from you. With Saturn trine Neptune, ensure your plans are not too idealistic and make them as practical as possible (with Saturn trine Neptune).

This leads to another sub-theme of this new moon - practicality.  With Mercury and Uranus 'sandwiching' the New Moon, we are encouraged to think outside the box, but with the grand earth trine in Mars, Pluto and Jupiter, we are also urged to keep our plans 'real', down-to-earth and feasible.  Having said that, Mercury conjunct Uranus can help us extend our mind and breakdown the 'I can't do it' barrier.  With Jupiter conjunct Venus in Taurus, we are reminded of our own beliefs and values.  So do what you can within your own physical limits and personal beliefs.  The nodal axis square the Mars-Neptune opposition would like us to think and move beyond our comfort zone without stepping into muddy territory.  If in doubt, ask, check, double check, triple check.

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Full Moon in Virgo 2012

The moon is under full illumination on 8th March at 9.41am (GMT).  Full Moons are culmination points and great times to adjust your plans and review your New Moon wishes.  

With the Sun in Pisces and the Moon in Virgo (at 18 degrees 13 minutes), we face the need to balance the polarity between these two mutable signs.  How can we make practical use of our spiritual pursuits?  What spiritual teachings can be readily immersed into our everyday living?  James Redfield's 'Celestine Prophecy' comes to mind.  In particular, in his sequel, 'The Tenth Insight', he mentions the need to 'hold the vision' of our spiritual thoughts/teachings and apply them into our mundane lives.  

Easier said than done.  

Initially, I found it next to impossible to have compassion and be non-judgmental when come face-to-face with unsavory souls.  I personally have quite a number of natal oppositions between Pisces-Virgo so I know one of the my life missions is to balance out being spiritual without losing my groundedness.  As Teihard de Chardin said, 'We are not human beings having a spiritual experience.  We are spiritual beings having a human experience.'  The way I see it, we have incarnated onto the physical plane so we are required to satisfy our practical means first, e.g. food to eat, place of shelter.  However, spiritual teachings can support us mortals, making our 'human' journey easier to understand and tolerate.

Being practical and spiritual are just as important as one another.  This theme is further reinforced by Neptune (modern ruler of Pisces) in Pisces trine Saturn in Libra (out-of sign).  Injecting compassion into our social interactions may require some extra effort but it's worth taking that extra step to iron-out individual differences and to understand where the other person is coming from.

In addition, we have Pisces' traditional ruler, Jupiter, in Taurus trine Pluto in Capricorn.  We are urge to be realistic with releasing past hurts and burdens.  Do what you can manage at this point in time.  With Mercury in Aries, we may get impatient and push ourselves too far, but Mercury is gradually slowing down its pace as it approaches its retrograde motion on 12th March.  Keep the motivational energy within you but consider tapping into the grand earth trine among Jupiter, Pluto and Mars (which is in retrograde and in mutual reception with Mercury).  Try your best but be realistic with your goals. 

This full moon conjunct my North Node and makes various aspects to my outer planets so this is likely to be a time to get pushed outside my comfort zone.  I can already feel it!

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Transiting Venus in Taurus 2012

Get ready for a wave of relaxing and indulgent energy to wash over us when Venus enters one of its own signs, Taurus, on 5th March at 10:24 GMT.  The Goddess of love and money is due to stay in comfort-seeking Taurus for about a month, leaving on 3rd April.  Transiting Mercury is due to conjunct Uranus in Aries an hour after Venus' ingress into Taurus, which may possibly bring sudden outbursts of ideas and impulsive actions on how to be kind to yourself (shopping comes to mind!  Having said that, transiting Mars is in retrograde so this urge may no be that hard to conquer).  Then we have a Full Moon in Virgo 3 days later (on 8th March), a time to review your ongoing plans and projects. 

I have my MC, Chiron and Moon in Taurus.  I tend to indulge myself in the food department usually when anything conjuncts my Moon.  I'm already feeling rather lethargic with planet Mars in retrograde motion (but my workload is still on the increase), so with Venus transiting in Taurus conjunct my MC, Chiron then my Moon, I hope I won't become a couch potato and adopt a listless attitude towards my work.....

Taurus is also a sensual, tactile sign.  Hug and kiss.  Pamper your body.  Visit a spa, have a facial, a body massage, a manicure, a pedicure.....ummm,  I have a facial booked during this period... I was hoping Venus in Taurus would bring me some cash instead of the opposite.....

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Mercury in Aries 2012

Maybe I'm biased, but I'm looking forward to having Mercury transiting in Aries from Friday 2nd March (11.40 GMT).  Natally, I have Mercury in Aries, but in the 8th, so the Arian energy rarely gets unleashed without having lots of strings attached.  Luckily, with transiting Uranus in Aries, which conjunct my Mercury, I'm beginning to feel those 'strings' loosening under the pressure of that Arian energy.

In Aries, Mercury is ruled by Mars, which is currently retrograding in Virgo, so the two planets are in mutual reception.  We have a theme of communicating fearlessly - but not bluntly, because let's not forget we have Saturn and Mars in retrograde (Mercury will join the 'Retrograde Party' on 12th March).  Uranus in Aries, though, is likely to inject unconventionality wherever possible, balancing out the 'retrograde quality'.  It is interesting to note that during this period, retrograding Mars will physically be the closest to Earth on 3rd March, as if to say, 'Look at me!  Look at me!  Be assertive, not aggressive!'

Astrologically, there are 2 grand trines on the day when Mercury enters bold Aries.  Both of which contain a retrograde planet: an air/water grand trine with Saturn in Libra, Moon in Gemini, and Neptune-Chiron in Pisces (out-of-sign aspect) and an earth grand trine with Mars in Virgo, Pluto in Capricorn and Jupiter in Taurus.  Each grand trine is like a circuit of positive, enclosed energy.  In the air/water 'circuit', we have Saturn retrograding in Libra linking up to the Moon (the past) and Neptune-Chiron (healing) so the past may be catching-up with us,  either as a fleeting thought or an physical re-encounter, urging us to let something go. In the other earth closed circuit, we have Mars retrograding in Virgo (repeating the 'thoughts and ideas' theme from the other grand trine with the Mercury-ruled Moon).  With Pluto and Jupiter,  again, we have the theme of bringing up something from the past, this time, from the depths of our psyche (Pluto, ruled by Saturn - the other retrograding planet from the air/water grand trine), but instead of being forced to come out into the light, we have Jupiter, gently coaxing the junk out.

Then, moving away from the grand trines, we have Mars (in retrograde) oppose the Sun and Saturn (in retrograde) oppose Venus.  Are you ready to face up to your life mission and re-set your belief system?  External stimuli, in the forms of male authority figures, may challenge your present beliefs and if you have been sitting around, feeling confused, it's time to get up and get moving - even if only mentally, don't let procrastination get the better of you.

Mercury begins its retrograde motion from 12th March.  Mercury retrograde is not just about miscommunications and computers going haywire.  It's a time for us to wake-up from our groggy states and introspect the goings-on in our lives - slow down and look carefully at where you are going.  What needs to stay, what needs to go?  In Aries, the focus is on ourselves.  It is not about being selfish, but about being proud of who we are, being honest with who we are and what we want to achieve in life.  It is about getting in touch with the warrior inside of us.  Be bold.  Be brave.  A turning point will be reached on 21st March, when we have a tight Sun-Mercury conjunction in Aries.  Look out for any messages/insights we may receive around this date.  I'm particularly fond of the work of an intuitive archetypal astrologer, Robert Ohotto, whose interpretation on retrograde cycles are rather insightful and pioneering.  You can find out more about his work and listen to his radio shows on www.ohotto.com.

Timeline of transiting Mercury in Aries:

2nd March - Mercury enters Aries

12th March - Mercury retrograde begins

23rd-24th March - Mercury re-enters Pisces

4th April - Mercury goes direct

17th April - Mercury re-enters Aries

8th May - Mercury leaves Aries

Transiting Mercury in Aries will traverse my 8th and 9th houses, conjunct my Mercury for most of March due to its retrograde motion and will conjunct my Mercury for a second time in the latter half of April, so I will get plenty of opportunities to unleash my thoughts and ideas and not be afraid to speak my mind,  but without being impulsive and hurting others with my words.

Happy Mercury tracking!

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New Moon in Pisces 2012

It's that time of the month again - wishing time!

On 21st February 22.35pm GMT, we have a New Moon at 2° Pisces 42'.  Neptune, in its ruling sign Pisces, conjunct this New Moon tightly, accentuating the theme of spiritualism.  In addition, we have Chiron conjunct this New Moon, thus the whole package becomes a new beginning on spiritual healing.  

With the Sun, Moon, Neptune, Chiron and Mercury all in compassionate Pisces, this gentle New Moon in Pisces provides the perfect nurturing ground to plant your seeds relating to issues of forgiveness, acceptance and tolerance.  Is there someone you have been harbouring bitterness, anger or grudges towards?  This is the perfect time to let go and allow the Universe to infuse and cleanse you with some unconditional love.  Forgiving the other person is about releasing yourself from the grip of the situation - you are forgiving the person involved, not the action committed (paraphrasing Doreen Virtue's spiritual teaching).  If you can take one step further and forgive their actions too, then even better.

However, with Mercury in Pisces oppose Mars retrograding in Mars and Mercury in a T-Square with the nodal axis, it might be easier to think rather than act.  Your mind is likely to be full of spiritual thoughts but not have the motivation to do anything about them, thus this is also a good time to do internal work, e.g. meditation, introspection, retreats.  On the other hand, the Piscean energy can either bring confusion or inspiration to the mind, clouding your thinking processes or imbuing you with plenty of imagination and creativity.

This New Moon trine Saturn and sextile Jupiter, bringing plenty of opportunities to manifest any realistic and practical goals set under this New Moon.  With Jupiter oppose Saturn though, as optimistic as you may feel, the process of letting go and releasing your problems to the Universe can open up cans of worms in your relationships with others, and you may find it a struggle to forgive and forget.

I have this New Moon tightly conjunct my Mars and sextile my MC - time to plan for my next step in my career....

Where is this New Moon in your chart?  How is it interacting with your own chart?

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Share your thoughts on transiting Uranus conjunct transiting Venus......

Since its ingress into bold and courageous Aries on Wednesday 8th February, transiting Venus has been locked in an Aries conjunction with transiting Uranus.  The conjunction tightens over the next couple of days (9th-10th) before the love goddess pulls away from Uranus in the chariot of fire by next week.

Venus, a sensual planet, may not express itself well in Aries, as Aries is detriment in Venus.  Coupled with its link to liberating and shocking Uranus, we could expect loving feelings to come suddenly, your own values and beliefs expressed bluntly and loudly, and depending on where this electrifying pair is in your chart, you may throw caution to the wind and live life in the fast land - but only temporarily....

For me, on the first day when Venus entered Aries (i.e. Aries Point), I found myself declaring, in public, 'I don't want any principles.  They got me nowhere in the past so I would much rather live life without any!'  This transiting pair happened to be sitting right on my natal Mercury in Aries 8th house - Aries point!  And as if that wasn't enough, I had another outburst a while later with, 'I'm sick and tired of being considerate and putting other people's needs before mine.  I'm doing this because I want to.'  It felt so liberating, but I'm sure, knowing me, I'll start to cringe once transiting Venus loosens its grip on Uranus by next week.  For now though, I'm still savouring the proud  feeling of allowing myself to speak my mind.......

Where is this transiting pair in your chart?  What has it 'made' you do?

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Share your thoughts on Mars in Virgo retrograde

"Astrology can tell you many things. It can tell you what energy is available to an individual and how it’s likely to affect them. It cannot, however, tell you precisely how they will express it. Given the fact that each person has free will a person can express that energy on a continuum of lower to higher."  Satori, on ElsaElsa.com, very succinctly expressed what astrology is all about: http://www.elsaelsa.com/astrology/2012/02/08/making-astrology-personal/

The best way to learn astrology is by studying your own transits.  The current Mars retrograde is definitely putting a damper on my motivational energy.  However, since Mars in Virgo is ruled by Mercury, with my natal Mercury is in Aries 8th house, I have found that I'm less impulsive with voicing my thoughts (especially when I'm angry).  Transiting Mars is moving in my 2nd house and will conjunct my natal North Node by the end of this month and my natal Saturn by next month, since both are oppose my natal Sun, I'm sure issues of my beliefs and self-esteem are more likely to be the focus, judging by my recent events.

How's transiting Mars expressing itself in your life at the moment?

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Transiting Mercury in Pisces on Valentine's Day 2012 - read me a love poem, sing me a love song

How romantic is Valentine's Day this year?

In the background, we have Mars and Saturn in retrograde.  Mars, the planet of action, is going backwards in Virgo, the perfectionist, the analyst, making us think twice before we act.  Saturn, the planet of discipline, responsibilities and limitations, is going backwards in Libra, the diplomat, the socialite, endowing us with an air of solemnity in our interaction with others.

Venus, the planet of love is no longer in the romantic sign of Pisces but Aries, bold and courageous, not afraid to go after the object of her affection.  Not to worry, we have Mercury entering the romantic and charming Pisces on this loving day at 01.37 GMT.  It then conjunct Neptune by 06.46 GMT, heightening the dreaminess, the enchantment, setting the scene for the day for the part of the world that is to the east of Greenwich Mean Time.

Countries within 6 hours to the east of GMT will have the waning half moon in Scorpio (25 degrees 24 mins; 17.03 GMT) on Valentine's Day, a time to release what's deep inside us.  Countries to the west of Greenwich Mean Time will benefit from having the Moon moving into fun-loving Sagittarius (00.56 GMT 15th Feb), lightening up the atmosphere from the mysterious Scorpio.  Having said that, we then have the Moon square Neptune (01.39 GMT) and Mercury (04.27 GMT), followed by a trine to Uranus (05.05 GMT) and a square to Chiron (08.46 GMT), so for our counterparts to the west of GMT, the adventurous Sagittarius Moon wants to celebrate loudly against the gentle backdrop of Pisces Neptune, Mercury and Chiron, sprinkling in some surprise and excitement as it links up to Uranus in Aries.

Happy Valentine's Day whatever you plan to do.

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Saturn in Libra retrograde 2012

Saturn, the planet of boundaries, restrictions and limitations, goes retrograde in peace-loving Libra on 7th February (14.03 GMT), which is closely followed by the Leo Full Moon in less than 8 hours away.  

Tracking its ingress in Libra, I have found that Saturn, asking us to learn through our relationships with others, is not merely giving us a second, but a third chance to grasp the lessons in Libra. 

Saturn first stepped over the threshold of vain and indecisive Libra back on 30th October 2009.  By the time it reached 4 degrees 39 minutes on 13th January 2010, it began to retrograde in Libra and entered back into the territory of Virgo on 7th April 2010.  So between 30th October 2009 and 7th April, Saturn was travelling in Libra between 0 to 4 degrees 39 minutes, but in retrograde motion from 13th January 2010.

By 30th May 2010, Saturn began to move direct again, reaching Libra on 22nd July 2010 and will stay in this urbane sign until 5th October 2012.

The 2nd retrograde period of Saturn in Libra began on 26th January 2011 at 17 degrees 13.6 Libra, reaching 10 degrees 26.7 minutes Libra on 13th June 2011, thus revisiting the degrees already covered between 22nd October 2010 and 25th January 2011. 

The 3rd retrograde period of Saturn in Libra is from 7th February 2012 at 29 degrees 30.5 minutes Libra, reaching 22 degrees 45.8 minutes on 24/25th June 2012, thus revisiting the degrees already covered between 4th November 2011 and 6th February 2012.

The best way to learn astrology is by analysing your own chart and transits.  I got my diaries out, focusing on those periods stated above and boiled down to the conclusion that Saturn in Libra, during its sojourn in my 2nd/3rd houses, sextile/trine my ASC/DES axis, oppose my Mercury and conjunct my Pluto, has been forcing me to learn new ways of relating to people, and through those interactions, I re-developed my own self-confidence and re-organised my belief system.  Transiting Saturn is currently square my natal Jupiter and natal Venus, further pushing me to ruminate my true beliefs and values.  It is a time to discard what is no longer needed and to make room for the new.

Saturn is the strict disciplinarian, but in Libra, dressed in refined attire, oozing grace and charm.

What have you learned/refused to learn/still need to learn?

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Transiting Venus in Aries 2012

There's not that much 'fire' in the sky lately, but following the Leo Full Moon on 7th February, the scale will tip slightly as Venus enters Aries on 8th February (6 a.m. GMT).  The planet of love then conjunct Uranus on 10th February (at 2.28am GMT), so by then, the Moon, Venus, Uranus and the North Node will all be in fire signs, giving us a little bit more passion and energy in the air.  However, don't forget we have Mars and Saturn (from 7th February) in retrograde, putting a damper on your motivation and encouraging you to slow down and introspect from the other side of the scale.

Venus is the planet of love, beauty and harmony, moving from the romantic and demure Pisces, to the bold and courageous Aries.  Pisces is about being selfless and immersing with the Universal source, whereas Aries is about the ego, the self, 'me'.  Venus seeks balance in interacting with others, but in Aries, the focus is likely to be more self-oriented and more willing to take risks, especially in the realm of love and pleasure-seeking.  Venus is also related to our values and belief system, so in Aries, we are less likely to be afraid to stand up for our own beliefs, but with Mars and Saturn in retrograde, the passion is more covert and relatively easier to control.

Be prepared to be surprised/shocked on 10th February when this love goddess conjunct Uranus, bringing something unpredictable, from sudden love attraction to excitement on the social front.

Traditionally, transits of Mars to Pluto are deemed to be more significant due to their slower orbits.  As transient as Mercury and Venus transits may be, I personally feel they are still worth looking at, especially for individuals with Mercury/Venus Sun and rising, where Mercury rules Gemini and Virgo, and Venus rules Taurus and Libra.

For me, Venus conjunct my Mercury on its first day of ingress into Aries before moving into its conjunction with transiting Uranus.  My mind is on overdrive from its conjunction to transiting Uranus anyway, so having a slightly more mellow planet (albeit in a fiery sign) may bring a quick rest, but it will oppose my natal Pluto by the end of February, bringing possible power struggles in my relationship with others (or a compulsive attraction?!)

Can you feel Venus in your day to day life?

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Full Moon in Leo 2012

What did you wish for back on 23rd January under the Aquarius New Moon, favouring long-term goals, benefiting the masses?  On 7th February (9.54pm GMT), under the Leo Full Moon (18 degrees 31 mins), we get a glimpse of our progress so far.  Besides bringing a resolution or reaching a culmination point, full moons can also bring light to a situation, showing you what you may have missed before.  The two-week period between the full moon and the next new moon is an optimal time to release things which no longer work.

With this Full Moon (Sun in Aquarius and Moon in Leo), we are reminded that even though we are part of a whole (reinforced by Neptune entering Pisces on 3rd February), we must also leave our own mark and incorporate our passion in what we do (Leo).  It is about gaining a balance between selfishness & selflessness.  We don't want too much of either one.  With a tight conjunction between the Sun and Mercury in Aquarius, there is a strong tendency to focus on the group mind.  Believe it or not, we are all going after similar goals - peace and happiness.  Identify what makes your heart sing and focus on that.  God has created someone else to help those you cannot reach - it merely is a division of labour; embrace your uniqueness (Sun semi-square Uranus) and overcome obstacles (Sun quincunx Mars in retrograde).  

The Aquarius New Moon was immediately followed by a Mars retrograde.  This Leo Full Moon is preceded by a Saturn retrograde.  There is a collective need to introspect - to go within and work out what our life lessons are, to understand the need to relate/interact with one another and to be amicable without being a doormat (Saturn in Libra quincunx Venus in Pisces).

Where is this Leo Full Moon illuminating in your chart?

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The Perfect Chart

Last week, I attended a long weekend course led by Dr. Deepak Vidmar, an American Astrologer, currently residing in India.  

During this insightful weekend, he mentioned that he had conducted an exercise with a previous group where he asked his participants to create their own perfect charts.  

Over lunch, we had a brief discussion on how to create a 'perfect' chart.  Jupiter in the 2nd house was the immediate favourite, closely followed by Venus in Taurus in 7th house.  We had a slight disagreement over the placement of Saturn - 12th house?  No, too much karmic burden.  10th?  Ummmmm....

Each chart shows the lessons we have agreed to experience in this lifetime.  Wherever we place and whatever the sign we allocate to each planet, there will be advantages and disadvantages.

If you had the choice, where would you place each planet and in which sign?

Living Astrologically: When a Pisces, who disowns her Piscean traits, has transiting Moon, Venus and Chiron in Pisces

With my Pisces Sun oppose my Virgo Saturn, I tend to focus on the negative quite heavily.  It's not that I completely dislike my Pisces Sun;  I like to have compassion, but I don't fancy having my kindness being taken advantage of.  I like to be intuitive but I need to be able to take a step back and not get overwhelmed by other people's problems.  One important point I have learned from reading tons of New Age books is that you cannot help others if you are unhappy.  When I'm confused and unfocused, I can't do anything constructive, hence, for the purpose of practicality, I like to identify with my Virgo Saturn, because it helps me to have order in my life.  

All the predictions for 2012 I've seen in newspapers, magazines and the internet gave Pisces a fantastic forecast, saying 2012 will be a great year for Pisces, which, I'm sure, is mainly based on the fact that Neptune enters Pisces this year.  As mentioned previously in another blog post, I'm dreading this move and don't really want to think about what this 'flood' will bring.  Neptune has not enter Pisces at the time of writing, but currently (26th January), we have the Moon, Venus and Chiron in Pisces.  On closer inspection, I find the transiting Moon and Venus conjunct my natal Sun and transiting Chiron (also t. Neptune in Aquarius) conjunct my natal Mars.  In addition, transiting Chiron also sextile my MC, transiting Jupiter conjunct my MC and tightening its conjunction with my natal Chiron (late afternoon of 26th January 2012) and transiting Neptune quincunx my natal Jupiter exactly.  There was an incident which highlighted this combination of aspects quite aptly.  In a nutshell, the Piscean energy heightened my already hypersensitive nature.  I felt my anger button being triggered, even though the speaker had no malicious intent of arousing my anger at all.  I felt incapable and pitiful but at the same time, those unintentionally hurtful words gave me an instant insight into a solution that I had been seeking for the past month.  So my Mars felt bruised, but my Sun was able to receive the message delivered by the Moon-Venus conjunction in Pisces, thanks for the objectivity I derived from Neptune in Aquarius.  So far so good.  I can cope with that....

I was comparing this to another incident that occurred to me the day before (25th January) where I was interrogated about my financial situation during a family reunion.  As a private person, I highly loathe that kind of talk, but with family members, one needs to deal with it as amicably as possible (at least, that's my philosophy, especially that it's culturally more acceptable in the part of the world I'm currently in to discuss such a topic).  In the end, I answered as much as I felt comfortable without giving everything away, then I quickly returned the gesture and asked about her finances.  Again she answered but without giving too much away.  I pretty much had the same aspect as 26th January, the only difference being the Moon in Aquarius, separating from a conjunction to my natal Venus, but transiting MC in Pisces conjunct transiting Chiron, both conjunct my natal Mars.  Besides having an objective and detached Moon, the other saving grace is the ASC, which was in Gemini at the time, so I was in a lighthearted, chatty mood.  Compare to the Cancer ASC the next day, where I wanted to crawl into a shell and have some privacy and was made to feel defensive instead.

Conclusion so far:  I can deal with the 'Pisces flood' so long as I can have some air to breath (preferably the Aquarian kind).

How's the Piscean energy treating you so far?

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