Energy Influences

POSTED: Void of Course Moon Dates and Times; Saturn in Libra; Saturn in Virgo and repeat; Uranus in Pisces; Neptune in Aquarius; and Pluto in Capricorn. *Good Reads* are posted, as well.

Welcome to Energy Influences! The work of Energy Influences is in an ongoing process of shifting emphasis, with the intention of making a deeper connection with the cosmic source and contribution to all. Please do not hesitate to send an email with any questions or personal requests you may have to moonlinks@earthlink.net (click on the Sun button at the bottom of the site).

NOTE: At this time, the objective of the Energy Influences website is to inform you of general astrological information pertinent to all of us.

Readings are are based upon my studies and experience which began over 30 years ago, a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Astrological Arts & Sciences from Kepler College of Astrological Arts & Sciences; graduate in Communications Arts & Sciences; Certified Astrological Professional (ISAR); NCGR, Level II; and Integrally informed in terms of the tool Astrology is in our daily lives and relationships. Personal "Energy Influences," TV Readings, and daily website Readings are being planned for renewal after an extended hiatus.

General Energy Influences also give us a "heads up" -- an idea of what is coming our way of a positive, challenging, or negative nature (in effect, what is being hurled at us from the cosmos). That knowledge helps us understand the time "sensitive" nature of opportunities, feelings, beliefs, positions, points of view, and events. We also learn when to take action for the desired result and when to lay low for our own good and/or for the good of all.

(NOTE: Remember to adjust times according to your time zone. The Energy Influences are interpreted according to Pacific Time.)

*GENERAL VOID OF COURSE MOON DATES AND TIMES, as well as the Transiting Moon Sign following the V/C Moon are all Pacific Time (source: Jim Maynard, Astrologer Calendar Series):

MARCH:

1 . ..MON...9:36A TO 4:31P ............ LIBRA

3 . ..WED...12:44P TO 6:11P ........... SCORPIO

5 . ..FRI...8:31P TO 11:36P ........... SAGITTARIUS

8 . ..MON...3:14A TO 9:13A ............ CAPRICORN

10 ...WED...1:59P TO 9:42P ............ AQUARIUS

13 ...SAT...4:57A TO 10:43A ........... PISCES

15 ...MON...5:01P TO 11:32P ........... ARIES

18 ...THU...4:23A TO 9:29A ............ TAURUS

20 ...SAT...12:42P TO 5:28P ........... GEMINI

22 ...MON...6:49P TO 11:16P ........... CANCER

24 ...WED...9:39P TO THU 2:39A ........ LEO

27 ...SAT...12:04A TO 3:57A ........... VIRGO

28 ...SUN...11:55P TO MON 4:21A........ LIBRA

31 ...WED...5:13A TO 5:41A ............ SCORPIO

*MOON VOID OF COURSE :

For those unfamiliar with the term "Void of Course Moon," this refers to the period of time the moon is "in between" signs, and it occurs at the same time for everyone (though according to our respective time zones; e.g., if the V/C Moon occurs a 9 a.m. on the west coast, it is occuring at the same time but 12 p.m. clock time on the east coast.) An example of the moon being in between signs would be, when the moon leaves the sign of Sagittarius and hasn't yet moved into Capricorn. This period can last a minute or a day. But it is DEFINITELY a time during which we chill, take a break -- time out. Certainly, actions begun when one's *Personal* Moon is Void of Course brings unintended consequences.

There are general Void of Course Moon periods, AND our Personal Void of Course Moon periods coincide with or precede the general V/C Moon periods and are important to know and use in conjunction with the General V/C Moon dates and times. Those whose Personal Moon is not void of course still have to work within the parameters of the General Void of Course Moon -- it just won't be quite as frustrating. Remember, however, most people have no clue whether their Personal Moon is void of course, so we have to operate from the point of view that everyone has to use the rules of V/C just to keep things copacetic (if that's even possible).

The Personal V/C Moon is a signal that we are vulnerable to circumstances beyond our control. It would not be the time to take (elective) tests, go on an interview or have *any* important meeting, start any new job, have surgery (unless it is an emergency, of course), and certainly not the time to get engaged -- let alone married. We should plan nothing, decide nothing in particular, commit to nothing, and purchase nothing, if we do, we should expect the result to not be what we intended. Relationships begun under a Void of Course Moon go nowhere (especially under our Personal V/C Moon). Any one of the Jim Maynard astrological calendars are extremely useful for planning around general V/C Moon dates and times for the whole year, and the dates and times are listed here a month at a time.

Examples of what can occur during or because of action planned or taken during a Void of Course Moon (V/C Moon) include: in 2000, Al Gore's nomination for, and acceptance of, the nomination to be the Democrat standard barer for President AND Joe Lieberman's nomination for Vice President; the 2000 Election Night, various court proceedings related TO the 2000 Election; President Nixon's nomination for President AND also his election in 1972; the Watergate break-in; and President Ford's swearing in. Among other examples: countless accidents, jobs taken that don't last, romances that go nowhere, marriages or other partnerships that ultimately fail; as well as major and minor purchases that are major disappointments.

OF NOTE re 2008 Presidential Election: Barack Obama was nominated by Hillary Clinton to be the 2008 Democrat standard barer for President during a V/C Moon, and Joe Biden accepted his nomination to be the Democrat Vice President during a V/C Moon. On Election Day, Nov. 4th, the Moon will be Void of Course until 4:01 p.m. Finally, no matter what time the swearing in of the next President takes place, the official time for a new President is 12 Noon EST on January 20th. In 2009, that means Barack Obama will become President during a V/C Moon. *For whatever legal significance the actual Oath holds, Barack Obama was first sworn in at 12:10p on the 20th (also during Mercury Retrograde, and Chief Justice John Roberts misspoke -- placing "faithfully" at the end of the sentence rather than correctly before the word "execute"), so on January 21st, at 7:35p then-President Obama re-took the Oath from Justice Roberts -- giving us a whole new chart to analyze. However, it remains to be seen whether all the V/C occurrences cause Obama's "agenda" to be stopped in its tracks or, at the very least, make it much more difficult for his agenda on various "change" issues to be fulfilled.

GENERAL MEDICAL CORRELATIONS to the NEW MOON Specifically at any New Moon, one should not have surgery on the part of the body ruled by one's SUN sign (emergencies excepted, obviously). Briefly, those include: Aries, the head (including eyes and nose and upper teeth) and pituitary gland; Taurus,the mouth, lower teeth, throat, tonsils, vocal cords, ears, neck, and thyroid gland; Gemini, the thymus gland, nervous system, lungs, shoulder area, arms, and hands; Cancer, the stomach area, diaphragm, uterus, and breasts; Leo, the heart, upper back, spleen, and sides; Virgo, the lower abdominal area, small intestine, gall bladder, and upper bowel; Libra, the lower, small of the back, bladder, kidneys and adrenal glands; Scorpio, the pelvis, reproductive organs, gonads, colon, and rectum; Sagittarius, the hips and thighs, the liver, and pancreas; Capricorn, the knees, bones, gall badder, teeth, cartilage generally, and lower leg; Aquarius, the calves, ankles, retina of the eyes, and parathyroid gland; and Pisces, the feet, lymphatic system, and pineal gland.

REMINDERS:

Annular Eclipse of the Sun on January 15, 2010, at 25CAP01,

Partial Lunar Eclipse 10CAN15, the effects of which began at 11:13a, December 31st, 2009, and will end with the next Partial Lunar Eclipse on June 26th, 2010.

This Lunar Eclipse will exert a subtle subconscious influence on the emotions of the individuals who have a Cancer Moon, moreso than those who do not have a Cancer Moon. The Moon is ruled by Cancer, so “subtle” will likely be felt slightly stronger than in other partial Lunar Eclipses. We can expect to experience this as a period of crisis, and rarely is there a subtle response to a “crisis.” In Cancer, a crisis generally relates to home and family matters, in particular.

HEADS UP: Saturn in Libra square to Pluto in Capricorn Oct. 30, 2009 to April 7, 2010; July 22, 2010 to Oct. 28, 2010; Mar. 21, 2011, to Aug. 9, 2011. This is a major challenge not isolated among those with personal planets or luminaries in Libra and Capricorn. Personal transformation is *demanded* wherever we have Libra and Capricorn in our Natal charts (and even our Solar Return charts). It is likely to be even more intense under the effects of Mercury Retrograde in Capricorn starting December 26th, 2009, and lasting until January 15th, 2010, when we are "slammed" with a Capricorn Annular Solar Eclipse and in June 2010 with a Lunar Eclipse -- also in Capricorn.

As usual, INTENTION is everything! In this case, we EACH must take responsibility for catching ourselves (and protecting ourselves) from undermining the efforts of others (which could be unintentional if we do not understand the issue involved OR think we are too busy to engage in a dialogue about the issue OR think we should not have to discuss the matter OR we have not built a truly collaborative, respectful relationship in professional relationships and/or in personal relationships, we have not built trust); collusion; blind ambition; and/or coercion.

Positive fall-back positions that can ameliorate the intense stress on structural integrity may include intention reset within the group (personal or professional); individual responsibility within group relationships; correct assessment of responsibilities by everyone involved; and cooperation commensurate with responsibility, and possibily, also commensurate with one's goals within realistic expectations of achieving those goals.

SATURN IN LIBRAOctober 29th, 2009, to April 7, 2010. Then by retrograde, Saturn "returns" to Virgo from April 7, 2010, to July 21, 2010, before finally continuing its transit of Libra to October 5, 2012. The reading for Saturn in Virgo will stay on this site (below Saturn in Libra) until July 21st, 2010.

When Saturn visits a Sun sign, those people ultimately get the opportunity (or are forced) to examine what they THINK they want and determine what it is they TRULY want -- what direction they will be committed to -- for the next 29 years according to the House where the Libra Sun is posited. One thing for certain, it is not a good idea to make a long-term contractual Agreement -- let alone life-altering commitments. For example, even something we may believe will take a relatively short time to complete is very likely to, in one way or another, "hang over" the Libra Sun for 29 years. Saturn's "visit" makes the owner of that Sun sure of h/h direction - and it is rarely “easy."

Whether or not Saturn in is one’s Sun Sign, we are each made aware of where we “should” be in the process of either defining or moving along on our path, according to the House and Quadrant being transited by Saturn in Libra.

If we are to understand what we are doing and where we are going, Saturn’s transit through *every* House and Quadrant is most helpful. For example, if Saturn is transiting one's Fourth Quadrant (with Libra in Houses 10, 11, or 12), we need to manage the consequences of the foundation laid and the work performed over the previous 24 years.

In the 10th House, Saturn's transit can be success or failure. This is, after all, Saturn's home -- irrespective of the Sign it is transiting; therefore, "failure" can be an opportunity to take the soul's true path -- though not at this time. Failure can come from having taken invalid short-cuts to get to the top, being unqualified for the position, and otherwise not properly laying the foundation for success.

It is fair to say it is a "crisis" -- perhaps a career peak -- or climactic relationships with authority figures. If the proper foundation has been laid, success is more likely, in spite of the strain. One's true leadership skills are laid open for the world to see. Being qualified and having the willingness to accept the responsibility of leadership is key! It is an opportunity to function in the world with the most complete understanding of who we are. Conversely, negative energies from any opposition created in the past can have very negative consequences.

If Saturn is transiting the 11th House, there is a somewhat easier time of it; that is to say, one can share the responsibilities, and begin to train someone else to take over. In fact, that is what should be done. This is the time to look at whether your hopes, wishes, and dreams have come to fruition -- then let go, and prepare for a few years of greater introspection.

The transit through the 12th House is sure to be difficult if the individual has not effectively turned over the responsibility to others. It is time to finish up and clear the decks -- retreat into one's self and evaluate what has been gained -- or lost -- over the past many years. This is the end of a cycle -- not the time to begin anything new.

Saturn's transit can be a “crisis” point in one’s journey, and is definitely a transit that should not be ignored or taken for granted. Like composing a symphony, where we find freedom to soar musically within the rules of theory, if we take Saturn transits to heart, we find the opportunity for tremendous long-range personal growth according to its rules of theory related to the use of Time. In Libra, personal growth is through our actions in accordance with contracts or commitments of mutual agreement.

Saturn gains power in Libra. Now - that can be either good or not so good, depending upon one’s individual chart. It is dependent upon whether there are afflictions to/from the Libra Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars and/or Ascendant. Saturn rules the patterns and structures we build into our lives, and if those structures are too elaborate, Saturn tests those structures. Truth be told, Saturn makes us think we’re seeing the whole truth - and that truth is gloomy.

If, however, we can shift the focus and take a positive tack, some of the general indicators of the power Saturn brings to Libra include: a well-organized mind that can take the opportunity to use time well (vs. squandering time); good public-relations ability; a “spiritual” understanding of Justice (the spirit behind laws vs. the rule of law); bringing form and structure to ideas and ideals for the good of all. Saturn in Libra brings the closest relationship between human relations and mutually accepted rules of conduct and commitment, and Saturn brings challenges to test Libra’s structure and lessons from actions taken in that regard.

This relationship teaches (and insists upon) the importance of the fundamental discipline needed in life to accomplish anything of value. Cooperation by, between, and among us is one of the basic requirements to enhance and elevate the collective well-being under Saturn in Libra. To that end, we are asked to shape-shift projection and pedantic criticism of others to elevating our own sense of organization, reliability, tact, and receptivity to the “greater good.” It is more about social awareness and social responsibility than individuality and manipulation for purposes of individual power. Wherever we find Libra, fairness and justice can be swift as a sword, and wherever Saturn transits, freedom can be limited.

Due to Saturn’s retrograde motion between April and July, we will again be prone to the worry and unrelenting manipulative criticism to which we were all vulnerable under Saturn in Virgo. However, even when we put that aside, negativity and pessimism are distinct vulnerabilities with Saturn in *Libra*. KEY: Use our personal transits and our highest and best assets to go toe-to-toe with those whose agendas work against the good of all.

Looking at this transit from a positive point of view: Saturn is bringing radical “balance” to social responsibility. At a personal level, achieving that balance may be severe, but it does create an opportunity to function in life with greater consciousness behind our actions - to realign and re-adjust as needed. Saturn keeps us from “chasing rainbows” and ultimately brings us what we really want -- in accordance with what is appropriate for this time in our lives.

Saturn cycles present very specific opportunities -- as in ultimately showing us where we are headed, increasing maturity, acceptance of responsibility with increased respect and advancing one's status -- though not without hard work. The key is recognizing where the opportunities are to be found during this particular cycle, based upon which Quadrant and House is being transited in our Natal and Solar Return Charts. Saturn's visit is then not ALL bad. Adults most likely just KNOW when a lesson is being triggered by Saturn, assuming, of course, one knows where Saturn is visiting in the first place.

SATURN IN VIRGO September 3, 2007, to October 29, 2009, and April 7, 2010, to July 21, 2010.

Saturn transiting Virgo is very likely to trigger heavy analysis and meticulous organization of every area of the Virgoan life. "Service" and how much of it to give will be a dominant question -- how much "service" is a DIS-service to our personal wellbeing. There is the matter of "health" looming large over the amount of service given in a day -- the number of hours in a day to eat and sleep vs. the number of hours working for others. If *time* is not an impediment to Self-Actualization, the carping Self-Critic will most likely take that role.

However,wherever Saturn transits our chart, we are required to "dance on the limitation" it seems to put in our path. In this case, Virgos get some help organizing things to perfection; however, it must be balanced with more spontaneity and a little less discrimination than Virgos prefer and pre-planning to ensure "perfection."

The key to manifesting positive results from Saturn's transit is knowing how to handle its Energy. Again, once we know, acknowledge, and live within the "rules" and boundaries set by Saturn, we can then USE them to our benefit.

Remember: When Saturn visits a Sun sign, those people ultimately get the opportunity (or are forced) to examine what they THINK they want and determine what it is they TRULY want -- what direction they will be committed to -- for the next 29 years according to the House of the Sun sign being transited. One thing for certain, it is not a good idea to make a long-term contractual Agreement -- let alone life-altering commitments. For example, even something we may believe will take a relatively short time to complete is very likely to, in one way or another, "hang over" the Sun sign for 29 years.

Saturn's effects are as much socially collective as individual. Reality is a structure either set or conjured for the sake of Order and Stability. In the process, however, our creativity, spontaneity,and receptivity to new possibilities can be stifled and stultified. Fear follows worry, and rigidity or paralysis follows on closely. One can absolutely count on hard work and a lot of responsibility.

That said, Saturn cycles present very specific opportunities -- as in ultimately showing us where we are headed, maturity, and acceptance of responsibility with respect and increased status -- though, again, not without hard work. The key is recognizing where the opportunity is to be found during this particular cycle, based upon which Quadrant and House is being transited in our Natal and Solar Return Charts. Saturn's visit is then not ALL bad. Adults most likely just KNOW when a lesson is being triggered by Saturn, assuming, of course, one knows where Saturn is visiting in the first place.

Generally speaking, Saturn in Virgo presents the opportunity to actualize the service you wish to perform from a secure vantage point. One's strong sense of duty and power of discrimination combined with organizing skill can bring order to chaotic situations.

Healthwise, during Saturn's visit, Virgos may experience maladies associated with bone loss, dental problems, arthritis, and/or issues of digestion and problems in the lower abdominal area.

During difficult transits such as this, Virgos can expect greater challenges related to co-workers and animal companions.

Saturn in Virgo requires that we look at our reality -- our truth -- and the outlook is generally gloomy and worrisome. Just remember, we are all in the same boat, just on different paths and to greater or lesser degrees depending upon our individual charts. Only when this transit is past can we look at how well we prepared for it. Certainly, our "direction" is more clearly defined.

APPULSE LUNAR ECLIPSE, August 5, 2009, at 13º Aquarius 43´, the effects of which are with us until Dec. 31, 2009.

An "appulse" Lunar Eclipse is one in which the Moon receives the Sun's light from only one side of the Earth. So it doesn’t produce an “eclipse” per se, but there will be a distinct darkening of the Moon’s surface - with a dramatic change in the face of the Moon -- as the temperature on one side rises above that of boiling water, and, on the other, drops to the other extreme. There is no atmosphere to contain the temperature, so it changes at the rate of approximately 100 degrees an hour! There remains a gravitational pull, and the surface of the Moon darkens.

Given that we have just begun experiencing the effects of the Total Solar Eclipse at 29 degrees of Cancer - SO close to Leo -- plus the early July Appulse Eclipse in Capricorn, the gravitational pull on water is likely to be quite dramatic. Also, Aquarius is an Air sign representing (among other things) surprise events, so we should expect drama having to do with Air and Water.

Also, when we look at Mercury going into its Rulership over Virgo beginning August 3rd and coming to opposition with Uranus in Pisces the weekend of August 15th through August 25th, it is fair to say that we should expect sudden major communication issues and electrical outages; such as, telephones, computers, and all communication media. We got a sample of this when Twitter was down for a couple of hours just as the Aquarius Lunar Eclipse was beginning.

Physiologically, because our bodies are mostly water, Aquarius can bring surprise accidents and/or conditions involving an imbalance in body fluids, swollen and sore calves and/or ankle injuries.

At a more spiritual level, this can be a growth opportunity to break patterns of thinking oriented to the status quo and adopt new humanitarian, even utopian, ways of advancing society for the good of all.

This Lunar Eclipse is further Influenced by fixed stars Cygnus, Dorsum, 7 Aquarii, and Al Dhanab al Dulfim. This combination brings advances and achievements in humanitarianism through all sciences of peace, the arts, and business. It also, however, brings surprise storms, acts of vengeance, and adversely influences prejudice, racism, and anti-Semitism.

LUNAR ECLIPSES in General:

Cancer is ruled by the Moon, so all Lunar Eclipses DO affect those with a Cancer Moon, in particular.

Given that the Earth cannot exist in its present form and structure without the Moon, any Lunar Eclipse is bound to have an impact on us Humans, as well as upon the physical nature of our Earth.

During a Lunar Eclipse, the light of the Sun is blocked from being reflected off the Moon's surface. The black circle we think is traversing the Moon's surface is the Earth's shadow over the Moon. A Lunar Eclipse can ONLY occur when the Sun and Moon are in opposition to each other at the FULL Moon. There is NEVER a Lunar Eclipse without a Solar Eclipse within 2 weeks before or after it. However, it does not follow that a Lunar Eclipse ALWAYS occurs in a given year, even though there has been one or more Solar Eclipses. During a Lunar Eclipse, the Moon moves from east to west across the face of the Sun. A Total Lunar Eclipse is of much longer duration, literally, than a Solar Eclipse. A Lunar Eclipse can last up to two hours because the Moon's average speed is about 2000 miles per hour around the Earth's shadow (umbral) cone.

The effects of any Lunar Eclipse are at different levels according to its placement; i.e., Moon, Sun, Ascendant, or House cusp and, further, in accordance with the House where it was posited. Matters requiring more of our time and attention under any Lunar Eclipse will be signified according to the House on or in which the Moon is posited at the time of the Eclipse. The planet(s) in that House determines how pervasive the effects will be, the intensity, and what kind of attention must be given under its Influence.

The Moon is considered a lens for cosmic phenomena; as such, it affects our weather patterns and eclipse patterns. -- Be prepared to attention to "weird weather" even though the effects of a Lunar Eclipse are at a more subconscious level on Humans than the Solar Eclipse. It is generally even more difficult to reduce the emotional emphasis and increase the use of our rational intellect for better communications. There is greater surface tension on all fluids -- land, air, sea, and bodily. Because one's brain cannot expand with the added pressure TO expand, greater pressure upon our little gray cells ultimately affects our behavior. It is ALso more dangerous to have any operation at the time of the Full Moon (though many are born then) -- the problem lies in the increased possibility of hemorrhaging after the surgery due to increased fluid pressure in the body.

TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE, July 21, 2009, at 29º Cancer 27´, the effects of which are with us until July 10, 2010.

During this Solar Eclipse, the disk of the Sun was almost completely covered by the Moon, Earth's satellite. It could be viewed in totality or near-totality in various cities in northern Indeal, eastern Nepal, and southern China.

For a solar eclipse to occur the Sun and Moon must be conjunct -- occupying the same place in space -- (as in this case) and either conjunct or opposite the Sun Sign at the time of the Eclipse - in this case, they were also conjunct the Cancer Sun. The term designated for the Moon, at the time of the eclipse, is the New Moon. While it does not mean we have a solar eclipse at every New Moon, we cannot have a solar eclipse WITHOUT a New Moon.

The magnetic pull of the Sun and Moon eclipsing the Earth is strong enough for the Earth to receive the Energy of the Sun sign in which the solar eclipse occurs. This, then, is the Energy of the collective UNconscious that needs active expression on Earth through people born under the sign of the eclipse, as their responsibility to the collective whole. Of course a Solar Eclipse affects weather patterns, as well.

Under this Solar Eclipse, Cancer -- being a water sign -- can bring floods and/or typhoons but it can also bring drought - a total “burning up” of water by the Sun to the cities where it was most visible on July 21st or 22nd (depending upon the location). Those places can be expected to experience the greatest impact of the “watery wake” of this Total Solar Eclipse.

At a personal level, with THIS Solar Eclipse, the "glare” is off Leo and on individuals who have the Sun, Moon, or Ascendant in late degrees of Cancer and also those with early degrees of Leo. The penetrating rays of the Sun will beam upon them (or “beam them up”)-- rain or shine, depending upon the individual’s personal transits.

If prepared, this can be a time of tremendous accomplishment for those with a Cancer Sun; whereas, if unprepared, one is at the mercy of this cosmic event. It can be a year of more "good" than one might imagine and/or more unpleasantness than expected. Being aware of the opportunities and challenges of the transits during this time would certainly help in planning to take advantage of the opportunities and taking precautions against the challenges or at the very least preparing how meet them.

The Sun Sign of the eclipse has a responsibility to the collective whole, when experiencing the effects of a Total Solar Eclipse, generally lies in the area of “teaching” others - particularly in terms of raising or balancing consciousness.

In the case of Cancers, the responsibility lies in bringing emotional stability to external situations - the Outer Plane. Whether they help others “lighten up” or provide a listening, understanding ear, they help release emotional burdens and upsets. There’s no room for self-pity or a “pity party;” however, in the process of helping relieve the emotional burdens carried by others, Cancers will most likely find that their own emotional baggage is lighter.

One “KEY” for Cancers will be to shift attention away from their own inner turmoil so they can “be there” for others with positive encouragement and comforting interaction when asked or approached.

Another KEY is not overlooking or ignoring wrong action. Thinking in terms of the general comfort of everyone in their space - without being either clinging OR crabby - brings the responsibility of speaking up (and waking people up) when they fail in their responsibility to either make surroundings secure or even just comfortable for others.

In the case of Leos within the first 5 degrees or so, the experience can be an ego trip or ego deflation or ego enhancement, depending on their transits. KEY will be stepping out of the Leo drama to shift the focus to the drama being experienced by others.

Pluto in Capricorn

November 27, 2008, to March 23, 2023

Dancing on Pessimism

First, let's review the emphasis Capricorn and Pluto each bring wherever they are posited in one's natal chart.

*Capricorn* indications bring greater focus on social order, materialism, economic power - or at least economic security, diplomacy, personal responsibility and social responsibility, discipline, ambition, self-determination/actualizing one's goals through personal effort, abilities, and desires (using the ways and means proscribed by society, reliability, ambition -- sometimes "blind" ambition; at other times, slow, inexorable achievement), the calculated use of all resources, calculated risks (though not usually where resources are limited), practicality, maturity, sometimes self-serving rationality -- rarely for the good of all, fear and/or pessimism are generally used as a “reality check,” control issues (ego control vs. direction control -- usually due to fear or greed), organization, prestige, social climbing, and delays -- generally due to caution.

Capricorn brings greater interest in classic automobiles and antiques; money “talks” more than ever; “time” and its use is more relevant and important; “what can you do for me” vs. what I can do for you in mere service; conservation; individuality vs. how does society “allow” me to achieve; less experimentation; absent-mindedness; greater emphasis on duty and obligation on the one hand but "using" others to climb the ladder to status is huge; and the most popular colors are likely to be beige and gray or otherwise muted.

Health-wise, Capricorn individuals usually “eat to live” as opposed to “living to eat.” If there is a propensity for being absent-minded -- look out! It will be magnified beyond "control!" Otherwise, Capricorn is most closely associated with our bone structure, especially knees and teeth. On a lighter note, if one has comedic or musical talent, Capricorn brings a great sense of timing in performance. Other characteristics include calculating diplomacy and status-seeking actions.

There is generally nothing “light” about what *Pluto* brings; i.e., transformation - and generally through power struggles. Where Pluto transits, it is never trouble-free. However, we can view any Pluto transit as a catalyst to actualizing a creative opportunity to rebuild, restructure, and evolve. We simply must work through the inevitability of the transformation Pluto brings. If we try to prevent it, the Energy builds like a volcano, and the transformation is not at all favorable.

When Pluto transits Capricorn, particularly one's Sun, Moon, Mars, Saturn, and/or Ascendant, we can look for heightened ambition, focus, and discipline among Capricorn individuals. They will “dance” on any limitations they face and can make a transformative impact in their own world and/or within society as a whole using "timeless" standards of conduct. Wherever we have Capricorn in our Natal Charts, to the extent we incorporate something new into our lives based on a reality check, we will grow and evolve beyond existing limitations. Slowly, but inexorably, we develop new levels of awareness and re-define ourselves and, at our highest, inspire others to also contribute something to society.

Where there is dissatisfaction with one’s career, there is likely to be a concerted effort to take greater control by seeking a higher position or “hold their own” by gaining control over the situation. Power struggles are likely in tearing down the current structure in order to create a new order. Alternatively, one may pursue a different career all together -- or at the very least ambitiously move to a different company/organization.

Wherever one feels that “something” is blocking a goal or objective, there is likely to be intense focus highlighted by some cataclysmic event. Once the blockage is removed, the timing of which is dependent upon one’s personal transits, the transformation is experienced as a “breakthrough,” and situations may arise that bring new opportunities to unleash dormant capabilities that can bring tangible results.

We can expect economic and political power struggles like nothing we’ve seen for several decades - particularly between church and state, oppression and freedom, change vs. status quo, powerful friends and powerful enemies. We can expect new concepts of government to emerge -- certainly the reorganization of governments and businesses that faltered or failed during the Pluto transit through Sagittarius.

We should look for an effort to implement change in 2009 -- but expect continuous power struggles before real change can begin to be seen. One who rises to power over this year-long transit is even more vulnerable to “Fall” (failure) if [the public’s] expectations of effective leadership, good character, and high integrity are not met. Certainly, wherever one is irresponsible -- not to mention taking *illegal* actions, failure closely follows. For that matter, in some ways, the U.S. may have already suffered a "Fall" from grace as a world power and may restrucure its national "soul" in order to create a new, collective self-image.

Where corporations, religious institutions, and governments floundered or failed during the Pluto-Sagittarius transit, Pluto-Capricorn assures a major effort toward economic and governmental reorganization toward practical, enduring change; however, it quite possibly will mean the total collapse of economic systems and political structures before we can get back on our collective feet in the U.S. Politicians who began the dialogue of “change” may not be able to bring it to fruition in government, because, generally speaking, too much damage has already been done AND the status quo/establishment reigns under Capricorn - and that is likely to be far more conservative than liberal.

Certainly, the “rule” of law is likely to be enforced more than the “spirit” of the law. In the U.S., whether it also means government ruled by a male (status quo) or female (change) president will largely depend on the charts of the candidates involved; however, gender bias is definitely stronger in the U.S. than racial bias, and racial bias is usually stronger than the desire for real change, in any event.

Uranus in Pisces. The momentous event of Uranus entering the Sign of Pisces occurred on March 10, 2003; then we had a retrograde back into Aquarius and, as of December 30, 2003, Uranus will now be in the sign of Pisces until March 2011. The last time Uranus was in the Sign of Pisces was between 1919 and 1928. Chances are great that most of us were not on the planet then, and chances are great that most of us will not be here 84 years from now to compare events.

The entire URANUS cycle (moving through each Zodiacal sign) takes 84 years -- it remains in one Zodiacal sign for approximately 8 years, including periods of retrograde. Uranus transiting one's Sun Sign can mean periods of shocking events and/or change, radical shifts, sheer genius and freedom and/or periods of tremendous instability and undesireable change. People and circumstances are neither patient nor predictable.

Ready or not -- it will be ALL THE WAY LIVE -- and right in the spot where we have the most insecurities! SO -- while things may not feel secure and we may not ever get used to it -- AT LEAST we can raise our awareness of just what's going on with all of us at the same time -- URANUS IN PISCES!

Uranus will be in Pisces until March 2011. The shift of Uranus into Pisces requires that we GET A GRIP!! If one is prone to anxiety and feelings of insecurity, THIS cycle will either change all that or break us. We are forced to let go of the past and old belief systems that prove themselves invalid.

The operative words are SUDDEN and CHANGE, and it is usually DISruptive AND EXciting. Mother Nature is most likely to be affected in terms of sudden showers, more rain, huge storms, and sudden catastophes related to water -- weird weather patterns. In Human Nature,Uranus brings individuality wherever it visits -- uniqueness, freedom urges, and also sudden change, disruption. Wherever we have Uranus in our birth charts, THAT is where life is a l-i-t-t-l-e unsettling, unpredictable, upsetting and ALSO the area where there are more frequent changes and generally more excitement and intelligence. This is also where we tend to be the most rebellious AND where we require the greatest freedom and detachment. This is where our uniqueness is expressed.

Pisces brings its VISION and wisdom to the altruism of Uranus -- though, also, sometimes sudden pure meanness and the need to escape one's reality. What we have here is a combination of the hard edge of Uranus and the softer edge of Pisces. Pisces honors tradition -- Uranus patently does NOT. Reality may seem "surreal" for the next 8 years, AND life will definitely present serious lessons that the only "security" in life is INNER security. "IMAGE" -- as in one's desire to project a certain personal image may not be possible. "IMAGERY" -- as in film and photography -- is likely to be transformed and transforming in the MOST imaginative and revolutionary ways.

IF those with a Pisces Sun, Moon, Mars, and/or Ascendant have managed to adjust the anxiety level, that nervous tummy will likely feel more excitement than anxiety -- if not, a "panic attack" should not be a major shock. One should, however, anticipate greater confusion than clarity of mind. Pisceans may frequently feel disoriented but energized -- maybe "high strung" or hyperactive -- depending upon what's going on between Uranus and Mars in the Piscean chart. Those who are not "into" Astrology or higher consciousness may be drawn to it like a magnet just so they can try to understand what's going on!

THAT said, meditation and/or stream FISHING will likely bring the greatest relaxation to the Pisces individual. LIVING near large masses of water is another matter, however. Humans will be more vulnerable to catastropic events related to water.

The Piscean must be extremely careful with respect to medicines, as the onset of addiction may be sudden. Alcoholism, addictions, and/or other means of escapism can destroy people's health and, perhaps even their lives, with far more frequency under a Uranus Pisces cycle. That said, the "drug" industry at all levels may be suddenly and hugely impacted -- by those who seek escape through drugs and by those who manufacture any type of drug.

There may be sudden foot injuries and/or more diseases affecting feet. Psychologically, Pisces people may cry much more easily than before this cycle began and should neither expect other people to be dependable nor expect to feel very "secure" in relationships. That said, Pisceans are likely to seek unusual companionship -- those VERY different than they ever imagined. And the Pisces imagination will SOAR -- GO FOR IT -- whether "it" is in the area of romance or in any other of the 12 Houses of your birth chart!

At its hightest, Uranus in the Pisces Sun sign increases the native's intuitive faculties, fantastic ideas from dreams, greater scientific interest in the UNconscious, and the individual seeks to be free from dominating influences of the past -- at both the emotional level and the mental level. These people are less materialistic -- except for "image" purposes and the basic survival needs required in a capitalistic society -- and more spiritual -- though not necessarily through organized religion but, perhaps, through metaphysics, yoga, and/or meditation. There is a deep appreciation for one's connectedness to the entire Universe -- one is more deeply humanitarian and compassionate due to the Influence of Uranus.

THAT said, when there are difficult connections between Uranus and other planets, this individual can be highly deceptive, pass the blame to others for that which is his or her responsibility; they can be highly UNreliable, and evade dealing with reality -- let alone difficult issues.

Obviously, wherever anyone has Pisces in her or his birth chart is the House that is going to be most affected. However, the degree of Pisces on the House cusp -- or the degree that another planet is in Pisces, for that matter -- is very important, because one is not affected quite the same way until it hits the degree of Pisces of one's birth chart. Call or email me for your personal reading (birthdate, time, and place necessary).

Neptune in Aquarius began January 29, 1998, and, until February 2012, we have an opportunity to both observe evolution among the collective and individually evolve in the areas of illusion and reality, idealism and self-reality, deception vs. Truth, trust in the Universe to help manifest our ideal, and ecstasy in achieving it! By the time we leave this "age," there will be more UNLIKELY alliances, and we will have a better grip on transforming the "ugliness" of the past in our collective attitudes toward racism and our angry projections upon one another to true humanism, deeper spirituality, brotherhood and sisterhood. The "opportunity" awaits our conscious action to bring it to manifestation.

I look forward to hearing from you and working with you on the greatest journey and challenge of our individual lives: the journey into Self. May you be Star Centered and Moon Linked.

STAY CONSCIOUS!

**THE INNER GUIDE MEDITATION

Just what is the "Inner Guide Meditation?" It is a tool for getting valuable information from our unconscious to our conscious mind involving active imagination, archetypes, astrology, Tarot, and Kabbalah.

These time-tested tools have been combined by Edwin Steinbrecher (1930-2002) to give us a meditation for working in and on our inner plane. Within the meditation we experience and communicate with our Inner Guides, who give us the love, protection, and guidance no one on the outer plane could hope to give us over our life time. They neither tell us what someone else is thinking or doing, nor do they help us take revenge upon someone else.

The archetypes in our inner world are neutral living aspects of Spirit within us; each appearing in a way our individual egos can experience and understand what they are willing to communicate to us if we ask. They influence behavior from and projected onto us.

My own involvement with the Inner Guide Meditation began in 1992 when I went for what I thought was merely a "reading" of my natal chart by Ed Steinbrecher. An Astrologer myself, I was interested to hear Ed's interpretation of my chart and, perhaps, learn more about giving good Readings. I heard through the grapevine that Ed was a good Astrologer -- I had not heard anything else.

To my amazement, Ed began telling me how my family members are barometers for what was going on in my own life. Then he took me on an inner journey I didn't want to end.

Since that time, regular meditation has proven its worth in my relationships, career, and decision-making. My Inner Work has changed my Outer World for the better -- not without challenges, of course, but certainly more "tools" to work through them. I completed training to be an initiator of the meditation and encourage people to begin a new and improved cycle in their lives with the Inner Guide Meditation by doing the initiation with me. We have all the answers inside ourselves -- we just need a tool to get them out and working for us. Here it is!

Ed Steinbrecher's book is "The Inner Guide Meditation, a Technology for the 21st Century." You might find it useful to peruse the following pages of the book before reading it cover to cover -- which you are likely to do more than once. These page numbers are based on the Revised Sixth Edition.

xi.... Preface

3-5.... Introduction

12, 15, 16, 19, 27.... Projection

22, 23...... Active Imagination

27, 29, 36, 39.... Becoming Conscious

64, 65, 71... Symbology and Resistance

73, 74...... Religion (last paragraph p.73)

113, 114.... Negative People

97-203...... Questions/Answers

GOOD READS

AION, by Carl Jung

Encountering Jung: Jung on Synchronicity and the Paranormal, Selected by Roderick Main

The Inner Guide Meditation, a Technology for the 21st Century, Edwin Steinbrecher

Archetypes of the Zodiac, Kathleen Burt

Owning Your Own Shadow, Robert Johnson

The Invisible Partners, John Sanford

Romancing the Shadow, Connie Zweig, Ph.D., and Steve Wolf, Ph.D.

Astrology, the Evidence of Science, Percy Seymour

The Harmony of the Spheres, Jocelyn Godwin

The Exact Sciences in Antiquity, O. Neugebauer

The Cambridge Concise History of Astronomy, Edited by Michael Hoskin

Earth Cycles, the Scientific Evidence for Astrology, Compiled and Edited by Valerie Vaughan

A History of Western Astrology, Jim Tester

A History of Horoscopic Astrology, James Holden

Neo-Astrology: A Copernican Revolution, Michel Gauguelin

The Mars Effect, Michel Gauguelin

Stairways to the Stars: Skywatching in Three Great Ancient Cultures, Anthony Aveni

Theory of Everything, Ken Wilber

Brief History of Everything, Ken Wilber

Integral Psychology, Ken Wilber

How the Way we Talk can Change the Way we Work, Kegan and Lacey

Spiral Dynamics, Don Beck and Chris Cowen

The Life we are Given, George Leonard and Michael Murphy

Presence, by Senge, Schwarmer, Jaworski, and Flowers

In Over our Heads, Robert Kegan

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