Monday August 30 thru Sunday Sept. 6
Astrological Highlights for the week: Mars opposes Neptune on Thursday; Mercury gets serious with Saturn on Saturday; and Venus begins a transformation with Pluto on Sunday.
This is the last week of the Lunar cycle. The next New Moon is in Virgo on Monday September 6th. Before we close this chapter, it’s important we do not race through the final steps of evaluation of where we have been and tie up any loose ends. I know some would rather sleep through the last week of the lunar cycle. And why not? If you are particularly emotional or sensitive, this week of decreasing light can seem slow, confusing, or depressing. But there are benefits in store for those who choose to stay awake.
While no planets change signs this week, we do have several intriguing planetary interactions to spark our interest. On Thursday, Mars the planet of action opposes Neptune, the planet of dreams, illusions, and transcendence. On a practical and mundane level, this is daunting. Maybe a little bit like driving a car in a torrential rainstorm. Mars in Virgo is pragmatic, prepared, and has an agenda. Fog and rain are not part of our plan! No doubt about it, this opposition can start derailing our agenda even a few days before it happens on Thursday.
The Mars opposition to Neptune can also bring about beneficial revelations especially regarding hanging onto past habits, routines, relationships, and expectations. The spiritual note in Neptune resonates with a song in our hearts about our purpose and passions. If we are having a hard time letting go of a stagnant situation in our lives, this opposition helps us envision possible exit strategies. We can imagine moving forward and a future where we feel more content and alive, in alignment with our deepest desires, talents, and strengths. Don’t be quick to judge this week’s confusion or delays as problems. They may be signposts to a new direction and a warning the current path is a dead end.
On Saturday the fog clears considerably as the crisp wind of Mercury in Libra aligning with Saturn in Aquarius sweeps through the cosmos. Our thinking and communications are patient, precise, practical, and purposeful. This is great energy for all types of communication - personal and professional. We are responsible and come prepared! If you are aspiring toward a specific goal, this is a good day and evening, to think about, write about, or talk through your options, to narrow your focus to the most appealing. This provides a clarity of mind unlike what we have been experiencing recently. Writer Michael Crichton, actor/director Charlie Chaplin, famed songwriter, musician, and performer, George Harrison, and singer / actor Julie Andrews all were born with Mercury in a productive trine to Saturn. Their thoughts, words, and voices have all left an indelible mark. This wasn’t an accident.
On Sunday, Venus in Libra squares Pluto in Capricorn. Are we looking for trouble? Provoking power struggles? Or simply being triggered? There is a compulsiveness to Venus squaring Pluto that resonates with every obsessive bone in our body. Why can’t I have what I want? Like many challenging planetary interactions, this doesn’t have to spell doom and gloom. But it does suggest we may need to reign ourselves in a bit. The more we are aware of our issues and hot buttons, the more we can control our responses. If relationship issues are triggered, this could prove to be a valuable lesson and teachable moment.
Pluto has the power to change, evolve, and transform everything it touches. We may not look forward to it confronting Venus but then again, what a valuable opportunity to work through some compulsive spending habits, out-of-control consumption, or redesign relationship roles and interactions. With Venus in the partnership sign of Libra, let’s focus on the power of cooperation, the value of companionship, and the comfort of contentment.
Until next week, let go and wear loose clothes.
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The Moon in Gemini is on its own today making no daytime connections to planets. Shortly after Midnight Luna squared the Sun in Virgo ushering in the 4th and final phase of the lunar cycle. This is a turning point as we experience the results of the seeds planted on the last New Moon (It was on the 8th in self-expressive Leo). Both Gemini and Virgo are ruled by the thinking planet Mercury which just entered the partnership sign of Libra yesterday. Today we may be struggling with trust issues – how much do I tell others? How much of myself do I reveal or share? Can others handle the real me?
We may be thinking a lot about how we use information and our communications. Do we censor our opinions around certain people? Maybe we keep secrets or believe others are not telling the whole truth. We might expect some heated discussions today and boisterous exclamations. These verbal demonstrations may stem from innocent seeming motivations but might also be attempts to manipulate and control others through the calculated use of words. Do we find ourselves editing facts “for your own good”? Can’t you hear Jack Nicholson raging “You can’t handle the truth!”
In late evening when the Moon partners with Venus in Libra, it is much easier to connect mind and heart. We may not be more objective about our ideas and opinions, but we likely are more sensitive to our audience, especially our loved ones.
Daily Muse: Wit ought to be a glorious treat, like caviar. Never spread it about like marmalade. (Noel Coward – Moon in Gemini conjunct Pluto)
Today on A Course in Miracles, my guest is Susan Dugan, author of multiple books and articles on forgiveness and other principles of A Course In Miracles. Our discussion will be based on section 14 of the ACIM Manual for Teachers, How Will the World End? Hint: Not with a bang or a whimper but with a smile and a gentle laugh. Please join us today on 12Radio.com at 11 am Pacific – 2 Eastern.
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August 31
Moon in Gemini/Cancer
The Moon goes Void of Course At 1:48pm enters Cancer at 10:26pm
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An irritable connection between the Sun in Virgo and Saturn in Aquarius gets the day off to a cranky start. As the planet of discipline and responsibility, Saturn pushes us along the continuum of dependent to self-reliant and responsible. The temptation is to see ourselves as victims or blame others when our agenda is interrupted, or things don’t go our way. The Sun in Virgo can be flexible, but it definitely has an ideal picture of how everything should unfold. The best-laid plans can go awry for reasons beyond our control.
Things get even more complicated by the Moon in mental Gemini squaring Mars in pragmatic Virgo and imaginative Neptune in its home sign of Pisces. We likely feel a disconnection between our heads and hearts or may feel like we lack a sense of direction. It’s hard to set priorities as everything seems to be urgent and demanding our immediate attention.
As Mars continues to move towards its destined opposition with Neptune on Thursday, we might expect some confusion especially when it comes to identifying priorities. Keeping our schedules and expectations fluid will help us adapt to changes and demands as they evolve. We may be able to put off the last-minute request from a co-worker or the invitation to lunch with friends; but the leaking pipe flooding the kitchen will not be amenable to our rational explanations of how busy we are. These are times real friends and devoted partners are revealed! Even when we disagree with friends and loved ones about what’s important or how to deal with things, discussions can still help highlight answers to some of our toughest questions and illuminate our next steps. Never stop listening.
Putting all the details in perspective comes easier this afternoon when the Moon aligns with Jupiter in Aquarius. Jupiter is the big picture guy with hope and optimism to spare. As we consider long-term goals and the weighty priorities in our lives, the petty annoyances are revealed as minor inconveniences rather than significant problems.
Late tonight we seek the comfort of home and family as the Moon eagerly glides into her home sign of Cancer. “There is no place like home.”
Daily Muse: We all carry within us places of exile, our crimes, our ravages. Our task is not to unleash them on the world; it is to transform them in ourselves and others… Where there is no hope, it is incumbent on us to invent it. (Albert Camus Sun in Scorpio inconjunct Saturn in Gemini)
Today on Simpletales we’ll continue our in-depth look at Mercury. Homework: get a copy of your natal astrology chart and find your Mercury – the Sign and House. Please join us today at 9 am Pacific on 12Radio.com.
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September 1
Moon in Cancer
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We are in the mood for some pampering today, and we don’t mind if we are doing it for ourselves. The Moon in nurturing Cancer is more sensitive than most and even though this cardinal sign is anything but delicate, we may be feeling emotionally or psychologically fragile. Our dampened mood could be related to something personal going on in our lives, but it’s also probable we are resonating with a deeper and more pervasive disappointment or loss that is echoing throughout our family, community, country, and world.
An early morning lunar conflict with Mercury in Libra might incite an argument or disagreement or indicate a message or piece of information may not be real or trustworthy. What a surprise!
Although this latter connection is quick moving, we might want to heed the warning and be cautious of taking seriously what we hear or read this morning. Get corroborating evidence before you repost or retweet! Our temptation this morning is to escape, but we might try supporting ourselves with gentleness. Indulge in your favorite breakfast and/or rearrange your schedule to include an hour or two for yourself this morning. You might want to meditate, exercise, or relax with a book or music. If you are feeling a little off today, you can be assured others are too. Think kindness.
Throughout the day we begin feeling more purposeful as the Moon moves toward a positive alliance with the Sun in Virgo this evening. All is not perfect, but things are feeling more in sync and our mood is brightened by ways we may have reached out to others today – especially those who are feeling lost or lonely.
Daily Muse: I've been a married man most of my life; that's the way I like it…My family is my sanctuary. (Pierce Brosnan – Moon in Cancer)
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September 2
Moon in Cancer
The Moon goes Void of Course At 10:37pm
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It may be very challenging to maintain a steady and productive pace today. Mars, the planet of action is caught up in the confusing web of imagination of Neptune in Pisces. Mars in Virgo is practical and determined, but like a car driving in a torrential rainstorm, we feel like we have little control over the elements. Sometimes the opposition of Mars to Neptune highlights the discrepancies between our personal goals and those of family, group, or world. It’s hard to put our own desires and needs ahead of others especially if we deceive ourselves into thinking individual goals are selfish or less important. We have a harder time today, making the distinction without going to one extreme or the other. “I am everything; I am nothing.”
We may not want to make commitments today that carry considerable future responsibilities. We are sensitive and impressionable and may not be thinking straight. Did I really agree to adopt all three puppies or take on that ambitious project by myself?
The Mars opposition to Neptune can also bring about beneficial revelations especially regarding hanging onto past habits, routines, relationships, and expectations. The spiritual note in Neptune resonates with a song in our hearts about our purpose and passions. If we are having a hard time letting go of a stagnant situation in our lives, this opposition helps us envision possible exit strategies. We can imagine moving forward and a future where we feel more content and alive, in alignment with our deepest desires, talents, and strengths. Don’t be quick to judge today’s confusion or delays as problems. They may be signposts to a new direction and a warning the current path is a dead end.
When the Moon in sensitive Cancer squares Venus in Libra this afternoon, we might expect a clash of some sort with family or loved ones. Possibly they are upset at the mere mention we are thinking of changing directions! This evening feels better as the Moon makes positive alignments with both Neptune and Mars. We see how new ideas or behaviors can come into manifestation. Late night doubts may return when the Moon opposes Pluto. However, these are probably quickly followed by a sense of conviction as we embrace a need for change somewhere in our lives.
Daily Muse: Failure is a reality; we all fail at times, and it's painful when we do. But it's better to fail while striving for something wonderful, challenging, adventurous, and uncertain than to say, " I don't want to try because I may not succeed completely.” (Jimmy Carter – Mars in Aquarius opposite Neptune and Venus in Leo)
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Sepember 3
Moon in Cancer/Leo
The Void of Course Moon enters Leo at 8:58am
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The Moon slips out of sensitive Cancer and into noble Leo early this morning. This close to the end of the Lunar cycle (New Moon on Monday, September 6th) the Leo Moon is aligned with its desire to be a leader, versus the more playful side we might see earlier in the cycle. We take our self-expression seriously. We consider ways we want to influence others with our ideas and words. As a natural performer, the Leo Moon can be very persuasive and convincing. Over the next couple of days we are interested in inspiring positive change in ourselves and in those around us. If this sounds like you, check your ego at the door. We can advise, encourage, and shape opinions when we come from a place free of resentment and manipulation. The more we can be transparent with our motivations, the more we will be heard.
Being objective about ourselves is a challenge under any conditions. Today it seems even harder with the Sun making an uncomfortable connection to Chiron and Venus feeling confused by a link to Neptune. It may be hard to separate what we really want to be true from what is credible. We may idealize someone without being able to see their true nature or our relationship with them clearly. We are in danger if we let our fears start doing the talking. Talk back!
The energy is in flux today and rather than letting ourselves be bounced around with every changing story or event we can survive and prosper by soaking up inspiration from the Leo Moon. Honor yourself and your experiences; value your wisdom; know your voice is sacred. This evening, the Moon makes a positive alliance with Mercury, the messenger and storyteller in Libra. Take control of your story! Late night the Moon opposes Saturn which is our ego check – don’t get too big for your britches or believe your story is any more special than others’.
Daily Muse: Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony… Each one has to find his peace from within. And peace to be real must be unaffected by outside circumstances. (Mahatma Gandhi Moon in Leo; Venus and Mars conjunct in Scorpio inconjunct Neptune in Aries)
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Generally, we are in better spirits today under the influence of the Leo Moon Our minds and hearts may be turning toward the future, trying to imagine what we want to manifest. Recent events may have created confusion and doubt about our path or goals, but this isn’t a negative thing. This is a good day to re-think what makes us feel the happy and content. Venus in Libra reminds us about the importance of companionship and the value of cooperation. Are we allowing ourselves to enjoy interactions with others? How might we improve our relationships and satisfaction with our roles? The Leo Moon reminds us to aspire to greater self-confidence through a strong connection to our inner guide and teacher. Having a spiritual discipline is an anchor and steadying force amidst multiple changes.
Tonight, Mercury in Libra is fortified by an alliance with Saturn in Aquarius. Our thinking and communications are patient, precise, practical, and purposeful. This is great energy for all types of communication personal and professional. We are responsible and come prepared! If you are aspiring toward a specific goal, this is a good evening, to think about, write about or talk through your options to narrow your focus to the most appealing. This provides clarity of mind we haven’t experienced this week and certainly not in the last couple of days.
Daily Muse: Do you know what we call opinion in the absence of evidence? We call it prejudice. (Michael Crichton – Mercury in Libra trine Saturn in Gemini)
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September 5
Moon in Leo/Virgo
The Moon goes Void of Course at 7:22am enters Virgo at 4:06pm
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The Moon in Leo is looking for personal satisfaction early this morning. We feel like we deserve something special. Our yearnings might include some quality time with a loved one, or we might wake up with an urge to indulge in a purchase of something we have been keeping an eye on. Moderation is not on the menu as the Moon opposes giant Jupiter this morning, but an irritating square between Venus and Pluto tonight could have us regretting going overboard earlier in the day. Heads up!
There is a compulsiveness to Venus squaring Pluto that resonates with every obsessive bone in our body. Why can’t I have what I want? Like many challenging planetary interactions, this doesn’t have to spell doom and gloom. But it does suggest we may need to reign ourselves in a bit. It doesn’t take much provocation to stir up trouble or power struggles. The more we are aware of our issues and hot buttons, the more we can control our responses. If relationship issues are triggered, this could prove to be a valuable lesson and teachable moment.
The Moon’s move to humble Virgo in late afternoon could completely spin the energy in a different direction. We don’t have much of an appetite for competition, fighting, arguing, or testing relationship boundaries. This Moon is about mindfulness and knows how to slow and ground the energy with silence. We prefer to spend time alone, or quality time with others of like mind. Participating in spiritual disciplines or spending quiet time together is a healing antidote to the recent frenzy.
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Most of us are surrounded by the love of our pets. For me it's what makes me hate love because the pain of losing them is so egregious. I now have two new reports that take a gentle but entertaining view of your pet (sorry, only cats and dogs) through the lens of astrology.
It's a fun gift for the pet lover that has everything.
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Have you ever wondered what is the strongest creature on earth? One might be tempted to think a whale of some sort, or maybe an elephant. Could it be a rhino, or a crocodile? Prepare to be amazed. The strongest animal on our planet is the dung beetle.
The Scarab (Scarabaeus Sacer) is familiar to most of you, especially if you have any interest in ancient Egyptian religion and culture. Although the Scarab is only one of over 2000 species of dung beetle, it’s quite spectacular. The Scarab can lift over 1100 times its own weight, making it unparalleled in strength. Scarabs are not only strong, but also tenacious.
They seem gross to many, as they survive on nutrients found in feces. However, without them the world would be chin deep in poop. They do more than eat the stuff; they also lay their eggs in dung, something noted by the ancient Egyptians. A few words about the lifecycle of a Scarab are in order.
Scarabs gather on a pile of dung, fighting off other Scarabs and other species of dung beetles, to create a ball that they can roll away. It’s a battle to get that ball to a safe mating environment. They roll a while, climb on top of their orb to get their bearings using the sun, moon, or the Milky Way, then continue their journey. Pushing the ball with their hind legs, their heads down, moving backwards the whole time, steep hills and sharp cliffs are no problem.They tumble down, hitting the ground forcefully after which they return to rolling their ball.
When the Scarab has reached a suitable location, it will mate. The female will begin digging with her shovel-like head and powerful legs. Her mate will help build a chamber. Once the female has sealed the tunnel for safety, he’ll fetch more dung. The female Scarab may dig several chambers and create a labyrinth of passages several feet beneath the earth. She will feed upon the original ball until her mate delivers more dung balls, in which she will lay eggs. Often the female will stay within her nest and die.
Finding a Scarab’s nest is easy, as a telltale mound of excavated dirt sits atop the tunnel system, looking not unlike a pyramid. In observing these creatures, the ancient Egyptians found the dead female within, lying next to a ball of dung. Out of that ball, a mature, adult Scarab emerged. Although they understood what was going on in the cycle, the symbolism was wonderful. Out of the corruption of the physical body came new life, identical to that which had passed. They opened up the balls to see what was going on within. Following the larval stage was the pupal, a transition in which the growing beetle looks astonishingly like a wrapped mummy lying on its back.
The Egyptians worshiped Scarabs as sacred to the God Kheper. He was depicted with a human body and a head composed of a whole Scarab, legs and all. He was the deity of existence and becoming. When something came into being, it was under the realm of Kheper. I’ve always seen him as the spirit of survival and evolution, willing to do anything and everything in order to persist. As Kheper-Ra, he was the rising sun, doing whatever he must to push the solar orb from beneath the earth and into the sky. At funerals, hundreds of thousands of clay scarabs were thrown in and around the burial, acting as proxy seeds, symbols of continued existence, ensuring eternal life.
It’s interesting that we rely upon tiny insects to remove massive amounts of excrement every day. Sometimes valuable members of society are those unsung workers who have the hardest jobs, tasks that no one else would want. Even though they may be the least recognized, they may be the strongest of us all.
Until next week, I wish you all peace and love.
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Rest
In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength. IS 30:15
I ended my article last week with that scripture. It is very rich, and I want to give you my take on it.
Returning is going within, practicing the Presence, realizing the God Self whether you call it Source, God, the Tao, or Brahman, It is Infinite Spirit, Consciousness.
Rest is trust, yielding to the presence, putting your full weight down in the experience of connection like you would when you physically sit in a chair. You sit first, and then you relax into the chair allowing it to completely support your body, never doubting that it will. I think that is a great metaphor for trust – yielding to Self, being supported by Spirit, and resting.
In this space, there is no struggle, no resistance. You are out of the chaos of the world and in the calm of Spirit, and it is apparent that in quietness and confidence is strength and solidity.
The Tao Te Ching affirms the same Truth.
Returning is the motion of Tao. Yielding is the method of Tao.
The Ten Thousand Things come from Being; And Being comes from Non-Being. V40
Out of that quiet rest comes healing, not just for you but for the world.
Have a very blessed week
Kelly
Please join me for Empowerment, Tuesdays at 10 am Pacific on 12Radio.com
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Weekly Grace
Welcome back beautiful angels!
I am sure by the time you read this, you may have experienced some kind of unexpected news that may be hitting you pretty hard. Let's get into astrology and what to expect from these positions!
** Italicized are updated astrological changes
Western Esoteric
Sun Virgo Sun Leo
Mercury Libra Mercury Virgo
Venus Libra Venus Virgo
Mars Virgo Mars Leo
Jupiter R Aquarius Jupiter R Aquarius
Saturn R Aqua Saturn R Capricorn
Uranus R Taurus Uranus R Aries
Neptune R Pisces Neptune R Aquarius
Pluto R Capricorn Pluto R Sagittarius
The most significant change this week is Uranus Retrograde. Uranus is the rebel planet who creates change whether we like it or not! While appearing to move backwards, we end up feeling like we are taking steps backwards in life. It is not always a great feeling but can help us get very clear about our forward trajectory.
In Western astrology, Uranus R is in Taurus. Many will find issues around money, assets, resources, stability and our bodies to be a real issue during this time. Sometimes we have to test our boundaries a little to become very clear of what they are.
Every year, Uranus goes retrograde, and is known to be a subtle sign when retrograde as it challenges our innovative thinking. However this year, I do instinctively feel it will be bigger than that. The key here is CHANGE in physical sense: new social/work groups, new experiences, new approaches, new lovers and new jobs!
In Esoteric astrology, Uranus is Retrograde in Aries, the sign of war, aggression, sex and action. It is no surprise the Taliban takeover happened at the very beginning of this energy switch, though usually it can be an earthquake or natural disaster.
When the energy appears to be moving "backwards" in a retrograde, the usual energy of Aries is stunted and has us reevaluate our position. Temper and dramatizations can be a major issue during this time. We may have to learn to be more objective and not allow our emotions get the best of us. Tantrums do not work anymore.
This can also cause setbacks to our plans. Do not be too disappointed, though! Whenever there is a setback it is actually serving a person to our overall character development and the ultimate success of this year.
The big question with this Uranus Retrograde is, how is this working for me?
What is Spirit trying to get me to see?
If you can find answers to those questions, then no doubt you will thrive during this season!
Blessings,
Grace
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