-- Newsletter --
Volume 9, August 2006
Welcome to August. Thank goodness Mercury
is no longer retrograde. It’s always so fascinating to watch the first few days
after Mercury “corrects” its motion and starts forward. Suddenly, the puzzles
start to fit together. Situations that may have become so complicated and
unworkable somehow right themselves easily. Besides knowledge of one’s own
Sun-sign, Mercury Retrograde is one
of the very few astrological occurrences that lay people know something about. Just
when I was wondering why this particular retrograde period hadn’t “hit me” yet,
my cell phone stopped accepting my headphones and a penny slipped out of my
right front pocket as I was getting in the car and strategically found its way
into my seat belt receptacle. It’s beyond reach and now is inoperative. (Yes,
Mercury rules cars and no, my car didn’t start going backwards.)
I hear so many humorous stories of Mercury’s
weirdness and frustrations that I’ve decided to encourage those of you who would
like to share your stories. If you’ve had a notable experience during one of
these times, feel free to submit your story via Email to: 
. I’ll publish
them on my website for a few laughs (anonymously if you prefer.)
Oh, by the way, thanks to a friend who
pointed this out: Mars is not closest to Earth now than it ever gets.
That Internet Email story that has been going around was another Mercury
Retrograde conspiracy trying to make me look silly. Mars was closest in 2003
and the same Email message that keeps making that claim keeps orbiting the endless
Internet. Read about it and other hoaxes at: www.snopes.com/science/mars.asp
Anyhow, let’s get on with things!
I get many questions
about this “lingo” we astrologers use. Gradually, I’ll be introducing more and
more astrological terms keeping in mind that some readers are very new to
astrology while others are quite advanced. After all, this is an astrology
newsletter.
So, just what is a
“T-square”? It is a major, common, planetary
configuration in an astrology chart where one planet is opposite another, as
indicated by the numbers 1 and 2. A third planet occupies the position at point
3 and is at a right-angle to both. The tension
that is generated from 1 and 2 often times sends exaggerated energy to the
planet at position 3. This is known as a “T-square to whatever planet is at 3.
8/03 Void Moon 5:08am
- 7:13pm Once again, the Moon is Void-of-Course most of the day; try not
to launch important projects during this time.
Larry Talbot
(aka Lon Chaney, Jr.)
8/10 Ian Anderson turns 59. NO, JETHRO TULL
IS NOT THE GUY’S NAME. He is the
lead singer/flutist of the band called
“Jethro Tull.” He is well
known (yes they are still going strong) for standing erect and hopping about
like a crane on one leg as he let’s loose with incredible staccato flute riffs.
What gives this phenomenally talented Lion his abilities? Jupiter opposes the Moon
in Taurus making a strong T-square to Sun/Pluto in Leo! And, a close
Mars/Uranus conjunction in Gemini helps keep him young and lends to incredible
lungs. Aqualungs?
Formed FORTY-THREE
years ago, the band was named after a famous British agriculturalist of all
things. This name confusion reminds of the time when someone said to me, “Man,
I sure like that Leo Zeppelin.”
8/11-12 Mars opposite Uranus – Try as you may,
Mars in Virgo is going to urge us all to clean up our acts and get orderly and
productive. Uranus has other plans though for a few days. Uranus’ middle name
is “chaos”. Be very flexible if plans go awry – because they will. Nerves could
even get frayed for a few days. Give it a second and third thought before you
decide to fight with someone.
Be extra cautious
while driving, using cutting instruments, and around machinery. It is a good
time to break new ground and lead the way. It will just take a couple of days
for things to return to normal. Personally, I would definitely pass on those bungee
jumping lessons.
8/18 Void Moon 8:30am, 5:03pm - Sit in the
time-out chair once again.
8/26 Women’s
Equality Day - The Nineteenth
Amendment was passed on this day in 1920 and gave women the right to vote. On
that day, the Virgo Sun (individual rights) was next to expansive Jupiter in b producing a great
urge for freedom of expression - especially political
(Jupiter) expression. The poignant aspect in that construct was the opposition
to Uranus in early i. This is what gave the Collective
Unconscious the need to loose the voice of all women. Wyoming became the first state
to allow women to vote. I’m not exactly sure where the planets were when men
were afforded the same right. Now, if we had someone to vote for…
8/28 Void Moon 4:01am
- 3:56pm, another period to lay low; delay the start of important
projects if possible.
8/27-29 Mars squares Pluto,
this is definitely a time to get
things off of your chest – to confront someone with something that has been
bothering you. This is not the best time to tear someone’s head off though,
which is exactly what you may feel like doing. Pent-up aggressions and angers
will surface now. Do not underestimate your opponents now because they are much
stronger than you think, especially men (
). On
the flip side, being acquiescent will likely get you more sand in your face.
The answer as always when these two bruisers combine is to walk the fine line between
assertion and aggression. Watch the Middle-East especially closely now since
they’re already trading blows. This combo can be quite violent. Sexual desires
run strong now too. Best to take the gloves off first though.
8/31 Saturn opposite Neptune 5:55am 17˚50’ - The
face-off between these two heavyweights is arguably the most significant
transit of the year. Stern, realistic Saturn confronts (and combines with)
dreamy, other-worldly Neptune. Many of us have
been waiting for the “other shoe to drop.” Plop! This is a simple one, albeit a
sobering, perhaps dire one. If you have been living in a dream world and been
irresponsible - look out. If you have been doing your best to deal with
reality, it may be tough, but shouldn’t be too bad. Look around you at this
time and listen to the sound of many people’s bubbles popping.
Jupiter and Neptune have been traveling
together all year and have afforded many a new spiritual opening, confidence
and a sense of inner Source. i.e., (s)well-being. Now,
we see how realistic the whole matter is. Michael the Archangel now has a
two-edged wand. Be realistic, come out of the clouds, but yes, solidify
(Saturn) the spiritual gains you have made.
This major construct is complicated by the
heavy construction that Saturn has been urging in Leo, i.e., the firming up of
our own ego/self and the defining of our personal boundaries.
But, before we get started, a few words of optimism. I’ve sensed and am already
starting to hear reports of people who are gaining a new sense of responsibility
or willingness to face down their on-going situations that have kept them
stuck. Many times, when Saturn swells within us, we feel ready to take on tough problems with a stiff upper lip (after all, Britain is a g country). Here is
but one way all of this may manifest per Sun-sign:
Aries has had
an exciting year; one that has showed vivid glimpses of their dreams coming
true. It has been a productive year and one where friends have played a large
part. Now, we see if the Ram has been holding up his or her end of the bargain.
In order to continue to manifest your dreams, be realistic that you are going
to have to do most of the work. You are the pioneer, don’t look for others to
fill in the blanks. Grab that shovel by the horns.
Taurus has
allowed the uncertainty of their career to affect their home life now to the
point where something has to be done. Quit worrying about the shaky ground your
career appears to be on right now and
trust that if you are being true to yourself and family that it will all work
out. Put your efforts into securing the homefront. Sometimes money comes from spiritual
confidence instead of simply working harder. Perhaps most of the time. Your
Source is not finite.
Gemini has been living in pie-in-the-sky Philosophyland
for quite some time now. Now, with all the pressure in their Third House, the
Twins need to put their minds and mouths where their new concepts have been. This
is no time to try to brush things aside as a pop-idea novelty; it is a time to
practice what you preach and truly incorporate
your new philosophies into your daily life. Geesh.
Cancer could have a time of this one. Your natural tendency to be
dependent could get you caught in your own pinchers. You really need to find
your own self-worth by digging deep into your own resources. Avoid trying to
extract self-definition from the status of your relationships. You may also
find that another may cut off funds to you if you’re not careful. Crabs can be
tenacious and tough-minded - this is one of those times you need those
qualities.
Leo now needs to take stock. You have been making a huge mark on
others for quite some time now. The essence of your efforts has been to expand
your confidence towards self-development. If that has been a true effort, you
will be rewarded with a fresh coat of pride. If it’s just been for show, the finger will point at you and there
will be no escaping the coming Ego-bruise and fall from Grace. Hear me Barry
Bonds (b)?
“Work, work, work”
is not the answer for Virgo right
now. Sometimes work can be avoidance behavior. Yes, you have an admirable sense
of responsibility and you usually don’t whine, but now you owe something to a
larger circle than just your job. You may pay the price for not being in touch
with your own emotions. Sweat is not always the answer. Sometimes you have to
share your feelings with others – not
simple, but necessary. Others will stop making excuses for the
non-demonstrative types of Virgos – not something we want.
It’s a good thing
that Libra does well with balancing
acts. The trick this time will be to balance your romantic desire for a love
relationship with the sober requirements of just what it takes to make that
dream come true. Yes, you are going through a trying time to make this manifest,
but to kill off your Venusian dreams could be a serious blow to your
sensibilities. Be realistic, but, keep your dream alive - you’re very savvy.
Scorpio faces at subtle one. Don’t be fooled thinking that more
prestige and power will satisfy you with what you really want at this time. Neptune has been trying to
quietly influence you through all the daily noise to achieve a more refined
emotional state. Career demands are huge right now. Do your job, but don’t
crush your emotional nest by attempts of conquest. Your family needs you now -
and vice versa.
Now is the time for
Sagittarius to give form to their
ideas. The lofty-aiming Centaur has been dreamy-eyed long enough and now you
need to focus and avoid flippancy. Show everyone how you can back up your
bravado with well-thought-out ideas. Sometimes you are your own worst enemy
(rarely) and suffer from the Boy-Who-Cried-Wolf syndrome. Not now. You’re
always honest, this time be firm and honor your belief
system.
Relationships are critical now for Capricorn. Don’t be afraid to truly
give of yourself and commit. You’ll find much of your own self-value emerging
after you share intimately with another. Duty is natural to the Goat, but not true
sacrifice. Now, you need to see that you will not gain unless those around you
gain too. You are the wisest of signs – trust the process.
Aquarius is similar
to Capricorn this month. Your personal dreams are clashing with your duty to
others. It doesn’t have to be that way however. The more you give to others,
the more you get, right? Sound familiar? Avoid seeing your responsibilities to
others as a weight and you’ll actually find your relationships to not only be uplifting, but you will inadvertently
discover the true inner-unfolding that you’ve pined for all along.
Health is paramount
now for Pisces. You need to avoid
getting too scattered and especially picking up other people’s negative energy.
You are a psychic and emotional sponge. Now, it’s becoming physical. It’s an offshoot of your loving nature. You have quite
the tendency to carry around a lot of “stuff” that just isn’t yours. You need to
rest and find time to be alone and need to discern just exactly what is yours.
Saving the world can set you back; your main duty is to yourself – a difficult
lesson for the Fishes.
As with all
entities, the USA chart is also
under stress. The all-important Moon in Aquarius (symbolized by our Statue of
Liberty) has had Neptune sitting on it for over a year. Now, Saturn
opposes it and prods us to “get real.” This aspect has always represented our
open-door policy. Now that the impracticality of the illegal aliens issue has
become critical (the opposition), Saturn intends to do something about it. Such
as building a wall (Saturn)? A difficult issue. If it’s not a physical wall, then an attempt at more restrictive
legislation.
-All
the moons of the Solar System are named after Greek and Roman mythology, except
the moons of Uranus, which are named after characters of William Shakespeare
and Alexander Pope: Miranda, Ariel, Umbriel, Titania, and Oberon.
-Jupiter's
moon Ganymede is the largest moon in the Solar System, and is larger than the
planets Mercury and Pluto.
-The
3 most recently discovered planets were Uranus (1781), Neptune (1846), &
Pluto (1930).
-Uranus
is the only planet that rotates on its side.
-"Zodiac"
comes from the Greek word "zodiakos" which
means "circle of little animals."
-“Cosmos” another Greek word for “embroidery” which means the harmony of patterns woven together. Thus
our word, “cosmetics” which brings the elements of the face into harmony.
-Only
55% of all Americans know that the sun is a star. Duh.
Dear
Kid Astro, When I read
about my Sun-sign, it doesn’t sound like me.
Why am I so different? A very long complex answer…to simplify: Your Sun-sign
is just a part of you. The placement
of your Moon represents your emotions, among other things – and it can be in
any sign. Right away you can see how there are 12 types of Virgos for example.
Then your Mercury sign represents the type of thinker you are, while Venus and
Mars have a lot to do with your sexual orientation and general approach to
socializing. Without even mentioning the tremendous complications that come
from the other 5 planets, a birth chart is an extremely unique, personal
diagram that represents your energies. Many Pisces act like Leos; many Leos act
like Pisces. All in all, we are very complex beings and over-identifying with our
Sun-sign gives us a very distorted and limited view of ourselves. For an
accurate picture, a detailed, accurate chart needs to be done by a qualified astrologer.
Next
month we ask Kid Astro: “I’ll never learn all of this complex
stuff, yet, how can I learn to use astrology to help me in my life?”
S.P.A.C.E. News
The Southwestern Pennsylvania Astrology
Consortium for Enlightenment (S.P.A.C.E.) will next meet on Sunday, August 27th.
Monthly meetings are held on the last Sunday of each month at 10:00am. These meetings
take place South of South Hills Village in a private home just off of Rt. 19.
All interested in Astrology are welcome. Call (724)622-8079 for details.
Void Void
Date Starts Ends
---- ------ -------
8/01
9:08am
8/03 5:08am - 7:13pm
8/05 3:22pm - 1:19am (next day)
8/07 9:44pm - 3:47am (next day)
8/09 6:58pm - 4:10am (next day)
8/12 3:17am - 4:22am
8/13 8:14pm - 6:00am (next day)
8/15 9:51pm – 10:07am (next day)
8/18 8:30am - 5:03pm
8/20 3:06am - 2:33am (next day)
8/23 2:19am - 2:08pm
8/25 3:00pm - 3:01am (next day)
8/28 4:01am - 3:56pm
8/30 4:41pm - 3:00am (next day)
Void-of-Course Moons are times every few
days anywhere from a few minutes to several hours where you are discouraged
from launching projects. It’s kind of like sailing a boat and there just isn’t
any wind. For more information on this subject, visit my earlier newsletter: www.starself.com/newsletter2.html
Access my complete 2006 Void Moon table at:
www.starself.com/rxvoidmoon.html
Access
all past articles and newsletters at: www.starself.com/articlesnews.html
Free
birth chart calculations are available at: http://www.alabe.com/freechart/
A free do-it-yourself Astrology program is
available at: http://www.magitech.com/~cruiser1/astrolog.htm
Make sure to stay in touch with my web site
at: www.starself.com and as always:
“May the planets be with you as you find your Starself!”
Rick
