Astro-Notes on February 19, 2019 – Virgo Full Moon

Yesterdays ingresses and new synodic cycles are succeeded by the Full Moon in Virgo that highlights the axis of service and sacrifice. What has been seeded at the time of the Aquarius New Moon on February 4 and even farther back at the time of the Virgo New Moon on September 9 of last year is now coming to fruition. In the symbolical language of the Sabians we get the following story: “A big business man at his desk” (Sabian Symbol for the Aquarius NM) is seeing his reflection “in a portrait, the significant features of his head artistically emphasized” (Sabian Symbol for the FM in Virgo), which means he has gained “the capacity to picture himself clearly together with the overall meaning of the situation he’s dealing with” (keynote of the Sabian for the Virgo FM), because a “volcanic eruption” (Sabian Symbol for the Virgo NM) has ‘exploded’ into “a crowded market place” (Sabian Symbol of the Pisces Sun). Thus, his “ability to organize the many aspects of an enterprise that involves a large group of human beings” (keynote of the Sabian for the Aquarius NM) has resulted in a conflict as the “commerce, mingling and interchange” have crowded his market place (keynote of the Sabian for the Pisces Sun).

The Sabian Symbol for the Full Moon at 0:42 Virgo states:
“In a portrait, the significant features of a man’s head are artistically emphasized. Keynote: The capacity to picture oneself clearly, the salient features and the overall meaning of any life situation – DISCRIMINATION.”

The Sabian Symbol for the Sun at 0:42 Pisces states:
“In a crowded market place, farmers and middle men display a great variety of products. Keynote: The process of commingling and interchange, which at all levels demonstrates the health of a community – COMMERCE.”

(Dane Rudhyar, “An Astrological Mandala: The Cycle of Transformations and its 360 Symbolical Phases”, Pages 150-151 and 268-269, respectively)

With the Full Moon in adjusting aspects to Chiron in Aries and the Pallas-Uranus opposition, the implication is that we might have shot ourselves in the foot with our eagerness to help or serve and we might realize now that this leaves us no space to maneuver in. Therefore, the necessary adjustments have to be made by correcting some of our moves or withdrawing from certain commitments completely. Mercury in Pisces’ sextile to Saturn in Capricorn offers us a chance to become aware of our limitations in this regard and to walk away from promises we made and can’t keep or responsibilities we don’t have to take on or manage. Thus, we have to use discrimination to salvage the situation and save ourselves, so to speak. Unresolved conflicts will lead to confrontations as negotiations have reached the final stage and answers to pressing issues are being expected. The more important is it to find a balance between service and sacrifice.

Tarot card of the day is the “10 of Cups”, suggesting that we’re calling a truce and restoring harmony where it is needed. We’re working for peace and reaffirming our commitment to bonds. Thus, we create an atmosphere where we can relax, while reducing stress and tensions, and consequently have a chance to experience serenity and contentment. Generally, we can be more at ease. This card is reflective of our personal value system and of what we believe will bring us the ultimate fulfillment and happiness in life.

Astro-Notes on February 18, 2019 – Chiron in Aries

Chiron was discovered in 1977 by Charles T. Kowal. His size, position and behavior are unusual in comparison to other planetary bodies. Therefore, he has been classified as a comet and a maverick. He orbits between Saturn and Uranus, linking the traditional planets with the outer transpersonal planets. This means, Chiron is our bridge from the personal to the transpersonal, from the known (visible) to the unknown, from the old to the new and from the traditional to the progressive/futuristic.

Mythology
Chiron is the product of a union between Cronus (Saturn) and the nymph Philyra. Their mating happened after they had changed into a horse and a mare. Thus, Chiron was born half-man, half-horse, which disgusted his mother. Repulsed by his appearance, Philyra rejected her child at birth and begged the Gods to change her into anything other than what she was. Consequently, she was turned into a linden-tree and Chiron was abandoned. He would be found later on by Apollo, the Sun god, who became his foster-father and taught him many skills, such as music, prophecy, poetry and healing. Chiron became a wise man, teacher, guide, musician, healer and shaman. He was also the mentor of many famous Greek heros. Hercules was one of them and during a row with other centaurs, he accidentally wounded Chiron with a poisoned arrow. The wound was incurable and Chiron was overcome with unceasing agony, which caused him to retreat into his cave and suffer silently. As an immortal, he could not be released from the wound and was unable to heal himself. Eventually, Chiron found a way to be relieved from his pain by trading places with Prometheus, who had been chained to a rock by Zeus and had his liver picked by an eagle every day (it would regrow overnight) for stealing fire from the Gods and giving it to humanity. Part of his sacrifice was that Chiron gave up his immortality, which allowed him to die and thus, released him from his suffering.

Chiron’s Archetype
Based on his mythology, Chiron’s archetype is that of the wounded healer. Chiron’s placement in the chart reveals an area of woundedness, referring in particular to issues of abandonment, rejection, pain and suffering, we seem unable to heal from, but through the wisdom we gained from these experiences we have the ability to heal and guide others in this area. Moreover, healing can come about through shedding light on the ‘wound’, bridging or linking body and soul and personal sacrifice.

Chiron will make ingress to Aries and cross over the Aries Point, where “the personal becomes political” early tomorrow morning at 1:07 am PST. He will be transiting this cardinal fire sign, the first sign of the zodiac, until June 19, 2026 and then will return to Aries a last time from September 18, 2026 to April 14, 2027. Chiron first made ingress to Aries last year on April 17 and stayed until September 26. On the day of the ingress last year, Saturn stationed retrograde in Capricorn. At that time, a theme or issue related to Chiron in Aries came forward and this would have involved an existential struggle that required an act of courage, initiative or self-assertion, which could have brought the fighting spirit out of us. With Saturn stationing on the same day, this involved a matter of structure, authority and control. For instance, I received my first hydro bill that day and it was a lot higher than I had expected. Once I checked my daily usage I noticed some discrepancies. This caused me to confront my landlord and the hydro company, because I was not going to accept this bill. It turned out they had invoiced me for the wrong meter. However, I was the one, who had to take charge of the issue in order to get it resolved.

With Chiron in Aries, the wound is one related to our very existence, survival and sense of Beingness or “I am” that forces us into activity as well as survival and fighting mode and also motivates us to initiate a course of action and conquer whatever is in front of us. In this regard, a whole new chapter is starting that requires a whole new approach, which has the potential to release us from the victimization, sacrifice and suffering of the last years if we live up to the challenges and struggles we’ll be undergoing for the duration of Chiron’s transit through Pisces.

In sync with this ingress, two new synodic cycles start tomorrow as well when Venus is meeting Saturn in conjunction in Capricorn and Mercury is joining Neptune in Pisces. So, these merged energies are affecting Chiron’s transit through Aries and they indicate that we have a chance now to lay down a foundation for our emotional and material needs, attachments and ambitions and work on the realization of our values and goals, while making use of our talents, worth and assets to achieve what we desire. At the same time can we shape and envision ideas and plans based on dreams, ideals and expectations or projections we’ve been fantasizing about, while being receptive and connected to everything that resonates with us. To sum it up, we have to be realistic about our worth and aware of our expectations in order to conquer our woundedness and problems.

Furthermore, the Sun in Aquarius and Pallas in Libra engage in a trine in the last degrees of their respective signs, before the Sun will make ingress to Pisces and Pallas stations retrograde. What this implies is that our personal inspiration has resulted in last minute maneuvering, negotiating or arranging for a personal cause. And this lead us into the Virgo Full Moon, which brings the Aquarius lunation cycle to its climax. The Sabian Symbol for the Virgo Full Moon states: “In a portrait, the significant features of a man’s head are artistically emphasized. Keynote: The capacity to picture oneself clearly, the salient features and the overall meaning of any life situation – DISCRIMINATION.” (Dane Rudhyar, “An Astrological Mandala: The Cycle of Transformations and its 360 Symbolical Phases”, Pages 150-151). What a perfect expression for the Mercury- Neptune conjunction in Pisces!

The Sun’s ingress to Pisces corresponds to a period when we seek to go with the flow, when we yield and bend and are generally more compassionate, idealistic and sensitive, when we attune to our self-image, seek closure, synthesis and transcendence, when we envision our life based on dreams and longings and when we strive to become whole and also part of a larger reality. Whereas Pallas stationing retrograde in the last degree of Libra ushers in a period when we feel urged to review our strategies, tactics and approach, in particular what matters of balance, harmony, assessment, fairness and relationships concerns. All of these energies contribute to tasks we’re facing during Chiron’s transit through Aries.

For guidance on your own unique Chirotic journey, please contact me for a personalized reading. 

Astro-Notes on February 2, 2019 – Imbolc

It’s mid-winter! Imbolc falls on February 2, about halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, marking the middle of winter (also celebrated as Groundhog Day) and the returning of the light. Hail the Goddess Brigid, the Light-Bringer and “Exalted One”! This great Celtic goddess has connotations with the Roman Vesta, who as the watcher over the fire in the centre of the home or temple, kindles the inner flame. She is the ‘Beloved’ , the ‘Lady of the Lambs’ (lambing season begins now) that oversees the quickening of the year, the stirrings of new life, and energizes the passage from the dark of winter (the crone Hekate) to the promise of spring. Yes, there is hope in our hearts for the new life to be ‘born’ soon with winter reaching its peak and it is only a matter of a few weeks until this season will be over. The cross-quarter day Imbolc is one of the four Celtic “Fire Festivals” in the wheel of the year that ushers in the month of February and honors the lengthening of day-light we’re experiencing now in the re-birthing of the Sun. It corresponds to an awakening of the Earth and all its creatures. Imbolc commemorates the changing of the Triple Goddess from her Crone form to her Maiden form. Brigid is the Goddess of poetry, healing, midwifery and smithcraft. The original word ‘Imbolg’ means “in the belly”. All is pregnant and expectant and only just visible – if at all. It is the promise of renewal, of hidden potential, of earth awakening and life-force stirring. Hope is returning. Therefore, it’s time to let go off the past and to look to the future, clearing out the old, while making space for new beginnings. As a festival of light, the tradition calls for us to light candles at dusk and place them in every window of the house.

Imbolc Tarot spread – Psychic Tarot deck:

1. Planting Seeds: What do I want to grow in my life?
2. Spring Cleaning: What needs to be cleared?
3. Bringing Warmth: How will I spread joy and happiness?
4. Shining a Light: What part of my life needs illumination?
5. Rebirthing: What dormant gifts will be reawakened or stirred?

• Card Number 1: “Moving On” (corresponding to the 6 of Swords)
• Card Number 2: “Suffering in Silence” (corresponding to the 9 of Swords)
• Card Number 3: “Prosperity begins” (corresponding to the Ace of Pentacles)
• Card Number 4: Base Chakra
• Card Number 5: “New beginnings” (corresponding to The Fool)

 

As a difficult cycle is coming to an end, we want to plant the seeds of healing and this requires that we embark on a much-needed journey that stirs us toward calmer waters, where our mind has a chance to settle. Growth can only happen by moving on and this entails that we let go off limiting and negative beliefs, of worries, despair, anxiety, mental distress and hopelessness. Once we clear this from our path, which could feel like getting rid off the weeds in our garden, we’ll take the first step toward healing. Thus, prosperity can begin. By clearing our mind we’re opening ourselves to a new beginning on the physical and material level and attract abundance toward us. With our business- or money-making ideas and endeavors on this new path we can spread joy and happiness. Therefore, our root chakra (base chakra) needs be activated with healing light or through yoga, dancing and light exercise. The root chakra is related to the color red, the element earth and all our earthy issues, such as survival, shelter, safety, security, the physical body, sustenance and money (which is collective energy permeating many aspects of our physical life). Located at the base of the spine, the sound for the root chakra is “I am” and keyword for the root chakra is “I have” (corresponding to the 1st and 2nd archetype in astrology). Honor your body and “light this temple” is the message here, especially with Vesta having entered the sign of Pisces (the most sacred and spiritual) this morning. Make space for the things you are devoted to and hold most sacred and turn your rituals into ‘sacred offerings’. Focus on whole-making (healing). The dormant gifts that will be stirred or reawakened by understanding and soothingly tending to the mind-body connection are a new-found sense of adventure, a leap of faith and the willingness to take risks (The Fool). Important choices have to be made as new beginnings await us.

A happy and blessed Imbolc!