Is the dark background difficult to read? Click here.

New Moon in Taurus ~ May 2/3, 2011

Bull, Taurus by Loet Vanderveen

New Moons signify rebirth, beginnings, a clean slate, the start of a new cycle. This new moon highlights Taurus qualities (determined, practical, devoted, grounded, dependable) and 2nd house themes (material security, values, self-worth). On a spiritual/higher plane, the Moon in Taurus seeks inner peace through stability and contentment. Taurus is natively ruled by Venus.

In Taurus, the Moon is said to be 'exalted' (in its best zodiacal sign placement). As I've explained in previous posts,

perhaps the Moon's greatest "weakness" might be that she's too changeable. It isn't that she can't make up her mind or stick to it. Her decisions are based on her feelings/intuition. Her emotions vacillate as often as she moves one degree every few hours within the sign she is transiting and as she changes zodiac signs every few days. She dons the personality and experiences the wealth emotions from twelve different signs in about 30 days.

Taurus is the bull -- steadfast and reliable, with feet firmly on the ground. Taurus is also comfort-seeking which is a huge plus for the Moon. Simply put, Taurus offers the Moon what she needs -- emotional security -- which is probably all she really wants sometimes ... to be able to feel, yet not get lost in them or be driven to action solely by them.


The Taurus-New Moon (blending of heart & soul) forms a quincunx (an irritating link) with Saturn-rx (reality/restrictions). The New Moon in Taurus is one of two financially-related new moons we get this year. The link with Saturn in Libra could also give a focus on our relationships, including that which we have with the self or the relationship we have with money/material security.

The energy of this new moon might be extra challenging for those of us who are not quite ready to face facts, not mature enough to own up to our part, not committed to making the difficult but necessary changes, or unable to get past what's wrong/broken/unpleasant/unfair.

In addition to our financial status, this is new moon phase is an ideal time to re-evaluate our value system -- what do we truly value in life? how much of our energy are we exerting towards what is valuable to us? how about our own worth (material worth or self-worth)? Determine what is worth our precious time and build upon that.

Elsewhere in the sky, Mars (action/motivation) and Jupiter (expansiveness/opportunities) blend energies while both link harmoniously with the North Node (life path), giving us all a chance to make happen or move towards what we must/should or believe we must/should.

The moon will be new on May 2 at 11:51 p.m. PDT / May 3 at 2:51 a.m. EDT and occurs at 13 degrees of Taurus. Those born within 3 days of May 2 or November 5; or have planets/house angles around 13 degrees of fixed signs may experience the effects of this new moon stronger than most.

How might this new moon manifest in your life? Look to the natal house this new moon will occupy in your birth chart. Match the sign and degree to the sign on the house cusp. Use the list below to identify the Taurus zodiac sign then click here to read about the New Moon in Houses.



Click image to see larger

For those without a birth chart, you may use your Sun sign or Rising/Ascendant sign, if you know it. Look for your Sun and Rising signs below then click here for an explanation of New Moon illuminating those houses.
  • Aries-Sun or Aries Rising ~ 2nd House
  • Taurus-Sun or Taurus Rising ~ 1st House
  • Gemini-Sun or Gemini-Rising ~ 12th House
  • Cancer-Sun or Cancer-Rising ~ 11th House
  • Leo-Sun or Leo-Rising ~ 10th House
  • Virgo-Sun or Virgo-Rising ~ 9th House
  • Libra-Sun or Libra-Rising ~ 8th House
  • Scorpio-Sun or Scorpio-Rising ~ 7th House
  • Sagittarius-Sun or Sagittarius-Rising ~ 6th House
  • Capricorn-Sun or Capricorn-Rising ~ 5th House
  • Aquarius-Sun or Aquarius-Rising ~ 4th House
  • Pisces-Sun or Pisces-Rising ~ 3rd House

Unsure if you have natal planets/house angles on or around 13 degrees of fixed signs? Cast your own birth chart at alabe.com for use as reference -- birth date, time, and place required.

I am also available for personal consultations. Are you celebrating a birthday soon? Or know someone who is? Schedule your session for a Solar Return (birthdays) or 3-Chart Reading (detailed natal & overall outlook for the next 12 months) or ask a question/request a quote for a more customized reading tailored to your needs. You might also consider giving a loved one the gift of insight.

Related articles:

Image of the sculpture - "Taurus, Bull" credit and copyright to Loet Vanderveen.

Mercury Direct ~ April 23, 2011

2010 Messenger Mercury image compilation via JPL/NASA

Mercury stations on April 23rd at 3:07 a.m. PDT / 6:07 a.m. EDT and prepares for direct motion. He's been retrograde for about three weeks since March 30th. Aries-Suns/Risings or those with natal planets/house angles in Aries or cardinal signs may have found this retrograde period extra challenging. The complete retrograde cycle, including the shadow period, is March 16 to May 12. Mercury's transit in Aries continues until May 15th.

Mercury represents how we think, talk, interact and react; and also governs transportation, commerce and trade. As he retraces his steps for a third and final time, issues regarding autonomy/exercising individuality; situations involving new ventures/creative ideas; or events surrounding the launch of a new product/idea/business/collaboration or next phase of something existing may be revisited or completed or resolved.

The 3 days approaching and after Mercury's station day (April 23) may result in continued delays, frustration, miscommunication, misunderstanding, etc. So, make allowances for these things. Opt for more tolerance. Give someone the benefit of a doubt, especially if events/issues arising presently may be out of character for them. Leave extra early for appointments. Reread important documents/agreements and ask yourself questions to ensure you understand every point or line item within the document. Preparation is key; and in situations where there's no time to prepare, then being more understanding will go a long way within interactions, as well as maintaining one's personal inner peace.

Mercury's retrograde in Aries has surprisingly been 'quieter' than his previous retrograde cycle in Capricorn. Although, I must say I was more 'reactive' than usual during this Mercury retrograde in Aries, more so than my usual self. I'm typically more even-tempered (Virgo-rising/Cancer-Sun with Gemini-Mercury) and do not get riled up easily (Cancer-Mars). However, I noticed I was more easily irritated/frustrated and reactive/vocal about being annoyed. This retrograde in Aries, plus all the other celestial bodies transiting in Aries, really brought out my Aries-Moon which is typically quieter (mutual reception with my Cancer-Mars & 'others' oriented in the 7th house). The wrath of Jan was pretty evident for some of March through this month so far ... oopsies >;-)

How was Mercury's retrograde period in Aries been for you?

Unsure if you have natal planets or house angles in Aries? Cast your own birth chart at alabe.com -- birth date, time, and place required.

I am also available for personal consultations. Are you celebrating a birthday soon? Or know someone who is? Schedule your session for a Solar Return (birthdays) or 3-Chart Reading (detailed natal & overall outlook for the next 12 months) or request a quote for a more customized reading tailored to your needs. You might also consider giving a loved one the gift of insight.

Related articles:



2010 Messenger Mercury Image Compilation, credit and copyright to JPL/NASA.

Venus in Aries ~ April 20/21 to May 15, 2011

The North Pole of Venus via NASA

Just as the Sun moves out of Aries and into Taurus on April 20th, Venus also changes signs. She leaves the sensitive sign of Pisces and joins Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, and Uranus in the fierce sign of Aries. Venus represents love, how we relate to others, how we want others to relate to us, our self-worth, what we value in life, what we like/dislike, our material possessions and finances.

While in Pisces, Venus' drives and concern were for others...humanity, as a whole. She asserts, ever so sweetly, that we acknowledge there is something greater that links us all. If nothing else, we are connected in this journey we call life which we all have to individually live out. Venus in Aries, however, is more focused on the self, its basic needs/desires and staying true to one's own motivations. In Aries, she is bold and magnetic, loves initiating new connections, values independence in the self and in others, and loves ardently and impulsively. In friendships, she tends to lead the group.

At best, Venus in Aries is passionate, action-oriented, fun, instinctive, and a natural leader that gets things started. She is a champion and protector of the indefensible and teaches them how to independently fend for themselves. At worst, argumentative, bossy, lacks commitment, and acts without fully considering consequences. While Venus is in Aries, we are challenged to be bolder and more assertive. Confidence should ooze from our pores. Flirt a little. Laugh a lot. Explore our independence. Discover our passion and run with it.

Venus enters Aries on April 20 at 9:06 p.m. PDT / April 21 at 12:06 a.m. EDT and will stay through May 15th. While in Aries, Venus will align with the following celestial bodies (all dates reflect North America Pacific time zone; allow +/-2 days for life span of influence):

  • April 23 ~ Venus conjunct Uranus. Surprises! Chance meetings. Unexpected gains or losses. Push for freedom. Abrupt reactions. Disruptions. Awakening arising from chaos.
  • April 27 ~ Venus square Pluto-rx. Passions rise. Heated arguments. Manipulation tactics. Need to ferret out what's hidden.
  • May 1 ~ Venus oppose Saturn-rx. Financial limitations. Seeing the reality of situations, especially within relationships. Confidence weakened.
  • May 11 ~ Triple conjunction between Mercury, Venus, and Jupiter in Aries. Super energized days between May 9 and May 12. Those who are celebrating a birthday between May 7 and May 11 may benefit from this triple conjunction throughout their Solar Return year or have natal planets/house angels around 15-19 degrees in cardinal signs may also find this energy boost a nice perk. Also today, Mars enters Taurus.
How might Venus' transit in Aries manifest in your world? Look to the Aries-ruled house/s in your birth chart. Match the sign with the house cusp/s on your birth chart. Use the list of zodiac sign below to identify the Aries zodiac sign on your birth chart then click here for an explanation of Venus transiting those solar and/or natal houses.



Click image to see larger


For those without a birth chart, you may use your Sun sign or Rising/Ascendant sign, if you know it. Look for your Sun and/or Rising Sign below then click here for an explanation of Venus transiting those solar and/or natal houses.
  • Aries-Sun or Aries Rising ~ 1st House
  • Taurus-Sun or Taurus Rising ~ 12th House
  • Gemini-Sun or Gemini-Rising ~ 11th House
  • Cancer-Sun or Cancer-Rising ~ 10th House
  • Leo-Sun or Leo-Rising ~ 9th House
  • Virgo-Sun or Virgo-Rising ~ 8th House
  • Libra-Sun or Libra-Rising ~ 7th House
  • Scorpio-Sun or Scorpio-Rising ~ 6th House
  • Sagittarius-Sun or Sagittarius-Rising ~ 5th House
  • Capricorn-Sun or Capricorn-Rising ~ 4th House
  • Aquarius-Sun or Aquarius-Rising ~ 3rd House
  • Pisces-Sun or Pisces-Rising ~ 2nd House

Alternatively, you may cast your own birth chart at alabe.com for use as reference -- birth date, time, and place required.

Are you celebrating a birthday? Schedule a session for a Solar Return (birthdays) or 3-Chart Package Reading (detailed natal & overall outlook for the next 12 months). Or give the gift of insight.

Have a question or need a quote for a more customized reading, ask me here.

What significance do planets, signs, and houses have in astrology? Planets have the function, the job to do. The style/manner they will use get that job done is defined by the zodiac sign they occupy. Where in our life the job gets done is determined by the house the planet occupies/transits. So, when Mars (aggression) is in Aries (bold), he is more assertive than when he is in Cancer (sensitive). When traveling through the 10th house (professional life), he may bring his confidence and motivation in matters relating to our career. While in the 11th house (friendships), we may be more inclined to having our social calendar packed with activities. Having the foresight for what may be coming up or receiving confirmation on what may be happening now are ways astrology can be beneficial ... as above, so below.

Related articles:
"The North Pole of Venus" - Image credit and copyright to SSV, MIPL, Magellan Team, NASA.

Sun in Taurus ~ April 20 to May 21, 2011

Wall Street Charging Bull credit to New York City Ettractions

Hit the brakes...or prepare to. The Sun sllllllllllooooooowws down in Taurus. No sudden movements.

The Sun represents our vitality, our conscious will, and our untapped potential. In Aries, the Sun is bold, confident, direct, quick-thinking, quick-acting and quick-tempered. In Taurus, the Sun slows down, steps back, makes considerations, and assesses risk vs. gain especially if there's a timeframe to work with. There is no rushing Taurean energy. Taurus moves into action when Taurus is good and ready! Watch out, though, because a Taurean is ready to move, it will take out what's in its way :)

There's comfort in 'stuff' a Taurus-Sun. Acquisition. Shopping. Satisfying the senses. Pleasure. Beauty. Stability. Seek comfort in the familiar with the Sun in Taurus.

While the Sun gets situated in Taurus, Mercury, who has been retrograde since March 30th, spends his last days in retrograde motion and will become direct on April 23rd. On the plus side, whatever we may have been waiting on will now have a chance to move forward with; wherever we may have encountered blocks, those would begin to lift; where communications have been strained, more understanding/clarity await.

On the not so great side, the three days approaching and immediately after April 23rd may be extra challenging, as Mercury changes direction. Mixing it up with this Mercury energy is the Sun's sextile to Neptune between April 19 to 22, which gives a sense of weird/strangeness in the air or maybe wanting to 'check out'/escape. In its highest form, it is enlightenment and having strong intuitive ability. Anyway, please practice patience during this short period, be aware of what your reactions are to situations, and consciously choose how you want to experience your present moment.

After April 26/27, Mercury should be back to his usual speed. This begins a great period for using the Sun in Taurus energy by giving ideas form, developing what may have been started or taking a project into the next phase. It's also an ideal period for solidifying plans, reworking the budget/finances, assessing what is truly of value, or what you really want to invest your time/energy in.

The Sun enters Taurus on April 20 at 3:17 a.m. PDT / 6:17 a.m. EDT and will stay through May 21st. While in Taurus, the Sun will align with the following celestial bodies (all dates reflect North America Pacific time zone; allow +/-2 days for life span of influence):

  • April 20 ~ Sun sextile Neptune. covered above. Also today, Venus enters Aries.
  • April 24 ~ Sun sextile Chiron. A chance to heal/regain your footing or help another gain some grounding/direction.
  • April 27 ~ Sun trine Pluto-rx. Getting into the nitty gritty. What you see may not be all there is. Focusing on what's important. Also today, Venus square Pluto-rx.
  • May 2/3 ~ New Moon in Taurus. May 2 at 11:51 p.m. PDT / May 3 at 2:51 a.m. EDT
  • May 17 ~ Full Moon in Scorpio at 4:09 a.m. PDT / 7:09 a.m. EDT

How might the Sun's transit in Taurus manifest in your world? Look to the Taurus-ruled house/s in your birth chart. Match the sign with the house cusp/s on your birth chart. Use the list of zodiac sign below to identify the Taurus zodiac sign on your birth chart then click here for an explanation of the Sun transiting those solar and/or natal houses.



Click image to see larger


For those without a birth chart, you may use your Sun sign or Rising/Ascendant sign, if you know it. Look for your Sun and/or Rising Sign below then click here for an explanation of the Sun transiting those solar and/or natal houses.
  • Aries-Sun or Aries Rising ~ 2nd House
  • Taurus-Sun or Taurus Rising ~ 1st House
  • Gemini-Sun or Gemini-Rising ~ 12th House
  • Cancer-Sun or Cancer-Rising ~ 11th House
  • Leo-Sun or Leo-Rising ~ 10th House
  • Virgo-Sun or Virgo-Rising ~ 9th House
  • Libra-Sun or Libra-Rising ~ 8th House
  • Scorpio-Sun or Scorpio-Rising ~ 7th House
  • Sagittarius-Sun or Sagittarius-Rising ~ 6th House
  • Capricorn-Sun or Capricorn-Rising ~ 5th House
  • Aquarius-Sun or Aquarius-Rising ~ 4th House
  • Pisces-Sun or Pisces-Rising ~ 3rd House

Alternatively, you may cast your own birth chart at alabe.com for use as reference -- birth date, time, and place required.

Are you celebrating a birthday? Schedule a session for a Solar Return (birthdays) or 3-Chart Package Reading (detailed natal & overall outlook for the next 12 months). Or give the gift of insight.

Have a question or need a quote for a more customized reading, ask me here.

What significance do planets, signs, and houses have in astrology? Planets have the function, the job to do. The style/manner they will use get that job done is defined by the zodiac sign they occupy. Where in our life the job gets done is determined by the house the planet occupies/transits. So, when Mars (aggression) is in Aries (bold), he is more assertive than when he is in Cancer (sensitive). When traveling through the 10th house (professional life), he may bring his confidence and motivation in matters relating to our career. While in the 11th house (friendships), we may be more inclined to having our social calendar packed with activities. Having the foresight for what may be coming up or receiving confirmation on what may be happening now are ways astrology can be beneficial ... as above, so below.

Related articles:

Wall Street Charging Bull Image credit and copyright to New York City Ettractions.

Full Moon in Libra ~ April 17, 2011

The moon, seen from Terminal 3 of Manchester Airport, rises from behind the hills of the Peak District via Anorak News

Full moons signify the completion, culmination of what may have been initiated during the previous new moon in Aries which encouraged us to just do it! This Full Moon in Libra casts a spotlight on our relationships (with one another as well as with ourselves), our value system (what we value in life and why), and our worth (materially and spiritually speaking). In our relationships with others, the Libra-Full Moon may be shining upon issues about balancing the identity of the individual self with the shared self -- being in relationships without losing who we are and being brave enough to be in relationships without compromising our core values or silencing our voices/desires for the sake of another.

Elsewhere in the sky during this full moon, Saturn (reality/commitment), who is also in Libra, is locked in a challenging alignment with Mercury (thought/communication) who is in Libra's opposite sign, Aries. Both planets are retrograde (introspective). We may very well have love and relationships on the mind -- the relationship we have or wish we had, the commitment and hard work that goes in to a fostering healthy connections, and/or how our relationships have changed us -- for ill or for good.

This Full Moon occurs at 28 degrees of Libra on April 17 at 7:44 p.m. PDT / 10:44 p.m. EDT. Those born within 3 days of April 17 or October 21 or with natal planets and/or house angles on or around 28 degrees of cardinal signs may experience the effects of this full moon stronger than others.

For me as a Cancer-Sun, this Full Moon falls in my solar 4th house of home and family, the past, my roots. Family ties can get complicated. That's an understatement :) Love and obligations, intertwined. Communication/ideologies get lost within the generational and cultural gaps. Religion divides. And still through it all, I am the dutiful daughter; my sister, the understanding one; my brother, the bridge; and our mother doing her best to be a better parent to us than hers might have been. We all mean well. Hearts in a good place. But it's all still complicated. hmm...

How might this full moon manifest in your world? Match the sign and degree to determine what house this full moon falls in. Use the list of zodiac signs below to identify the sign Libra on your birth chart then click here for a brief explanation on the Full Moon transit in that house.



Click image to see larger


If you don't have your birth chart, you may use your Sun sign and/or your Rising/Ascendant sign, if you know it. Look for your Sun and Rising Signs below then click here for a brief explanation of the Full Moon transit in those houses.
  • Aries-Sun or Aries Rising ~ 7th House
  • Taurus-Sun or Taurus Rising ~ 6th House
  • Gemini-Sun or Gemini-Rising ~ 5th House
  • Cancer-Sun or Cancer-Rising ~ 4th House
  • Leo-Sun or Leo-Rising ~ 3rd House
  • Virgo-Sun or Virgo-Rising ~ 2nd House
  • Libra-Sun or Libra-Rising ~ 1st House
  • Scorpio-Sun or Scorpio-Rising ~ 12th House
  • Sagittarius-Sun or Sagittarius-Rising ~ 11th House
  • Capricorn-Sun or Capricorn-Rising ~ 10th House
  • Aquarius-Sun or Aquarius-Rising ~ 9th House
  • Pisces-Sun or Pisces-Rising ~ 8th House


Unsure if you have natal planets/house planets on or around 28 degrees of cardinal signs? Cast your own birth chart at alabe.com for use as reference -- birth date, time, and place required.

Alternatively, I am also available personal consultations tailored to your needs. Are you celebrating a birthday? Or know someone who is? Schedule your session for a Solar Return (birthdays) or 3-Chart Reading (detailed natal & overall outlook for the next 12 months) or request a quote for a more customized reading tailored to your needs. You might also consider giving a loved one the gift of insight.


Related articles:

"The moon, seen from Terminal 3 of Manchester Airport, rises from behind the hills of the Peak District." - Image credit and copyright to Anorak News.

Pluto Retrograde ~ April 9 to September 16, 2011

An artist's impression of the view of Pluto and Charon from one of Pluto's smaller moons (either Nix or Hydra). Credit and Copyright to NASA, ESA and G. Bacon (STScI)

It's time for Mr. Intensity's retrograde cycle. This year Pluto retrogrades from April 9 to September 16 and will go over the road he's already traveled from 8 degrees back to 5 degrees in Capricorn. Do you have natal planets/house angles between those degrees? If yes, then Pluto has been hanging around agitating that part of your chart/life. Just when he moves past the degree of your natal planet/house angle, he switches gears and heads for it again. But it's not personal. It's his job. And it's each of our jobs to endure with whatever transformative change he is helping us make. The more we resist, consciously or not, the more difficult his transit on our charts/in our lives will be.

Pluto in Capricorn turns its focus inward. He questions our structure, the very foundation that we operate from, the beliefs we hold so dear, the disciplines we practice, the principles we abide by, and that which we have always known to be our truth. From previous posts, I've briefly explained the importance and meaning of Pluto in Capricorn:

Pluto represents rebirth, regeneration, and transformation. He is our compulsions, obsessions, ability for control, and empowerment. Pluto gives us the power to tackle obstacles in life through deeply understanding our situations, which results in our letting go and being transformed in the process. Pluto's process usually brings endings, purging, destruction, complete annihilation of what no longer works before a renewal can occur.

As he transits signs, he moves through our natal and solar houses affecting our lives slowly, subtly but with glaring, remarkable life-altering results. Pluto currently moves through Capricorn, where he is ambitious, practical, and determined. Capricorn represents social status, public life, reputation, hierarchies, and established government. Globally, Pluto's transit in Capricorn until 2023 may bring changes in government systems, restructuring of proven but antiquated methods, issues with security, and the like. Expect these issues to be extended to our personal lives -- how we feel about security and what makes us secure; a look at what we do, hold on to, practice, believe in that no longer reflects our current life, our present self, our present drives; establishing or reevaluating of our goals/aspirations and taking steps toward achieving them.


While Pluto is retrograde in Capricorn, he will revisit the period from now and back to mid-December 2010. Perhaps, recurring issues or events that you went through on and off for much of 2010 but left unfinished may also get another look. How have things progressed since then? What's different? What's the same? Where's the hang up? Why can't you seem to give it up or let it go? What are you really afraid of?

Make use of this Pluto retrograde period as best as you can. Whatever you ignore or whatever you remain 'blind' to may come back to really bite you in the ass, especially when Pluto (purging/cycle of death & rebirth) and Uranus (revolutionary/radical change) square (conflict/war) each other next year. They will come close to squaring in July-ish but their square won't perfect. However, late June to July-ish could give some of us a big, loud wake up call or maybe something less harsh like a bright light bulb resulting in a long awaited a-ha moment. Those with natal planets/house angles between 4 or 5 degrees of cardinal signs might experience this more forceful than most.

Pluto retrogrades from April 9 at 1:50 a.m. PDT / 4:50 a.m. EDT until September 16 at 11:24 a.m. PDT / 2:24 p.m EDT. The retrograde occurs at 8 degrees back to 5 degrees of Capricorn. Early born cardinal Sun signs or Risings and those with natal planets/house angles between 5 and 8 degrees of cardinal signs may feel the effects of this retrograde stronger than others. For those with natal Pluto in the early degrees of Libra (born approximately October 1973 to April 1974; August to November 1974; April to August 1974), you're going through your Pluto square Pluto years. These are trying years where external forces demand that you face up to your own shadow and become in contact with the buried parts of the self. So, you're not going crazy. Hang in there and work with the changes that needs to happen. Resisting just makes the transition more painful. Be mindful that resistance can come in the form of unconscious drives.

For me, Pluto has been in an opposition my Sun & square my Uranus for most of 2010 and will continue to do so for all of 2011. This Pluto transit puts extra pressure to my natal 10th house Cancer-Sun that is natally in a tight square my Uranus (in Libra & in natal 1st). As if that's not enough, Neptune has also been square my Neptune for quite some time & will continue for much of 2011/some of 2012. I'd have to 'checked out' not to feel the pressure. 'Luckily' for me, my birth chart is natively strong with Pluto energy. I have Pluto-rising and sextile my natal Neptune. So, it's a "familiar" energy of delving deep, accepting harsh truths, cutting off unnecessaries and restructuring deeply rooted foundation. What's pushing the envelope, however, is that Pluto's opposition to my Sun and square to my Uranus forms a cardinal T-square with my natal Uranus as the focal point of the T-square's tension! For the non-astro folks, a square is the most challenging relationship between two planets. Think of the planets involved being at war. Each forcing upon the other the strength of their will. Action is required with a square, although agreeing to disagree is sometimes the best way to handle the forcefulness of a square. An opposition is also challenging but can be solved by balance, compromise and meeting each other half-way. A t-square has at least double the square energy in addition to the challenges of the opposition between at least two planets. Square=conflict/war. Opposition=requires balance. T-square=ouch. Squares, oppositions, t-squares -- it's all about growth/personal development and sometimes growing pains inevitably comes hand in hand with maturity.

How might this Pluto retrograde manifest in your personal world? Unsure if you have natal planets/house planets on or around 5-8 degrees of Capricorn? Cast your own birth chart at alabe.com for use as reference -- birth date, time, and place required.

Alternatively, I am also available for a 24-month Pluto Transit reading or a customized reading tailored to your needs. Schedule your session. Are you celebrating a birthday? Or know someone who is? How about a Solar Return (birthdays) or 3-Chart Reading (detailed natal & overall outlook for the next 12 months) or request a quote for a more customized reading tailored to your needs. You might also consider giving a loved one the gift of insight.

Related articles:

Image: An artist's impression of the view of Pluto and Charon from one of Pluto's smaller moons (either Nix or Hydra). Credit and Copyright to NASA, ESA and G. Bacon (STScI).



Neptune in Pisces ~ April 4 to August 4, 2011

Neptune credit and copyright to Hive Studios via National Geographic

It's an exciting time to be alive! At the very least, astrologically speaking. The year began with Jupiter (ideals/expansion/optimism) returning to Aries, where he remains for a few more months. In February, Chiron (wounds/healing/teaching) returned to Pisces to stay until 2018/2019. Last month, Uranus (rebellion/radical change/awakening) also re-entered Aries, and this time will stay put for seven years. For four (2012-2015) of those seven years, Uranus will be locked in a tense square with Pluto (power/destruction/transformation) in Capricorn, who himself has been changing what security, wealth, success, and government mean to us since 2008. One would have to be hiding under a rock or just plain 'checked out' not to feel/experience the tension/crisis of their square, especially since its influence extending as far as early 2020s. But I digress. This post is about Neptune :)

In a few days, Neptune (spirituality/enlightenment/escapism) joins Chiron as she comes home to Pisces, a sign Neptune has not visited since 1847 to 1862. Yes, Neptune's last transit in Pisces began a year after Neptune was discovered, for you history buffs :) It takes her 165 years to transit through all of the zodiac signs.

On April 4, Neptune will take a short dip into Piscean waters before returning to Aquarius on August 4 to spend her last months there before coming back home in Pisces to stay until 2024/2025. In the last few years, we've had slower moving celestial bodies change signs. Their impact is generational and global, while they transit Capricorn (for Pluto), Aries (for Uranus), and Pisces (for Chiron and Neptune).

Any celestial body changing signs is an energy shift. For the Sun, it happens every 30 days or so. For the Moon, every 28 days or so. Their influence are more or less month to month/day to day. But for slow-moving planets like Neptune, the initial change could be immediate/jarring but actual results develop more gradually, and the complete impact, undeniable by the end of their transit.

Neptune governs all that which is hidden and operates in the unseen world -- our subconscious, psychological self, dreams, imagination, and spirituality. She is often associated with confusion (lack of clarity), escapism (drugs/alcohol), creativity (art/music), transcendence, "oneness," and unconditional love. In Pisces, Neptune's energy is enhanced, heightened, increased since Piscean energy mimics that of its ruler. When a planet transits its own sign of rulership, like Neptune with Pisces, it's akin to coming home after a long, tiresome journey and finally being in a space where you rule... where you are king/queen ... and master of your domain. For us, earthlings, it feels more like a double whammy!

For part of Neptune's transit in Pisces, Chiron is also in Pisces. They traveled through Aquarius together, and now they'll continue their travels in Pisces. The combination of both their energy -- the wounded healer (Chiron) and the truth seeker (Neptune) -- in the compassionate, transcendent sign of Pisces brings up issues with the environment and our 'oneness' with each other and the world we live in. Together with Uranus in Aries and Pluto in Capricorn, ecological crisis, catastrophic sociopolitical and socioeconomic instabilities will most likely blow up even more as radical change becomes necessary to solve the problems we face, not just in our personal existence or our within our immediate surroundings but as a people living together on this earth with its other inhabitants and also co-existing within our universe.

Neptune enters Pisces on April 4 at 6:50 a.m. PDT / 9:50 a.m. EDT. She retrogrades on June 3 and returns to Aquarius on August 4. Neptune then becomes direct on November 9 and re-enters Pisces on February 3, 2012 to remain until 2024/2025. Early-degree Pisces and Virgo-Suns/Risings may have already begun feeling the energy shift as early as February, while Neptune transited the last degrees of Aquarius.

For me, as a late-decan Virgo-rising, much of Neptune/Chiron transits in Pisces actually happen in my natal 6th house (health/work/routine) even if she is the ruler of my natal 7th (partnerships). I've just gotten some pretty harsh news about my health. Nothing fatal or anything. And not exactly a surprise either. But it is a wake up call. I can't keep running on fumes because there's much I want to do. I'm not a machine, and even machines need to get maintenance sometimes :) I know that spending more time meditating, maybe some yoga, and practicing reiki on myself more regularly are small things that would benefit me tremendously. Healthier lifestyle choices are part of what's in store for me during this transit. Time to REALLY fix what's broken or it's gonna break me for good. And that would suck royally.

How might this opposition manifest in your world? Look to the natal/solar houses governed by Pisces to get an idea where in your life Neptune and Chiron's transit in Pisces may be most influential. Unsure where which natal house is governed by Pisces? Cast your own birth chart at alabe.com for use as reference -- birth date, time, and place required.

Alternatively, I am also available for a 24-month Neptune Transit reading or a customized reading tailored to your needs. Are you celebrating a birthday? Or know someone who is? Schedule your session for a Solar Return (birthdays) or 3-Chart Reading (detailed natal & overall outlook for the next 12 months) or request a quote for a more customized reading tailored to your needs. You might also consider giving a loved one the gift of insight.

Related articles:


Neptune credit and copyright to Hive Studios via National Geographic.

 
powered by Blogger