2009 March : Big Sky AstroBlog

Mar

30

Back in July, Mars and Saturn stood together in the workmanlike sign of Virgo, marking a time to embark upon ambitious works requiring extraordinary attention to detail. Then, we took up our chisels to sculpt the world into useful forms – a trestle here, a reservoir there, a berm for the garden, a rough outline for an article. This week, Mars in Pisces approaches an opposition to Saturn (exact on April 4) and the craftsman stands back to reevaluate the progress of his work. The piece isn’t finished, but it’s achieved a form that’s completely recognizable – only details and polishing remain.

It’s not often that Pisces gets the chance to critique Virgo, and given this priceless opportunity it will use characteristically gentle, even apologetic language. “You don’t think it’s perhaps… a bit too … um… functional?” ventures Mars in Pisces, as Saturn in Virgo scowls and thinks, “Well that was sort of the point, now wasn’t it?” Emboldened by Saturn in Virgo’s silence, Mars in Pisces offers another thought: “I mean, it’s great that it’s so – you know… But maybe if you added a little color, or you know, some decorations of some kind, that might be kind of cool.” By now, Saturn is rolling its eyes and fingering its chisel. “I swear to God,” seethes Saturn in Virgo’s inner dialogue. “I will fillet you.”

Eventually, Mars in Pisces gives a trilling farewell and swims away, blissfully unaware of the ill-will he has engendered. Exasperated, Saturn in Virgo decides to take a well-deserved break from his labors. He plunks himself down on the grass and pours a glass of wine; enjoys it quite a lot; pours another. Some time passes and as the sun begins to set and the warm glow of alcohol overtakes him, he surveys his masterpiece, tilting his head this way and that. Perhaps a whimsical detail or two might not ruin the whole thing after all; might even give a nice effect. Relaxed and a little wobbly, Saturn gathers up his chisel, gets to his feet, and returns to work.

March 30, 2009 | 2 Comments

Mar

24

Oy, Sun/Venus Rx in Aries, ruled by Mars opposed Saturn. Frustrating! My self-imposed challenge of late is getting a grip on my overuse of a particularly lively and beloved four-letter expletive. I found myself using it as a crutch, often in lieu of colorful and innovative alternatives. Not only that, but it seemed using this very angry word often made me feel… well, angry. Angrier, anyway. So I’m gritting my teeth, biting my tongue, and choosing my words a little more carefully these days. Mind you, I’m not always successful and a few juicy ones have made it past the goalie. It’s a process.

Anger is the subject of my latest meditative essay, about the New Moon in Aries:

Grapes of Wrath
Anger is the emotion of last resort, which kicks in only when other warning signs have failed to get our attention. When someone crosses the line with you, a quick and assertive response is in order. We need to stand up for ourselves, and when fear, good manners, or pride keep us from doing so, anger is the natural result. But anger is the nuclear weapon of the relationship arsenal – its only power lies in its ability to intimidate or frighten others. Anger stamps a vintage from the grapes of normal, healthy, Aries wrath, bottles it up and places it in a dark cellar for months. What results might be a great wine – but will more likely turn to vinegar, corrosive and sour….. read the full article

What’s making you angry these days?

March 24, 2009 | 4 Comments

Mar

18

In the midst of the world’s mighty upheaval, it’s the small rituals of lunar and seasonal observance that are keeping me on (what passes for) an even keel these days. To welcome Friday’s Vernal Equinox (the Sun enters Aries at 4:44 am PDT / 7:44 am EDT), an article I wrote several years ago for Llewellyn’s Moon Sign Book makes its debut on the Big Sky Astrology website:

New Moon Beginnings

The whole system of astrology – from charts of people to charts of countries, marriages, business ventures, buying a car – is based on moments of beginning. Astrology works, we reason, because moments in time, like seeds, contain the prescription for what they will become. But even gardeners and farmers, with a wisdom borne of years negotiating with nature, acknowledge that at some point, all the planning and care and preparation in the world won’t ensure the outcome of their crops. Nature and life have a way of surprising us; but the lore of both gardening and astrology can serve as guides to supervise our humble efforts to undertake new beginnings…. read the full article here

March 18, 2009 | 1 Comment

Mar

11

The fallout from last night’s tense Full Moon is spilling out all over today’s headlines. In Alabama on Tuesday, a quiet young man killed ten people – beginning with his mother (remember the Moon conjunct Saturn in that Full Moon chart?) and ending with himself.

This morning, I turned on the radio to listen to the soothing tones of Carl Kassell while I prepared breakfast. The top story was horrendous news of a grisly killing in a German high school. A gunman killed 12 people at the school and another three who got in his way, and finally killed himself.

And In the past five days, Northern Ireland has seen its worst political violence in a decade, with two British soldiers and a policeman killed.

Deep breaths, people.

* * *

It’s not all guns and murder, of course. Venus in her contrarian retrograde mode has delivered the best successive days in the stock market so far this year, and bestowed a welcome influx of work (and money!) upon yours truly. I’m fairly cruising through this rough week, I must say, which perplexes me: the Full Moon and Saturn/Uranus are hitting my natal Mars almost precisely. Not that I’m complaining, mind you; I guess this just describes the man in my life (Mars) having a tough week – my poor husband is battling a succession of technical challenges at work.

How are you doing?

March 11, 2009 | 4 Comments

keep looking »

Sign of Pisces

Moon conjuncts Sun at
2:02 pm on Mar.15, 2010

Moon conjuncts Uranus at
4:39 pm on Mar.15, 2010

Moon conjuncts Mercury at
5:01 pm on Mar.15, 2010

Moon goes void of course at
5:01 pm on Mar.15, 2010

Moon enters Aries at
11:32 pm on Mar.15, 2010

Moon trines Mars at
12:29 am on Mar.16, 2010

Moon opposes Saturn at
2:56 am on Mar.16, 2010

Moon squares Pluto at
9:55 am on Mar.16, 2010

Times given are for PST

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