“My evenings are taken up very largely with astrology. I make horoscopic calculations in order to find a clue to the core of psychological truth. Some remarkable things have turned up which will certainly appear incredible to you.”
~Carl Jung in a letter to Sigmund Freud (June 12, 1911)
Astrological Counseling
I offer astrological counseling for psycho-spiritual exploration, understanding, and transformation. Astrology utilized in this way can be a missing key for deep inner work and can shed light on the path towards greater harmony with the natural rhythms and cycles of one’s life journey. My approach to astrology is to share the potentials and opportunities I see while exploring how the symbols and archetypes are manifesting uniquely for each individual. Astrology is a wonderful tool for self-knowledge and a help in times of challenge or transition. It can facilitate tremendous insight and peace, as well as provide timelines for certain archetypal or energetic influences reflected in our lives and inner states of being. Consultations available for birth chart exploration, current influences, relationship dynamics, and timing for important events.
Today is the Winter Solstice when the Sun descends to its lowest position in the sky of the whole year, into Capricorn. Then for 3 days the Sun will appear to be *still* until it begins to ascend higher in the sky again on Christmas day. Dec 25 was originally celebrated as the festival of the Sun’s return... I am going to try to allow more stillness into my experience over these 3 special days.
Early on Dec 21 there will be a Full Moon Lunar Eclipse (3:13a EST) in 29º Gemini ♊. Wherever 29º Gemini is in one’s chart (or significant aspects to that degree) will reveal information about what might be eclipsed, that is, what might fall away or morph significantly for growth needs, allowing one to walk through a door into a new phase.
We have a long Void-of-Course Moon today 4:36p-10:37p EST. As Steven Forrest says, regarding actions taken during the VOC Moon, “Nothing will come of the matter. Sometimes that’s good news, other times not.” Knowing when the Moon is VOC can help you use it to your advantage.
Mercury Retrograde and Mars join Pluto at 5º Capricorn ♑. The Sabian for 5º Capricorn: “An American Indian encampment rests by the side of a canoe-filled stream and on shore the war dance commences.” A war dance is like a psychodrama. It gives expression to conflicting or aggressive impulses, without actually causing any harm. This Sabian provides a clue about how to channel the current potentially volatile energies productively.
Interestingly, this Sabian also perfectly reflects the conjunction of the 3 mentioned planets and the sign in which they are meeting. Shadow material that is ready to be transformed could surface (Pluto) and be expressed (Mercury) finally (retrograde), and possibly in an aggressive way (Mars). Honor the prevailing Capricorn sky by being as practical and efficient in your process, as possible (i.e. do a psychodrama as opposed to a real fight, which transmutes the energy without creating a mess).
Some examples of how to align with Mercury retrograde energy are: reflect about recent interactions and transactions that may need to be reviewed, reevaluated or adjusted, get back to things you’ve put on the back burner, get back in touch with people with whom you’ve lost contact, catch up on correspondence, and complete unfinished projects.
Mercury Retrograde tip of the day (based on personal experience!): Because the chances are high of there being a change of plans or a potential communication gap during this period, call ahead and double check first for cancellations before waking up early on Sunday morning and driving in the snow. :-)
Mercury (☿) turned retrograde (℞) at 7:06a EST. The days of transition can be especially intense (See yesterday’s post for more about Mercury retrograde). Also, the Sun, Mars and Pluto are traveling close to Mercury now (mid Sagittarius through early Capricorn). Where you have these signs in your chart you could be feeling a concentration [or frenzy] of activity, like an acupuncture needle stimulating a pressure point.
Mercury ☿ is retrograde 12/10-12/30. Mercury rules the mind, communication, media, daily business & travel. When retrograde a planet’s expression tends to be more internal. Externally life may appear to go wrong or backwards, but it is to encourage a contemplative focus, and is part of the ebb and flow. Regarding business, decisions, and contracts that require sharp thinking or speaking wait until after 12/30 to act, if possible.
The current phase of the Moon is the Balsamic Moon, or the Waning Crescent ☾, after the last quarter and right before the New Moon (coming up on Dec 5). During the monthly cycle of the Moon, this phase is a good time for releasing or letting go of anything which has been fulfilled or has outlived its purpose, for tying up loose ends, and for quiet preparation for a new cycle to begin.
Venus re-entered Scorpio last night. Transformative material in relationships could resurface, in the service of growth or deeper bonding. After retrograding back into Libra, Venus is direct now but still passing over old territory - hopefully resolving certain issues - through 12/13. Mercury will be entering Capricorn tonight, supporting integrity in communication and a focus on practical, down-to-earth matters.
