“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.
Saturn takes about two and a half years to travel through each sign of the zodiac. Since October of 2012 Saturn has been in Scorpio, but tomorrow morning (Dec 23) Saturn will enter Sagittarius. Wherever Scorpio is in your chart is the area in which you had the opportunity to transcend yourself and your typical patterns for the last 2+ years, through the process of facing obstacles and restrictions presented by Saturn’s demands. Where Saturn is traveling represents the realm of life where you may currently need to restructure things, pay your dues, be disciplined, be patient, and be ultra responsible, etc. Saturn can be a stern taskmaster but if we listen and do as he urges, it will create positive results and changes over time. Over time is the key phrase here. The work we put in for Saturn takes time to develop and come to fruition. Integrity, achievement, and mastery are the rewards for obeying Saturn’s long-term plans and principles. Read more...
Saturn in Scorpio was about facing reality regarding intimacy, shared resources, and the depths of one’s own psyche. Saturn in Scorpio did not permit living in a fantasy world in any of these areas of life without some dire consequences. It may be useful to review the last couple of years to understand how this was true for you personally and in relation to the house of your chart where Scorpio resides… Now the hard work/discipline/reality check theme begins to shift to a new part of the self and life (as represented by the next house in your chart where Sagittarius resides) as Saturn shifts from Scorpio to Sagittarius. In Sagittarius Saturn will ask us to get real about our belief systems and ambitions. Anything that isn’t grounded in personal experience could be tested and required to come down to earth to become a more embodied wisdom, rather than simply a philosophical concept. Also, Sagittarius, being ruled by Jupiter, is known for being expansive, ambitious, and buoyant — the opposite qualities of contractive and pragmatic Saturn, so that will be an interesting counterbalance to sustain over the next few years.
Saturn in Scorpio: Oct 6, 2012 — Dec 23, 2014 & Jun 14, 2014 — Sep 17, 2015 Saturn in Sagittarius: Dec 23, 2014 — Jun 14, 2015 & Sep 17, 2015 — Dec 21, 2017
The Sun and Venus have been traveling close together for the last month or so, bringing some ease to relationships and generally encouraging the enjoyment of life, during an otherwise potentially tense time. Together they (and we) are moving through the sign of Scorpio. While in Scorpio we are destined to plunge into the depths and wade through a mire of swampy darkness if need be, in search of truth, authenticity, and connection with what is real in self and other, whether it is pretty or not. This is not always comfortable for Venus as she prefers the pleasantries and niceties of life. However, since this dive into the unknown is in the service of intimacy, she tolerates being out of her comfort zone while in Scorpio, because she knows that deep down she too craves real intimacy, which requires this type of journeying. Read more...
After getting used to the new environment, Sun and Venus together encounter both Jupiter and Saturn. Though meetings with Jupiter tend to be grand and fun, especially while he is in Leo, as he is now, this meeting is somewhat challenging, as the Sun and Venus were square to Jupiter from their position in Scorpio. (Venus squared Jupiter on Nov 9, and the Sun squared Jupiter on Nov 13.) Jupiter can spout beautiful promises of adventure, triumph, and opulence, and it is certainly tempting. But even while listening to Jupiter’s glorious visions, Sun and Venus see Saturn just ahead on their path and pause with trepidation. Before taking Jupiter’s extravagant leap of faith, we are meant to have a dose of reality checking, thanks to our elder Saturn’s time-tested wisdom. (Venus was conjunct Saturn on Nov 12, and the Sun will be conjunct Saturn on Nov 18.) Saturn knows what he’s talking about. He has seen it all before and is here to remind us of the mistakes, risks, and dangers we could run into if we do not proceed with caution. He means well and wants us to succeed in our endeavors, but he is stern sometimes… We are fortunate to have this balanced perspective right now as we go forth on the path.
Scorpio season, a Solar Eclipse, Sun/Venus conjunction, and Mercury turns direct
The Sun, Moon, and Venus all entered Scorpio yesterday (Oct 23rd). This is a big shift all at once from diplomatic, reasonable, and mental-oriented Libra — to intense, piercing, and feeling-oriented Scorpio. The Scorpio archetype is about speaking and acting from a knowing that originates deep within the gut. During Scorpio season we may find ourselves more in tune with the truth of our instincts, and more inspired to courageously express ourselves from that internal wisdom. Read more...
There was also a Solar Eclipse New Moon yesterday at 0º Scorpio, bringing powerful energy to move forward new developments that are emerging in our lives. At the moment we may only have a sense or glimpse of what these new developments or opportunities may be, yet nonetheless we can feel the potentials of them stirring. In Scorpio we heed the need to purge and allow necessary endings and deaths, so that the imminent transformations taking place may transpire. As this eclipse is near the North Node of the Moon, there is something palpable to be gained through the letting go process. And with the Sun and Venus closely intertwined in the mix, the transformations and new beginnings will likely involve Venusian aims, such as engaging life within partnerships for the purpose of experiencing deepening love, creating more beauty, or redefining what is of real value for you. This will be happening specifically within the sphere of life represented by the Scorpio part of your chart.
Further, early tomorrow morning (Oct 25th), the Sun and Venus meet at about 2º Scorpio. The conjunction of the Sun and Venus only happens every 9 months and is part of a larger Venus cycle. It may be interesting to contemplate that this conjunction represents something coming to fruition, which began at the last conjunction between Venus and the Sun, back on Jan 11th in Capricorn, when Venus was retrograde…
Also, tomorrow afternoon (Oct 25th), Mercury turns direct after 3 weeks of apparent backwards motion. Although I am always the first to point out the beneficial aspects of any retrograde cycle, nonetheless, there is still a feeling of relief, readiness, and eagerness for things to start moving forward more freely again.
Mars in Scorpio has made himself known! Mars ♂ entered Scorpio ♏ on Aug 23rd and will be there through Oct 6, 2012. The warrior god, Mars, is now taking his military operation within, going down into the depths — first to investigate, and then to conquer whatever fears, blockages, or hidden complexes may be subliminally calling the shots or holding one back. Mars is full of courage, passion, and a certain rawness. The underlying motivation of the Scorpio archetype is to overcome barriers to authenticity and real intimacy. During this transit, excavations revealing hidden elements, tensions, internal struggles, and previously concealed sources of power, may be expected.
(The following is not comprehensive — just some observations. And it is important to recognize that no one is a pure archetype. The Sun sign holds a central place in the personality but other important factors in the birth chart — especially the rising sign, the Moon sign, and strongly placed planets — combine to make us each unique and complex.)
Aries ♈: to be held back from acting on an impulse, to be suppressed, to be prevented from expressing contentious and/or passionate energies, to be slowed down.
Taurus ♉: to be rushed, lack of financial or emotional security, to be deprived of touch, to be deprived of beautiful sights, smells, sounds, tastes, and textures.
Gemini ♊: boredom, lack of information, being “out of the loop” or cut off from communication, pressure to commit to one thing, having to stay still.
Cancer ♋: no one to nurture and protect, no one to be nurtured and protected by, thwarted from cultivating one’s “baby,” not having a safe and comfortable home.
Leo ♌: no loving audience, not being seen, not being appreciated, not being adored, not enough attention, cold-heartedness.
Virgo ♍: lack of attention to detail, skipped steps, orderless chaos, not adhering to thorough technique and “proper” procedure, lack of refinement, lack of purity.
Libra ♎: having to go it alone with no one to bounce off of, having to make a quick decision without being able to weigh the pros and cons, that which is unjust or unfair, insensitivity, lack of empathy, inconsideration, ugliness.
Scorpio ♏: superficiality, inauthenticity, feeling powerless, revealing vulnerability, failing to do one’s deep inner work, lack of emotional intimacy, lack of meaningful bonding.
Sagittarius ♐: the everyday routine with nothing exotic mixed in, lack of freedom, lack of access to philosophical perspectives, lack of ethics, narrow-mindedness, a life with no adventure.
Capricorn ♑: that which is unrealistic, inefficient, wasteful, impractical, or theoretical only; losing status, losing authority, lack of mastery, lack of having a respectful place in the world.
Aquarius ♒: conformity, exclusive hierarchical systems, social inequity, being confronted with ignorance, self-centeredness, or drama queens/kings.
Pisces ♓: the mundane details of life, no way to escape ordinary reality, lack of inspiration, lack of vision, lack of art, lack of feeling connected with the divine.
Full Moon in Taurus ♉, Neptune and Chiron turn direct
The Full Moon is the climax of the lunar month and a time to observe with objectivity what is coming to light or to a head. At every Full Moon there is an opposition between the Sun and the Moon, and this polarization and tension of the opposites may be felt within oneself or within one’s relationships and circumstances. When the Full Moon is in Taurus, the Sun is in Scorpio: on the one hand, there is a need to let go of the past in order to allow the necessary transformation of the self (Sun in Scorpio) — but on the other hand, there is a valid emotional longing for stability and security (Moon in Taurus), for instance…Read more...
The Sabian symbol for this Full Moon is: “A newly formed continent is seen, fresh and green within its setting of interminable ocean.” Something new is emerging — new ground to stand on and a fresh perspective. Yet it is surrounded by seemingly endless water, which can represent deep feelings, the unknown, or the infinite Divine (all of which can feel frightening to the ego).
Along with this Full Moon, both Neptune and Chiron turn direct after about 5 months of being retrograde. The retrograde period is a time of inner work — on the spiritual level with Neptune — and with Chiron, involves the healing of deep wounds. As both turn direct, we slowly see ways to integrate what we have been working on and move forward.
From the end of Oct through mid Nov — Mercury, the planet of the mind & communication, and Venus, the planet of art, beauty & love — are traveling close together. As these two archetypes merge, we can more easily find ways to bridge the gulf which exists between the head and the heart…
Nov 2: On the same day, both Venus and Mercury leave deep Scorpio ♏ water to enter buoyant Sagittarius ♐ fire. Now that we have explored the depths of our beings, courageously piercing through the facade of ourselves and others, to look at the intense beauty and fearsomeness of that which lies below… We are now ready to venture outward again, exploring distant lands and new ideas with a renewed spirit and fresh optimism.Read more...
“Scorpio explores deep underlying sources of one’s humanness. Sagittarius takes that experience and distills principles and philosophy out of it for self-guidance.” (Diane Applebaum)
Once a month the Moon aligns with the Sun, marking its new cycle and presenting an opportunity to make a fresh start. Today is that day. We have a New Moon in Scorpio ♏ (3:56p EST) urging us to welcome a rebirth on some level, inner or outer. Perhaps this means letting go and allowing a death first. This requires great inner strength, but also the willingness to surrender. This is the art of Scorpio.
Dane Rudhyar describes the Scorpio archetype as, “a tree with a powerful tap-root, able to draw sustenance from the hidden springs of life. There is no depth which the person may not reach if he dares to sink himself into those basic organic energies which are the foundation of human behavior… It is energy which comes from identification with an ocean of life whose tides and storms are tremendous.”Read more...
Later in the evening Venus squares Mars (♀◻♂). The square is considered a “hard” aspect, often felt as a challenge or a crisis, because some action must be taken. Other times it is felt simply as a turning point. A square between Venus and Mars involves a challenge, crisis, or turning point between the receptive-feminine-feeling archetype and the active-masculine-discerning archetype (Regardless of gender, both archetypes need to be developed in everyone)... However it is experienced, the growth that emerges from working with a square moves us forward.
Today the Sun enters Scorpio ♏, joining Venus and Mercury, bringing the Scorpio archetype into sharp focus. Where we have Scorpio (or Pluto, the modern ruler of Scorpio) in our chart reveals where we are compelled to dive into the depths, because superficiality is not tolerable. We crave to fearlessly face the truth in ourselves, others, and life — because it is the prerequisite for authentic bonding, one of Scorpio’s ultimate goals.
I will be on a spiritual retreat, away from this blog and astro consultations for a little while (through 10/17 at least)… As far as planetary transits go, here are some highlights, which I will be observing over the coming days:
I am hoping Mercury (transportation) conjunct Saturn (Father Time) on 10/6 does not delay my travel plans! On 10/7 I am looking forward to experiencing the mystical sweetness of Venus (love) trine Neptune (spirituality). The Moon is Void-of-Course for much of this weekend, favoring chill/incubation time over productivity and initiating new things… Then next week Venus and Mercury shift out of fair and diplomatic Libra, taking communicating and relating of all kinds into the deep waters of Scorpio for intensified intimacy and self-transcendence through relationship… On 10/11 there is an exciting Aries Full Moon. Emotions tend to run high anyway when the Moon is full, but in Aries they could be extra fiery. This Full Moon is the perfect time to step into and embody the full courage of your spirit, since Aries is the inner pioneer and warrior... On 10/12 Mercury trines Neptune, bringing an opportunity to absorb collective Higher knowledge into one’s own personal thought waves… On 10/13 the Sun is conjunct serious and disciplined Saturn, but then on 10/14 Venus opposes Jupiter — the two benefics in a polarized position could be just the antidote, expanding love to great heights… October is certainly rich with a diversity of planetary energies in the air...
