October 29, 2013 – November 3rd – “The Yod Nod”

The name for astrology’s Yod pattern comes from the Hebrew

letter of the same name.  The letter, yod, is one of four characters used in Hebrew tradition to symbolize the name of God – only one of the many reasons astrologers nicknamed those giant isosceles triangles is the sky, “The Finger of God.” Yod aspects form all the time and we can use their particular energy pattern to reach conclusions, or make decisions.  These aspects hold a note of destiny in them and how you choose to use or ignore their energy can determine whether or not you achieve your goals.

Yods are powerful, yet uneasy aspects between three or more basically, incompatible planets.  These planets form a giant stellar triangle. Two sides of the triangle are equal in length and form an aspect of 150 degrees, or quincunx . The planet(s) at the shorter side is at a sixty degrees aspect, or sextile.  While sextile aspects are easy–peasy, quincunx aspects are the geometrical problem children of astrology.  Energies don’t mesh well between planets sharing quincunx aspects. Their energy is unstable.  So what does all this mean for you during the next few days?  Good question.

The yod pattern for October 29th through November 3rd is formed by the Sun conjunct (same place, same time) Mercury Retrograde in Scorpio, quincunx Mars in Virgo with Uranus in Aries at the apex.  The most important part of a yod configuration is the apex, because this is the direction the finger of fate points.  This particular yod pattern is a great build up for November 1st when the Uranus/Pluto square goes direct. (see blogs:"Taking the Sting Out of Mercury Retrograde ; "The House That Passion Built"; "Keeping An Eye on the Prize)

Yods ask us to make decisions that move our lives forward.  It’s important to consider that we all have a tremendous opportunity to review and rework our personal strategies during Mercury Retrograde.  The information we gather should naturally lead us to conclusions that, in turn, help us make informed decisions.  Do your homework this week.  Uranus carries energy for unexpected, sweeping change that challenges the status quo and the authority that maintains formal structure.  Whew! That sounds exhausting, doesn’t it? Think of it in tarot terms as The Emperor butting heads with The Tower.  Sure, the whole sweeping change thing can be unsettling, but in terms of personal development, this is exactly what you’ve been striving for this year.   

College graduates labored long and hard so that one day they could step into the workplace and take it by storm.  Artists and scientists alike have break-through moments that change the direction of their lives.  Each of us gets to experience pivotal moments of destiny where we can choose the course of our life.  All we need is the courage to make the decisions that move us forward with honor and distinction.  

LADY ORACLE

Mars in Virgo, October 15th to December 7th 2013 – “Keeping an Eye on the Prize”

Mars' card, #16, The Tower
at so much destructive here, as high-energy
from Ciro Marchetti's "Legacy of the Divine Tarot"©

This October we receive a burst to both our ambition and our organizational drive known as Mars in Virgo.  Virgos, and those of us with Mars in Virgo in our birth chart, will be cruising at wrap speed from mid October into early December.  The rest of us will also enjoy the benefits, as well as suffer some of the drawbacks this energy provides.

Under Mars in Virgo you can expect an uptick in your aggression.  No, that doesn’t mean that every bouncer in the city is going to know your name.  It means that you will pursue your goals more aggressively.  This is a good thing. You will also stubbornly cling to your methodology as if your life depends on it.  Not necessarily so great. Still, this is terrific energy to focus on last quarter strategies, or new year projections.  You can also use Mars in Virgo to clear out your living space prior to the frenzy of the holiday season.  However, avoid becoming overly critical and dogmatic to those who don’t share your vision.  Mars in Virgo energy puts the “P” in perfectionist.  No one wants to be around people who over-analyze the simple, i.e., nitpick, or judge their every action.

Mars in Virgo accomplishes tasks and problem solves like

Virgo's card, #9, The Hermit
from Barbara Moore and Aly Fell's
beloved, "Steampunk Tarot" ©

none other.  There’s a natural detachment that comes with this energy.  This detachment allows all of us to more easily discount our emotions and analyze the subject as whole before reaching a decision.  Again, this trait is particularly strong in Virgos and birth chart people.  Business people, investors, negotiators and attorneys take note.

There’s nothing very romantic about Mars in Virgo.  That’s why we’re fortunate to have Venus in Sagittarius at the same time (see blog: Venus in Sagittarius ) Mars in Virgo is not a demonstrative creature.  It’s that compartmentalizing, detached energy this configuration carries.  Unfortunately, this energy unchecked can lend itself to playing head games during arguments.  Avoid statements that manipulate people, or situations.  Employ the rules of fair fighting and don’t belittle other people by chipping away at their confidence.  Don’t nitpick.

We all have a chance to prosper and gain ground under the influence of Mars in Virgo.  Just stay active and involved to avoid feeling fidgety and you’ll be able to rest on your laurels in December.  Well, at least you can take a breather.  Enjoy!

LADY ORACLE

Astrological Trends for October 2013 – “Avast Me Hearties”

When weather turns stormy at sea, a good sailor knows what to do:  Close up the vessel so that the waves breaking over the deck don't spilling water below.  He also lessens the ship's sail area so that strong winds don’t push it over.  “Hmmm,” you ask, “what is she trying to tell us with this sailing metaphor?”  Reef your mainsail and batten your hatches.  October has some powerful configurations in it and you need to stay mindful and focus on what’s truly important to you.

On October 2nd, Saturn is trine (the most favorable aspect of

Saturn's card, #21, The World
from Barbara Moore and Aly Fell's
"Steampunk Tarot"©

120 degrees) the asteroid, Chiron.  Chiron is the wounded healer of myth, who, in this case couples with Saturn to provide all of us with an opportunity to do self-healing work. Also, those of us with Saturn quincunx (an aspect of 150 degrees that requires serious adjustments) Uranus in our birth charts will have particular trouble reconciling the conflicting parts of ourselves. Saturn represents rules, discipline and self-respect.  Uranus is a wild child who questions authority and the status quo. We will all experience frustration trying to merge the parts of our lives that simply won’t merge.  That’s a quincunx for you. Don’t attach to outcomes, breath and let go.

The Fool, the card for Uranus
from Ciro Marchetti's
"Legacy of the Divine Tarot"©

The Moon, Saturn and Mercury are all hanging out in Scorpio during the first part of the month.  Again, we see Saturn’s need to challenge (provide growth opportunities) mixing it up with Mercury in Scorpio.  The result is a deep, intellectual process. There’s lot’s of soul searching during this period.  We gain true insights into our lives – not always pretty, but necessary.  Don’t get trapped inside your own head, though.  Get outside and take in some of that wonderful Fall air to help you maintain balance. Meditate.

Our New Moon in Libra arrives on October 4th and makes all of us ready for a fresh start.  We’ll lay aside old resentments and seek common ground in our partnerships and friendships (Somebody tell Congress) while enjoying a revitalized social scene.

Mid-month we get some help to lighten our moods when Mars enters Virgo on the 15th and Venus enters Sagittarius on the 17th.  Mars and Virgo join up to help us clean house, both physically and metaphorically.  This is problem solving energy – an energy that tidies bothersome corners and tucks away those repetitive thoughts that nag us.  Use Mars in Virgo to clear your decks.  Venus in Sagittarius is a young-at-heart style of energy that solidifies friendships even if it doesn’t offer us a lasting love. Venus will definite helps us regain our dance moves.

On October 18th we have a Full Moon in Aries and a lunar

The Magician is Mercury's card
from "Wizard's Tarot"© by Corinne Kenner and
John J. Blumen

eclipse.  Let’s hear it for planetary reboots.  Great energy here, but I’ll have more on that later this month.  Mercury goes retrograde from October 21st through November 10th.  I’ll re-post appropriate blog links as needed.  Remember: Smudging in an art form.  Lastly, the end of the month picks up momentum as we prepare for another direct Uranus/Pluto square on November 1st.

We have lots of energetic activity this month – lots of whitecaps in the waves as well.   Stay high-minded, meditate and above all, don’t lock yourself away to brood.  Change happens and the best part about change is that you get to be a part of it.

LADY ORACLE

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