Jupiter Quincunx Pluto February 27, 2015 – "Adjusting Your Angle"

Lakshmi, represents #10, The Wheel, in Kris
Waldherr's fantastic "Goddess Tarot"©
A must-have deck!

When you initially start studying astrology it's all fun zodiac signs and planetary interactions.  Then suddenly you have to consider configurations, or angles.   I was the kid in the back of geometry class saying, "why will I ever need this in my life." The Universe loves a good joke, doesn't it?  As it turns out astrology is all about those angular relationships between planetary bodies.

We can all grasp the significance of cosmic squares and triangles with relatively little problem.  The more intricate stellar parallelograms and trapezoids that make up yods and grand crosses may give us pause, but at least they all contain angles we've heard of. Isosceles, equilateral and right angles – okay, so now your upping the ante, but we'll still muddle through.  Then some cosmic joker throws something at us like a quincunx angle? Really? It's enough to make you give up and go back to reading daily horoscopes in the newspaper.

A quincunx is a angular relationship of 150 degrees between two

#15, The Devil as seen by the incomparable
Ciro Marchetti in his deck,
"Legacy of the Divine Tarot"© another
must-have.

planets.  It is one of the lesser aspects in astrology, but its significance depends on the planets effected.  The quincunx angle denotes a need for adjustment in our lives, a time to compensate for what has been lacking.  It points the way to where change is needed.

Tomorrow Santa Claus meets the God of the Underworld.  Jupiter, who's currently residing in Leo loves expansion and potential.  Leo gives this large, friendly planet confidence and charisma, as well as the ability to inspire others.  There's a particular generosity associated with this transit and Pluto, who is currently in Capricorn, is the planet of transformation.  Capricorn relates to government and societal responsibility (See my blogs on the Uranus/Pluto square).  For a brief time we have the opportunity to clearly look at our missteps and correct our course. Take action. Think Wands.

Marvelous depiction of #8, Strength
from Aly Fell and Barbara Moore's
"Steampunk Tarot"© Love this deck!

More importantly, this configuration, as well as March 3rd's Jupiter trine Uranus in Aires, creates a doorway for the last exact squaring of Uranus and Pluto on March 16th.  Jupiter in Leo makes a persuasive argument for change and transformation, both personally and globally.  This is the time to correct your self-talk, to gain positive perspective on life. by drawing on Jupiter in Leo's confidence.  What can you do personally to effect meaningful change? Persuasion is the name of the game tomorrow.  Use your words effectively and no shouting is necessary. 

Tarot cards to watch include:  #15, The Devil (Capricorn) #20, Judgment (Pluto), #8, Strength (Leo) and #10, The Wheel (Jupiter). We'll talk about Jupiter trine Uranus next time.  Stay focused and stay proactive.


LADY ORACLE

All featured decks are available for sale through LADY ORACLE TAROT !

Full Wolf Moon in Cancer January 4, 2015 – "Bark at the Moon"

#7, The Chariot from Corrine Kenner
and John J. Blumen's stellar deck,
"The Wizard's Tarot"©

We get a 'twofer' on January 4th. Not only does Mercury move into Aquarius that day, but our Full Wolf Moon arrives at 8:53 p.m. PST.  This month's Full Moon occurs in 14 degrees and thirty-one minutes of Cancer. Lady Moon rules the sign of the Crab and so we say the Moon is exalted when she resides in this sign.  It's a little more complicated this month, however. In this case her bark is equal to her bite. While we normally look forward to a powerful Moon in Cancer for manifesting our goals there are some additional factors adding riptides to January's Full Moon. 

Cancer is a cardinal sign, meaning that it is first sign of a given season. Cardinal energy acts as an instigator. It’s restless and come Full Moon time, perhaps a little edgy. Properly channeled, this energy not only motivates you, but  lifts you up and over the obstacles in your path.  Aptly, tarot's card for the sign of Cancer the Crab is #7, The Chariot – reaching your goals, focusing your intent and knowing who you are. Also remember that Cancer is a water sign and like all water signs, carries a deep, emotional subtext. 

Home, hearth and foundations are what Cancer the Crab is

#2, The High Priestess from
Barbara Moore and Aly Fell's
"Steampunk Tarot"©

all about.  Full Moons are about emotions and culmination. Our Full Wolf Moon in Cancer asks us to consider the nurturing strength of our families and close friends.  It suggests that we draw their support as a foundation for refining our goals. Ask yourself who supports you on your path.  Are their people in your life who don't support your aspirations? If not, get new ones. Seriously.  This is your life. You can live it to please yourself, or live it by other people's standards and end up pleasing no one. This Full Moon allow yourself time to enjoy the comfort and security of your own home while you reflect on the direction you want for your life.  Ground yourself and get a sense of where you belong.  

The Initiate, or The Fool from
"Wizard's Tarot"© by Corrine
Kenner and John J. Blumen

This Full Moon in Cancer forms a T- square with Uranus in Aires and Pluto in Capricorn, thereby activating that harbinger of sweeping change, the Uranus/Pluto square.  The South Node is also square with Uranus and the whole mess forms a Grand Cross. Ouch! Emotions run high and it's easy to feel anxious and lack certainty.  Spend extra time grounding yourself through your favorite methods. Also – and this is important – be conscious of what emotional baggage belongs to you and what doesn’t. Remember that it's not your job to be anyone's emotional bellboy.  Don't carry anyone else's baggage but your own.  When conflicts occur, try to respond thoughtfully rather than react to fiery words.

The tarot cards to watch for this Full Moon period are:

The Moon    –    #2, The High Priestess

Cancer        –    #7, The Chariot

Uranus        –    The Fool

Aires           –    #4, The Emperor

Pluto           –    #13, Death, or Transformation

Capricorn    –    #15, The Devil

Libra           –    #11, Justice

There's still lots of good energy in this Full Moon, though it is very intense.  Ease yourself into it and go with the flow.

LADY ORACLE

July 20th, Saturn Turns Direct While Uranus Gets a Retrofitting

Saturn, the hall monitor of the Zodiac, turned stationary direct of July 20^th.  No doubt some of us are singing the “Hallelujah Chorus” on this one. Saturn’s retrograde had us not only re-structuring the systems in our lives, but stepping into our own power ( 2 of Wands), both of which can be a tad rough when we’re doing it as part of a group process.  Saturn is the planet of rules, regulations, work ethic and limitations. Its retrograde affects all of us to some degree. Since March the majority of Earth’s population has been asking where we fit in the big picture – and not always in the nicest of ways. 

Saturn offers us inspirational challenges. It wants us tough

#21, The World from "The Wizard's Tarot"©
by Corrine Kenner and John J. Blumen is tarot's
association for Saturn

enough to weather life’s storms and practical enough to resist complacency during the sunny periods.  Keep in mind that whole rules, regulations and limitations thing.  Saturn currently resides in Scorpio which means that our challenges are geared towards transforming, not only our perspectives, but our lives as well. Saturn in Scorpio is ambitious. This is an optimum time to implement new career building strategies.  Saturn wants you to fall in line with self-discipline and lasting achievement.  Scorpio offers you insights into the motivations of others.  Use this information to benefit yourself and advance your position, but not to the detriment of others. Karma’s bite can sting as much as a scorpion. 

While Saturn comes back on line, our rebel child, Uranus, goes into retrograde.  The planet of freedom and rebellion asks us to take note of happenings in the world around us both near and far.  Where do we fit in the mix? Do we effect positive change, or are we content to merely rattle sabers and throw sand into well-oil gears? Uranus is transiting Aires. That’s a cardinal fire sign in first position on the wheel of the Zodiac.  Aires cherishes that number one spot and true to form, wants you to guard your position in life (7 of Wands) as well. This sign is known for battering its way through obstacles – hence the name, Aires the Ram.  While that characteristic comes in handy, there’s no small amount of egocentricity involved with Uranus in Aires. Bear in mind that our egos only become twitchier during Uranus retrograde. Keep your debit card in your pocket and don’t hand it over to your ego during this transit – retrograde or not – because your butt has to cover the charges.

Uranus and Aquarius rule the eleventh house and it’s here

The Fool is tarot's card for Uranus
From "The Wizard's Tarot"© by
Corrine Kenner and John J. Blumen

we keep our group identity, our goals and our associations, or friendships.  Uranus in retrograde asks us not only where we fit in, but why we align ourselves with certain groups. (7 of Cups – why we make the choices we do)  What is our reward for choosing a particular group?  Now comes the toughest question.  How does our risk and reward benefit the world at large?  Uranus retrograde isn’t for wimps. It likes us to consider defining moments.

There are infinite life lessons in planetary shifts and to one degree or another, we are all affected.  Sometimes we’re up to the quest and other times we’d much prefer to watch a marathon of “Lost” episodes.  What we must keep in mind is that as part of the family of man we are each responsible for what happens within our reach and in this digital age our reach is global. Nothing happens to one of us that does not affect the whole. This is a lesson in responsibility that when learned, makes Saturn proud.

LADY ORACLE

P.S. Aquarians stay focused. You're in the 11th House with Uranus AND Saturn.

“Double Eclipse With A Grand Cross Chaser” – Astrological Trends for April 2014

The cosmic fuse sparked to life with a New Moon in Aires last

In Kris Waldherr's remarkable archetype
tarot deck, "The Goddess Tarot"©,
Estsanatlehi represents the Empress,
Venus' card.

week making many of us view April with equal parts excitement and trepidation.  That’s understandable.  April carries lots of complex, volatile energy and there’s been a considerable amount of speculation by astrologers about what two, count ‘em, two eclipses and a Cardinal Grand Cross involving the notorious Uranus/Pluto square signifies.  Let’s start by looking at some of the companion pieces for this month’s astrological profile.

Venus takes us on a sentimental journey when she moves into Pisces on April 5th.  The sign of the fish has us using more of our intuition and ability to empathize in our relationships.  We are more imaginative and creative in how we express our affections for others and we also crave their affection in return.  Venus in Pisces is not always steadfast, however.  There’s a degree of insecurity that accompanies the goddess of love in Pisces and this can make us a little fickle after our initial burst of attraction to someone new.  Pisces also woos our wallet and can encourage us to spend a little too freely for those we care about, so double think those expenditures.

On April 7th Mercury visits Aires and will remain there until

Isis is Waldherr's "Magician" - focused thought
direct intention. From "The Goddess Tarot"©
The Magician is tarot's card for Mercury

April 23rd.  This is great energy.  Mercury in Aires carries an aggressively brilliant intelligence filled with wit and original thinking.  Mercury brings mental flexibility and the capacity to make lightening-quick responses.  Communications, both written and spoken, will be highly effective and when we combine the power of this transit with a carefully laid out strategy we will be incredibly successful.  You may have caught the caveat it that last sentence, but let me point it out once more for the kids in the back.  Use foresight and planning during this transit because Mercury in Aires, while filled with mental acuity, wants to leap before looking. Impulse control here, folks.  

#20, Judgement is the card for Pluto
from Waldherr's "The Goddess Tarot"©

Pluto turns retrograde on April 14th, one day before our Full Moon in Libra and our first eclipse of the month.  Pluto is thought provoking when direct, but during retrograde that dialogue focuses on inner beliefs. “Who am I?” “Am I using my life to its fullest potential?” “Am I part of the greater good, or am I stuck on the couch watching reruns of “Amish Mafia” and “Honey Boo-Boo?”  Yup, Pluto retrograde asks the tough questions, but it also works well with Mercury in Aires.  Expect to receive powerful, sudden insights into your life and help make some terrific resolutions (‘r’ word ) for moving your life forward.

Speaking of power, the Full Moon in Libra with accompanying full lunar eclipse is an energetic Super Moon.  Don’t take this one lightly. There’s lots of great stuff coming with this Full Moon, but it’s also important to do into the period from April 12th to April 18th very balanced.  Eat a healthy, balanced diet, get extra rest, exercise and of course, meditate.  This is good advise any time, but it is essential here if you want to effectively work with the lunar energy flow.  Eclipses are planetary reboots and right on the heels of this eclipse we go straight into a Cardinal Grand Cross (see blogs: "New Moon in Libra" and "January 2014" ) with a highly active Uranus/Pluto square.  Remember in the movie “Jurassic Park” when they shut down the electrical grid to reboot the computer systems?  Well, we’ve got to keep an eye on that velociraptor compound.  Ground yourself, keep the space around you energetically clear and make your home a sanctuary from other people’s chaos.

I’ll have more later on the Full Moon in Libra eclipse, the

Sarasvati is Waldherr's excellent choice for
The High Priestess, tarot's card for Lady Moon.

Cardinal Grand Cross, Mercury’s swing into Taurus and the amazing annular solar eclipse that occurs during the New Moon at the end of the month.  Whew!  We’re going somewhere this month, guys, so be brilliant.

LADY ORACLE

All featured decks are available for sale through Lady Oracle Tarot!  email:  ladyoracle56@yahoo.com

Jupiter Square Uranus February 26, 2014

#10, The Wheel is tarot's card for
expansive and lucky Jupiter.
RWCS by US Games®

An astrological square is an aspect composed of two planets at a ninety degree relationship, or angle.  Squares, while challenging, are highly motivational aspects because they carry the combined energy of both planets involved in the configuration. Few squares provide more dynamic energy than Jupiter square Uranus.  Jupiter is the planet expansion, success and generosity.  Although sometimes given to excess, it engages our higher consciousness through spiritual and philosophical thought.  Uranus, on the other hand is, well, a wild child. It represents sudden, revolutionary change, inventiveness, radical shifts in ideas and breakthrough developments. Uranus values freedom and individuality. It is restless and bold.

Jupiter squares Uranus twice this year, first on February 26th

Deva Padma's depiction of The Fool
from "OSHO Zen Tarot"© is an appropriate
tarot card for Uranus' 'cleansweep' approach

and lastly on April 20th. We’ve all felt the power building up since mid February and will continue to feel the energy ebb and flow through the first week of May.  The April 20th square off between these two outer planets heralds the return of the Cardinal Grand Cross on April 23rd (See blogs: "New Moon in Libra, Road Map for Change" and January 2014: "A Month of Innovation and Relationship Building" ). Watch for more information on this event in my April Astrological Trends blog at the end of March.

Expansive Jupiter is in retrograde now. That means its influence leans heavily towards a philosophical frame of mind, yet, oddly enough, less objective thinking.  Under this square’s influence there’s a need to experience everything that comes our way because Jupiter views life as an open road.  That’s fine with Uranus because this wild planet is hungry for change and wants the freedom found in a fresh, unexplored landscape.  Try to temper your longing for the unpredictable during the next week.  Jupiter’s lack of objectivity can cause you to be a little reckless about where and in whom you place your faith.

Jupiter is in Cancer now and The Chariot
is tarot's card for the crab. From John J. Blumen
Corrine Kenner's "Wizards Tarot"©

The Jupiter/Uranus square gives everyone wonderful opportunities for enlightenment, spiritually, professionally and personally.  Think of it as the chance for multiple ‘aha’ moments.  You can seek and find out-of-the-box solutions to problems that previously left you staring at a blank wall.  A note of caution here: While you may find the courage to throw out all the rules and begin again from scratch, don’t act impulsively. Temper responses to situations and force yourself to analyze them.  Remember that objective thinking will not be anyone’s strong suit this week.  Jupiter is a planet of luck, but you still have to give it an even break and be selective in how you use its energy.

If friction increases on the home front this week, consider that

Uranus is in Aires, the sign associated with
The  Emperor (rules, structure) from
RWCS by US Games®

it is the natural fallout that occurs when two partners want absolute freedom of choice in every joint decision.  Don’t take conflicts too seriously should they arise and use basic communication methods. Respond thoughtfully instead of reacting and making requests of your partner instead of throwing out harsh words and allegations.  

Jupiter square Uranus is a powerful influence, but it can be used to great benefit.  Proceed thoughtfully, but also use this square’s energy to make significant advances in how you view life and in attaining your goals.

LADY ORACLE

Pluto Sextile Chiron, February 25, 2014 – “Left of Centaur”

Chiron, The Wounded healer is a
fantastic depiction for tarots #5, The Hierophant
from "Wizard's Tarot"© by Corrine Kenner
and John J. Blumen

The Comet, Chiron is an astrological body named after the legendary centaur revered for his skills as a healer, teacher and philosopher.  Chiron was the son of Chronos, father of the Greek pantheon of gods and goddesses. The centaur was immortal, which was the flaw that led to his undoing.  During a battle with Hercules, Chiron was wounded by an arrow dipped in the blood of the hydra. That’s the thing about arrows. You never know where they’ve been.  As a result of this poison Chiron couldn’t heal himself and because he was immortal, could never escape his pain by dying.  That explains why he is referred to as the wounded healer.  Chiron eventually escaped his suffering by exchanging his immortality for the release of Prometheus. Remember him? He was the guy who stole fire from the gods and was doomed to be chained to a rock and have his entrails eaten for all eternity.  This ancient religion wasn’t big on the warm and fuzzy.

Chiron’s position on your birth chart denotes where your particular wounds lie and how deep they go.  These wounds are usually to your self-esteem, sometimes including issues of guilt and subservience (not as in obedience, but as in putting yourself last).  When Chiron is at a particularly difficult aspect with your Moon, you risk chronically feeling inadequate, guilty over minor issues or resentful because you don’t stand up for yourself.  Most importantly, while you are very good at helping others heal these traits, you can’t heal yourself.  If these situations describe you then check Chiron’s position in your natal chart.  You, my friend, may have been sipping the hydra blood.

Pluto has been flirtatiously sextile with Chiron since August,

Pluto's tarot card, #13, Death, or Transformation
Pluto helps us reinvent ourselves. From "Wizard's Tarot"©
Corrine Kenner and John J. Blumen

2012 and will remain so until March, 2014.  These bodies were exactly sextile (a favorable aspect of 60 degrees) on September 6, 2012, April 4, 2013 and October 28, 2013. Simply put, Pluto sextile Chiron (PsC) pulls the bandages off our deep wounds, irritates them and then offers us the opportunity to heal them in such a way as to transform our lives. February 25th is the last date for the sextile to be exact.  It carries powerful energy and we are already feeling its effects.  

#4, The Emperor is the tarot association for the
the sign of Aries.  Again from the incomparable
"Wizard's Tarot"©

Pluto in Capricorn focuses on reforms to business and long-established structures like governments, educational systems, or complex religious organizations.  Bear in mind that the American Declaration of Independence was written during the last time Pluto traveled across Capricorn.  Chiron is currently in Aires where we can all work on asserting ourselves and on realizing our own worth.  It’s also important to note that Uranus is also in Aires and that PsC will draw tremendous strength from the notorious Uranus/Pluto square. 

Tuesday the 25th presents an exceptional opportunity to release old trauma, heal yourself and establish healthier behaviors.  Is it going to be easy? No. Arrows hurt and hydra venom tastes really bitter. However once you’ve gotten rid of the metaphorical arrow and venom drains away healing becomes possible.  By using the energy from Chiron and Pluto you can successfully change old belief systems that have prevented you from living the life you want and have kept you left of ‘centaur.’ 

LADY ORACLE

Astrology Trends For February 2014, “Testing the Waters – Reflecting on the Spiritual As Well As The Mystical”

Several astrologers on the web state that the big influence for

#12, The Hanged Man is Neptune's
tarot association. This depiction by
Stephanie Pui-Mun Law from
"Shadowscapes"© tarot

February is Mercury’s retrograde in Pisces on February 6th and the planet’s digression back to the sign Aquarius on February 12th.  This first Mercury Retrograde (hereafter MR) of 2014 is the only one of the year that occurs in a sign other than a water sign.  Aquarius, although its full title is Aquarius the Water Bearer, is an air sign (tarot’s suit of swords).  Mercury in Aquarius is a clever mind concerned with analyzing people and their motives.  Pisces loves the mysterious and the intuitive. There’s no denying MR in Pisces/Aquarius promises to give us the chance to do some deep, philosophical and spiritual reflection.  Sure, there will be the regular MR quirks, but just remember to use your ‘r’ words: Review, re-structure, redesign, rededicate. (See blog: “Mercury Retrograde, Tarot and You” ) 

Jupiter's tarot association, #10, The Wheel
from "Shadowscapes"© by
Stephanie Pui-Mun Law

On February 14th we have a Full Moon in Leo.  Here’s a Full Moon that celebrates our confident self and I’ll have more next week on working effectively with this energy during MR. On the 18th the Sun moves to Pisces which will be significant on several fronts.  Neptune (#12, The Hanged Man) and Jupiter (#10, The Wheel) co-rule the sign Pisces (#18, The Moon), a highly intuitive water sign filled with compassionate and creative energy.  It is the sign of dreamers.  On February 23rd the Sun in Pisces is conjunct (same place, same time) with Neptune in Pisces.  That’s a strong dose of highly evolved mystical energy – great for meditation and pondering deep mysteries.  Use a little caution however, because while Neptune in Pisces is the place of dreamers and profound creativity, it is also the place of illusion.  It becomes easy to get lost among dreams of what might become in favor of developing more realistic plans.

On February 26th Jupiter squares Uranus and forms a loosey

#18, The Moon is the tarot card
for Pisces. From "Wizard's Tarot"©
by Corrine Kenner an John J. Blumen

goosey T-Square (a hangover from that ever present Cardinal Grand Cross) with Uranus square Pluto.  Expect a bit of a head rush here. The winds of change will provide a fresh perspective along with a positive change in fortune.  Make a blueprint to utilize the opportunity presented, but remember to take precautions in accordance with Mercury’s scrambled communications during retrograde. 

Venus, who’s recently turned direct, remains in Capricorn this month where she guides us towards committed, steadfast love.  Venus is never fickle or flighty in Capricorn.  However, she reminds us to be practical rather than fanciful in choosing a partner.  Love is grand, but quickly becomes strained under the weight of too many obstacles.  Enduring love requires depth and strength of character more than it requires romantic ideals.  We learned what to value in others during Venus Retrograde. Now is the time to put our findings to work for us.

#1, The Magician, tarot's card for
Mercury. From "Wizard's Tarot"©
by John J. Blumen and
Corrine Kenner

This month holds lots of promise if we go into it with a proactive attitude.  Granted, there’s a great deal of emotional, or water sign energy (tarot’s suit of cups), but Mercury Retrograde offers us a two-edged sword this month.  Certainly, there’s the potential for communications, travel and business efforts to go awry, but the other edge of the sword is just as sharp.  That second edge provides us an opportunity to test the ‘waters’ this month – to gain insight during this reflective period and to redesign our lives so we build something we value.

LADY ORACLE 

All featured tarot deck avail for purchase through Lady Oracle Tarot

 email - ladyoracle56@yahoo.com

Astrology Trends for December 2013 - “The Light Fantastic”

#11, Justice (Karma) is Libra's card
from "Wizard's Tarot"© by Corrine Kenner
and John J. Blumen - Mars in Libra 12/7

Many astrologers say that this December is a month for soul-searching and change.  While that may be true, it’s important to remember that you can have plenty of soul-searching without angst.  Sagittarius’ energy likes pondering deep and profound questions, but angst bores the heck out of it.  When something shiny appears on the horizon, Sagittarius asks us to hear the call to adventure and be on our merry way – particularly if there’s a party involved. The majority of December is influenced by Sun in Sagittarius and while this month will have its thrills and chills, (plenty) it will also be comparatively light on its feet.  

Alien Fossil on Mars (Cool!)

On December 4th Mercury, the planet of travel and communications, joins the Sun in Sagittarius.  Talk about the Knight of Swords – blunt, outspoken, but also open-minded.  Mercury in Sag invites us to find joy in learning something new.  Guard against a ‘take no prisoners’ attitude, though.  Everyone catches on at their own speed and they have a right to an opinion, even if it isn’t yours.

Mars charms his way into Libra’s seventh house on December 7th, ( 7 and 7!) where he takes up residence until mid-summer.  Social Libra joins with Mars’ intense, fiery nature, seeking fairness and balance. Think of them as Caped Crusaders, bringing justice to the streets of your very own Gotham City.  They work well together, laying groundwork that establishes important connections in both your business and social worlds.  

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

Jupiter in Cancer trines Saturn in Scorpio December 9th through the 15th.  This is a blissful configuration.  Trines carry very harmonious energy and this one marries the expansive energy of Jupiter (pleasantly slowed and refined due to Jupiter’s retrograde) with the transformative and resourceful energy of Saturn in Scorpio.  Use this boost wisely and you will not only make great strides in releasing issues that have been holding you back, but also receive a nudge in the right direction. 

Venus goes retrograde in Capricorn on December 21st – just in time for Winter Solstice.  Venus in Capricorn is a steadfast heart whose energy builds enduring relationships.  During Venus retrograde, there may be friction between what comes first, career, or relationship – particularly if this is an ongoing issue for you. You might also find yourself second guessing the compromises you’ve made for the sake of harmony in your home.  Which leads us directly to one of this month’s main events – a Cardinal Grand Cross between Pluto in Capricorn, Uranus in Aires, Jupiter in Cancer and Mars in Libra. This configuration influences us from December 23rd to January 8th. Lot’s of challenge with this one.  Tread lightly.

Some of the stellar influences this month mean business, but

#3, The Empress represents Venus in all her
creative splendor - from "Steampunk Tarot"©
by Barbara Moore and Aly Fell

they are also grounded in optimism and excitement for the road ahead.  Sure, our Cardinal (Cardinal signs are the first Zodiac sign within a given season.) Grand Cross is going to make things a little edgy, but take the usual precautions. Don’t talk politics at work, during parties or at Christmas dinner. Go easy on the sibling rivalry and release your resentments.  Think before your speak and let the open road to 2014 beckon you.

December is jam packed with all sorts of goodies.  I’ll have more about the Cardinal Grand Cross later this month, as well as, Winter Solstice, Yule, Full Moon in Gemini, the Jupiter Neptune connection, Sun in Capricorn, Uranus/Pluto square, two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree.  Whew! December is a tarot/astrology bloggers dream!  Can’t wait.

LADY ORACLE

November 3, 2013, New Moon in Scorpio With a Solar Eclipse – “Sugar Rush”

#13 - Transfiguration, from Corrine Kenner
and John J. Blumen's "Wizard's Tarot"©
Scorpio's card and the theme for
early November

There comes a point when there’s simply too much of a good thing.  This is true in astrology as well as in leftover Halloween candy and both can leave us groggy and feeling as if we’ve been on a three day bender.  We have Mercury Retrograde conjunct Sun, Saturn, and North Node in Scorpio.  These guys form a yod featuring Uranus in Aries at the apex. (See Blog: “Yod Nod”) The double fudge layer on all of this is that Uranus is also directly square Pluto on November 1st. However, the cherry that tops this rich and gooey mound of transformative energy is a New Moon in Scorpio with a hybrid, total solar eclipse chaser.  Sugar overload.

If you’re nervous about Scorpio’s energy, then perhaps it’s a good time to make a three day pilgrimage to a cloistered abbey.  If, however, you are ready to shake loose the status quo and step across the lines of regimentation that have been chaffing you for the past several months (if not a couple of years) take a deep breath, square your shoulders and step into the supped up transformative energy flow that is the best of Scorpio. 

The North Node represents the path of our personal growth –

Choi Roma's "Dreaming Way Tarot"©
presents The Fool, card for Uranus.
The Fool is ready for anything and puts his
faith in both providence and himself.

our future.  It offers us challenges that are meant to teach and inspire us. It’s a place where you learn to stand tall, gaining confidence with each stride.  When housed in Scorpio, North Node invites us to dive into the deeper mysteries of life and use our inborn talents to empower us and transform our lives.  The North Node clearly works well with Saturn, who’s mission is also to teach by issuing us challenges we can win.  

New Moons start a new cycle and there is no cycle stronger than one beginning with a an eclipse.  Eclipses are planetary reboots and we will feel the effects of the reboot for about six months.  In addition, this particular eclipse is a rare ‘hybrid’ type that starts out as an annular eclipse (ring of fire) before transforming into a total eclipse where the Moon’s shadow fully sweeps across the Earth.  Again, here we see the pivotal theme of the stars: Transformation.  The power in this eclipse asks us to seize the moment and use the best parts of Scorpio’s energy – their innate resourcefulness, focus, passion and drive –  to take control of our destiny.

#20, Judgement, from "Steampunk Tarot"©
by Barbara Moore and Aly Fell carries
a two-fold message - Decision and Rebirth

Uranus, that whirling dervish a sweeping, societal change, squares Pluto (one of Scorpio’s ruling planets - See blog: "Sun In Scorpio, The House that Passion Built" ) the transformer.  Total Optimus Prime here. At this point the Zodiac it’s almost on planetary overload in terms of transformative energy.  For this reason, as I’ve stated before, Mercury Retrograde is your best friend.  Review, revise, renew and decide.  That’s your assignment.  You don’t get an extension because the dog ate your homework.  Get busy.  If the astrological energy for the next few days is a little overwhelming at times, cut back on your activity.  Practice quieting your mind through meditation, music and activities that require simple motor skills.   Let go of the past and look towards the future.  Release resentments and claim your life as your journey, not your parent’s, not your lover’s, not your sister’s and not even your neighbor’s cat’s journey.  Yours – unparalleled and unequaled. It’s time to rise and shine.

LADY ORACLE

Here's a link to my guest spot on Blog Talk Radio's "The Moment" for their Halloween show :)  Yay!  This is an terrific show designed to make you think, make you question and mostly, make you evolve.  Wednesday evenings at 8 p.m PST. Check it out!

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