March 16, 2015, Uranus Pluto Final Square – "The Square Deal"

Ever notice that Uranus' glyph looks
like the starship, Enterprise?

Complacency feels good in small doses, but a steady diet of it bogs us down and prevents our growth, both personally and globally. That’s the warning that comes along with tarot’s wish card, the 9 of Cups. As Shakespeare wrote, “The sweetest honey is loathsome in its own deliciousness.” The Universe, always a great one for shoving us out of our comfort zone, decided that two planetary bodies would form a square every few decades and shake up the social and political mores of our humble planet.  As you’ve probably guessed, I’m talking about the Uranus Pluto Square.

Uranus in Aires and Pluto in Capricorn began making a series of square formations back in 2012. On Monday, March 16, 2015, at 7:53 a.m. PDT, the final, exact squaring of Uranus and Pluto for this three year cycle occurs as both planets move to a position of fifteen degrees and eighteen minutes within their host signs and at a ninety degree angle to each other.  We’ve felt the ramp up for this planetary configuration all month, not to mention having felt the effects of Uranus and Pluto’s tandem movements for the past three years. We’ll continue to feel their effects for the rest of the year, but the greater implications of their effect on this period in history (2011 to 2017) may not be understood for at least another decade. 

The squaring of these astrological powerhouses has been

Note that Pluto, that planet of transformation
has a new glyph, but my keyboard
can't show you.

observed and recorded throughout human history.  Genghis Khan swept through Mongolia under this configuration. These astral bodies witnessed the Reign of Terror (1793 to 1794) and the rise of Napoleon during the 1792 - 1794 square.  Hitler was declared chancellor of Germany when these two planets danced together in 1933 and they heralded the social upheaval and discord of the mid 60’s, as well as the escalation of the Vietnam War.

Deva Padma's wonderful depiction
of "The Fool," Uranus' tarot card,
from OSHO Zen Tarot©

Uranus is the planet of revolutionary energy and broad, sweeping change on a societal scale.  Aires is the warrior, the harbinger of the new, the bold and exciting.  It also carries a “me first” energy that does not compromise well.  Pluto is the planet of transformation and spiritual growth. Capricorn’s energy  focuses on intention and a strong commitment to goals. It likes organization and the restructuring of existing systems is just fine, as long as that restructure agrees with Capricorn’s vision.  The ram and the goat – forceful and stubborn. 

During astrological events that are considered profound we must ask ourselves, “What comes first, the chicken, or the egg?” Do occurrences such as the Uranus Pluto square cause the upheaval we’ve witnessed during the past three years, or are we guilty of merely pulling out historical events that support an astrological perspective? To use another egg-shaped metaphor, “It’s six of one, half a dozen of another.”  We live in a time of radical extremism on all sides of the square and no one side is guiltless of promoting their own agenda heedless of cost no matter which perspective you take. 

The critical difference with this Uranus Pluto square is that

Pluto's tarot association, #20, Judgment
as depicted by the amazing Kris Waldherr in
"Goddess Tarot'©

we’re no longer confined to using swords and spears, or even buzz bombs to reach our respective goals.  Nuclear weaponry changed the face of aggression seventy years ago and we all became the proverbial children living in a tinder box playing with a lit match.  

As we dance on the edge of potential extinction, we also dance on the edge of greatness. That’s the dichotomy existing in our species. We enjoy technical marvels and tremendous breakthroughs in science and medicine. When we collectively apply our human brains, we come up with solutions to age-old problems. It is important to remember while we look at the shadows we must also remember to look for the light. Of the two, light is the stronger and it is what shows us our path during the darkest of times.

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Mercury Moves to Pisces, March 12th While Saturn goes Retro March 14th – "Well-Chosen Words and Patience Yield Big Results"

There are times when each of us takes up the practice of oral podiatry, or in other words, the time honored custom of putting ones foot in ones mouth.  That’s when we must endure those awkward silences while others stare at us in disbelief and we long to smack our palm repeatedly against our foreheads. Luckily, we are periodically granted a reprieve from verbal idiocy when Mercury transits Pisces.

Mercury is our planet of communications and rules both

The Moon is tarot's association for
Pisces from RWCS deck,
US Games® version

Gemini and Virgo.  Geminis are superb communicators, while Virgos add clarity and organization to the mix.  When Mercury moves into the realm of Pisces, however, our ability to communicate bumps up to an intuitive level and depending on how prominently Mercury figures in our birth chart, we have an instinctive advantage on how best to present ourselves in both spoken and written formats.  The right words will simply find us if we let them. Mercury remains in Pisces until April 14th, so take advantage of this opportunity to sell your ideas, tell your stories and speak persuasively with strength of purpose and with compassion.  

On March 14th Saturn, the hall monitor of our solar system, goes retrograde.  Saturn’s job is to teach us by presenting challenges for us to overcome.  These tests are meant to inspire us and help us rise above and go beyond our self-imposed limits. They are  not meant to break us. Think about #7 in tarot’s major arcana, The Chariot, whose driver rises above the obstacles in his path.  Saturn currently resides in Sagittarius the Archer who specializes in seeking the truth. His pursuit is eventually rewarded as he comes to recognize the greatest truths and fully understand their complexities.  Archers have a great ability to focus and that requires insight and discipline.  Saturn’s challenge to us in the house of the archer is to learn patience.  

Saturn retrograde offers us the opportunity to reflect on the

Kris Waldherr's stunning depiction of #21,
tarot's card for Saturn. From
"The Goddess Tarot"© 

lessons we’ve learned, to take the wisdom we’ve garnered from our choices and internalize it.  This process serves to expand and enrich our lives.  After all, Jupiter, the planet of expansion, rules Sagittarius. Saturn goes direct in Scorpio on August 2nd, where it teaches us the lesson of using our power wisely, with discretion and to avoid gossip, both incoming and outgoing.

The tarot association to watch during these transits are #1, The Magician (Mercury) #18, The Moon (Pisces)  #21, The World, (Saturn)  #14, Temperance, (Sagittarius) and #13, Death and Transformation (Scorpio).  You may also find that #7, The Chariot (rising above and overcoming obstacles) and the 7 of Wands (holding your ground, or defending your position) have special significance in your readings, so pay attention.

Work proactively with the energies surrounding these celestial events and you will set the tempo for a sweet spring and summer.

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March 5, 2015 Full Moon in Virgo Under the Influence of Aires – “The Tidy Warrior”

The Hermit is tarot's card for Virgo
From "Steampunk Tarot"© by Barbara Moore
and Aly Fell

Are you motivated yet?  If not, then clearly it takes a pyroclastic blast to get you out of your chair.  Aires still has charge of Venus and Mars, blending the joyous, often impulsive, enthusiasm of the goddess of love with the confident, courageous power of the god of war.  This is the Full Moon cycle in which to get it done – whatever ‘it’ happens to mean for you.  Our Full Worm Moon in Virgo gives us the opportunity to be bold, articulate and display passion about the things that matter to us. Most importantly, it is a Full Moon that demands action.

Our patience is limited during this lunar cycle and to one degree or another (depending on your birth Moon’s placement in your birth chart) none of us will suffer fools gladly.  We become frustrated more easily.  We get the message, why can’t anyone else?  Avoid casting judgments about other people’s value systems and keep Virgo’s penchant for the neat and tidy focused on yourself. 

Lady Moon's tarot card as seen
by Rome Choi, creator of
"Dreamingway Tarot"©

During this Full Worm Moon in Virgo we have the urge to not only take charge of our lives, but to make each moment count as significantly as if it were a year.  That’s the energy of the cosmos you’re feeling as it ramps us up for the final, exact squaring of Uranus and Pluto in mid March.  Full Moon in Virgo says get organized and formulate a plan for the challenges ahead.  

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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.


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Venus in Aires February 20, 2015 – "Come Feel the Warrior in Love"

The sign of Aires carries the energy of firsts – first in line, first to discover, first to start again.  It is the first sign of the Zodiac and from its position in our birth charts we derive our concept of self, as well as our personality.  Aires' symbol is a ram and there's no question as to why that is.  Powerhouse Aires likes to lead the way and has no room for half measures.  Aires embraces its character traits and blazes a trail by effectively using whatever planetary energy comes to hand.  On February 20th fair Venus entered dominant, male Aires and the wild rumpus began.

Venus in Aires does not tolerate half-hearted efforts.  She falls and falls 

The Emperor - Aires power as depicted in
"The Wizard's Tarot"© by
Corrine Kenner and John J. Blumen

hard when her romantic interest is sparked. Sparked?  More like spontaneously combusts.  When Venus transits Aires there's much more leaping than looking and in the cold light of reason the results of that high dive can leave a lot to be desired.  A sleek body, a winning smile and a great wardrobe cover a multitude of sins as far as Venus in Aires in concerned, so if you have this transit prominently in your birth chart, or were born under the Sign of the Ram ( a particularly tawdry, late 40's black and white, B movie, by the way) you can find yourself transfixed by passion and romance with very little substance.  Venus in Aires does not always love wisely, but certainly loves well.

One note of caution:  Since Aires likes to be first place in virtually everything it touches there can be some egocentric behaviors attached to this transit.  Remember that healthy love doesn't impose or dominate.  It supports, joins, emboldens and enhances.

Sexy and savvy, Aly Fell and Barbara
Moore's depiction of The Empress fills
the bill for Venus. From "Steampunk Tarot"©
An astounding deck!

The tarot cards to watch in your readings during the Venus in Aires transit are the suit of Cups (naturally), in particular, the Queen as she is intensely focused in her passions, as well as the 2 of Cups (relationships).  Also watch the Major Arcana cards, #6, The Lovers, #3, The Empress (Venus' card), #4, The Emperor (Aires' card), #16, The Tower (tarot association for Mars, the ruler of Aires) and last but still important, #18, The Moon (for those romantic illusions). Happy shuffling!


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Tarot's Four of Swords - “Practicing Stillness”

4 of Swords from RWCS

Life can make you crazy and conversely, you can make your life crazy.  It’s an art to know when to take action on something and when to let it lie.  The four of swords asks us to gear down and ease our frantic mindset by sinking into silence and stillness. It is only in these states of tranquility that can true wisdom can enter our minds.

The suit of swords deals with ‘daggers of the mind,’ or in science fiction parlance, ‘monsters from the id.’ A classic depiction of the four of swords shows us a knight, or nobleman resting in much the same pose as a figure atop a tomb from the middle ages. His hands are clasped as if in prayer, representing his supplication and request for Divine guidance. Three swords hang suspended over his head and torso. They hover above three chakras points: The third eye (ajna), where his intuition, or psychic connection lives; his heart chakra, (anahata) where he feels and expresses his love and lastly, above his solar plexus (manapura) where he houses his personal power, fear and anxiety. These swords represent the areas where obsessive thought patterns can root themselves and make us miserable.

Our knight’s eyes are closed and he lays death-like with the

4 of Swords from "The Wizard's Tarot"©
by Corrine Kenner and John J. Blumen

fourth sword resting below him as a decoration on the side of the slab. This fourth sword represents a mind at rest, heedless of the day to day travails suspended above our hero in the conscious world.  Below, in the world of the subconscious, or the meditative state, all is tranquil.  

Stillness is not a natural state for most of us.  Sometimes it makes us so antsy that we take on other projects simply to avoid the stillness in our own mind. Tarot’s four of swords challenges us to still our minds, our emotions and fears in order to reach that serene place inside each of us that connects us to Source and holds our inner wisdom.  You can’t hear a whisper in the middle of a maelstrom, though. The answers we seek come in the silence of our souls and through our ability to hear inner wisdom through our connection to the Divine.

In readings this card indicates a need to rest and recover, to draw in and quietly prepare for actions to come, as well as to contemplate reality past emotion and ego. Use the four of swords to help guide you as you sort through life’s difficult situations. Taking time of rest and recoup makes you stronger in the long-run.

LADY ORACLE


Vive La France!

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