Pluto Turns Direct as the Sun Moves to Libra, September 22nd – “A Planetary MacGuffin”

#11, Justice is tarot's card for Libra
this depiction from Ciro Marchetti's
stunning, "Legacy of the Divine Tarot" ©

Fiction writers use three hints, commonly referred to as beats, to introduce a plot device and explain what makes it significant to the protagonist of a story.  Alfred Hitchcock referred to this plot device as the ‘MacGuffin.’ The MacGuffin’s sole reason for existing is to motivate the hero and get the story moving. While the first beat, or hint is seemingly innocuous, the second and third beats are designed to snag the reader’s attention, giving them clues to the developing plot.  Catching these beats gives the reader a big payoff once the complete plot line is revealed. We all love to say, “Aha! I knew it,” don’t we? 

On September 22nd we will witness the first two of three significant beats for a planetary MacGuffin.  The MacGuffin for September is balance. It’s been a recurring theme of late. Libra is the Zodiac’s sign of balance. It is also the only sign depicted, not by a creature from mythology, but by an actual device. In this case the device is a set of scales. The Sun enters Libra on September 22nd. The first beat.  When we add up the numbers for the date September 22, 2014 we get eleven. Tarot’s #11 is Justice which is also tarot’s card for the sign, Libra. The second beat. So, where’s that third beat? Wait for it.

Pluto, the planet of transformation leaves retrograde (See

blog: "Pluto Retrograde April 14th to Sept. 23rd" ) and turns direct on September 22nd as well. The third beat, you ask?  No, but it is definitely a plot twist. Pluto rules Scorpio and the 8th house of the Zodiac where we store our joint resources, our sexuality, our powers of transformation and our indebtedness (Yikes!). Pluto, a generational planet, (See Blog: "Typecasting" ) is presently in the sign of Capricorn.  The last time Pluto was in Capricorn a group of malcontents hammered out something we call, “The Declaration of Independence.”

The key to Pluto’s power lies in its ability to simultaneously destroy and create. The planet of the underworld delights in bringing hidden things to light so they can be examined and either redesigned, or tossed aside.  Pluto’s transformative power may effect entire generations, but we can also tap into this massive energy to create positive changes in our own lives.  For all its high octane dramatics, Pluto likes positive outcomes.  

Pluto direct in Capricorn says out with the old and in with the new, particularly when it comes to financial and political systems. This transit demands fairness and a reckoning from those who don’t play well with others. Tarot’s #11, Justice, also stands for karma and karma always returns home. Let your eyes open a little wider as you view the world around you. Ask questions.  Pluto remains in Capricorn until 2023. During this transit we have the chance to notice, not the differences that we have from one another, but rather the common ground we share, the similarities in our day to day existence.  Pluto’s tarot card is #22, Judgment.  Remember, that does not mean being judgmental, but rather making decisions. Pluto hands us the opportunity to make new decisions – informed ones, better ones that benefit the whole instead of a select few. This transit is our chance to stand as one, past borders, past personal ideology and adopt basic principles of fairness and decency for all humanity. #22, Judgment also means rebirth.

Capricorn, the goat hosts Pluto until 2023

Have you figured out the third beat for our universal plot line yet?  September 23rd, the Autumnal Equinox – the equal balance between darkness and the very light that gives our planet life.  We are often besieged by rhetoric designed for emotional impact but which rarely conveys useable information, engages our intellect, or our sense of fair play.  As we take the turn into Autumn, consider the meaning of the concept ‘to balance.’  It’s a phrase we commonly use, though its universal relevance is something we frequently overlook. 

LADY ORACLE

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May 19, 2014, Mars Goes Direct – “Giddy–up”

Mars' tarot card is "The Tower"
This depiction is from Ciro Marchetti's
stunning "Legacy of the Divine Tarot"©

Mars turns stationary direct today in nine degrees of Libra.  Thank Heavens – literally. Although Libra isn’t always the most harmonious sign for Mars, we now have the chance to cease angst-filled internal dialogue and put our thoughts, and most importantly, our actions to use in the world around us.

Mars in Libra loves justice and strives for balance.  We’ll find ourselves more willing to do something about our personal struggles with inequality.  We’ll also find it easier to take action against the inequity suffered by others.  Mars retrograde in Libra gave us plenty of time to think about the human condition.  Whether your concerns are for bettering your local school, improving relationships on the job, or leveling the playing field for society in general (remember that the Uranus Pluto Square wants societal change) you’ll be ready to organize and take action.  

While our creative endeavors normally flourish under Mars in

Libra's card from Corrine Kenner and
John J. Blumen's "Wizards Tarot"©

Libra you can expect them to take a startling leap forward during the next few days.  You’ve been banking the fire of your inner muse during Mars retrograde.  Now the creative spark bursts into flame and you emerge with a plan, as well as the drive to carry it forward.  We are ready to resume our normal physical activities as well.  If you’ve been a little sluggish following your exercise regime or with your commitment to train for upcoming athletic events you’ll find yourself suddenly back on track. That is the wonder of Mars direct.  Dynamic movement, the strength of will needed to achieve and warrior energy; those are the hallmarks of the Red Planet’s influence.  

The Ace of Wands starts the show
Seen here from Ciro Marchetti's
"Legacy of the Divine Tarot"©

Whether you have causes or creative projects to work on, or are launching a new series of personal goals, it’s time to get moving again.  Make a conscious decision to pull in the energy of Mars in Libra.  Focus on the lessons of the suit of Wands and use Wand imagery (See Blog: "Lights, Camera, Action" )ring mediations to help jump start your action, or to stay motivated when the going gets tough.  You have the opportunity to put your goals back on track while giving something back to the cosmos.  Don’t let this chance pass you by.

LADY ORACLE

Astrological Trends for March, 2014 – “Full Throttle, Reverse”

March started backwards. Why? It’s because on March 1st,

#16, The Tower is tarot's card for Mars
depicted by Ciro Marchetti for
"Legacy of the Divine Tarot"©

Mars in Libra went retrograde, swiftly followed by Saturn in Scorpio on the 2nd.  Retrogrades are designed to make us slow down and take stock of the world around us. The effects of planetary retrogrades differ according to the planet involved, its characteristics and the sign it occupies during the retrograde cycle. Strong retrogrades, such as Mars and Mercury, are not good times to start new ventures.  However there’s still plenty of work to do to move your life forward. All you need is patience.

#11 Justice is tarot's card for Libra
depiction from Rome Choi's
"Dreaming Way Tarot"©

Forceful Mars calls for subtler, more inward action while in retrograde. Spend time reviewing your desires and ambitions, as well as your previous deeds. Is your current path creating more conflicts than you’d like? Do you react more aggressively in situations than is necessary? Mars’ charm falls a little flat during retrograde and unresolved issues frequently resurface.  Reacting aggressively when this happens can cost you hard-won ground. Conflicts right now will test not only your patience, but your integrity as well.  Although Mars in Libra carries an innate sense of justice, during retrograde it becomes important not to bend justice to suit your wishes. Let painful feelings fall away. They are in the past. They cannot hurt you unless you choose to let them rule your present actions.  

Saturn in Scorpio turned retrograde on March 2nd and now

#21, The World is tarot's card for Saturn
depiction from "Tarot Of Pagan Cat's"© by
Lo Scarabeo

nobody gets to sleep.  This is the perfect time to re-tool organizations and bureaucratic systems. Talk about the need for patience. Streamlining becomes a way of life under Saturn’s retrograde in Scorpio. Review policies and procedures.  Work within systems to change them. Yes you can, because you have the personal power needed to undertake these types of challenges, exhausting as they may be.  Scorpio’s intuition gives you tremendous insights into over-burdened, poorly functioning areas of life – not just in business, but personally as well.  When tapping into the power of Saturn in its home sign, Scorpio, use the energy wisely and with a sense of higher purpose.

Jupiter's tarot card is #10, The Wheel of  Fortune
depiction by Barbara Moore and Aly Fell for
"Steampunk Tarot"©

Jupiter turns direct in Cancer on March 6th. Hallelujah! Combine this expansive energy hit with the revisionary power of both retrograde planets.  What an opportunity to transform your life.  Don’t want to transform it?  No problem. Refine is another ‘r’ word (Retrograde are about using ‘r’ words after all: Revisit, review, refine) that helps you utilize life’s holding pattern common during retrograde energy.  If revision isn’t required in your life see what area needs to expand in your consciousness to support your vision.

This month also brings the return of the Grand Cardinal T-Square, Venus’ entry into Aquarius, Full Moon in Virgo, Sun in Aries combined with the vernal equinox and another New Moon on the 30th.  Whew! I will be covering these events as we go.  This month will be fast and furious, my friends, despite the temporary stagnation patterns of ongoing retrograde cycles.  Use caution and remember to respond this month, not react.  Be brilliant!

LADY ORACLE

January 31st, “Ending the Month With A Bang – Venus, Jupiter and Pluto, Oh My!”

Venus' tarot card, #3 The Empress
from "Steampunk Tarot"© by
Barbara Mooreand Aly Fell

While in retrograde, Venus, planet of relationships and possessions (7th and 2nd houses respectively) asks us to review what me value in people, possessions and baggage.  Venus has been retrograde in Capricorn since November 20, 2013.  As a result, we’ve had lots of time to sift through our emotional and mental closets – particularly if you happen to have Venus retrograde in Capricorn in your birth chart. 

Today Venus goes stationary direct in thirteen degrees, thirty-three minutes of Capricorn.  The keyword here is ‘attachment.’  We are attached to what remains in our closets, i.e. the people and things that we value most. We’ve created a solid platform that will support the life we wish to build for ourselves. Love that has passed our personal litmus test thrives under Venus in Capricorn. The goddess of love tells us to be committed, dedicated and unflinchingly honest with our partners.  

Balanced attachment is a good thing.  It means you are

Ciro Marchetti give us cosmic
balance in his depict of #11 Justice
"Legacy of the Divine Tarot"©

invested in the outcome and will work hard to keep your commitments on track.  However, attachment for attachment’s sake leads to possessiveness, both in relationships and in the material world.  Guard against being a clinging vine.  People need to be free to grow and clinging to things just makes you materialistic.  

In other news, Jupiter is in opposition with Pluto today.  If you feel as if you're running a marathon on a treadmill, you’re right.  Jupiter, the planet of fortune, has a difficult time moving your life forward against Pluto’s resounding, “NO!” Pick your battles during the next couple of days, but engage only after carefully redesigning your strategy.  Ears tend to be deaf right now, so if you can delay pursuit, do so. On February 5th Jupiter goes trine Chiron (wounded healer) and this energy salves bruised egos so that you’ll have a more congenial audience.

LADY ORACLE

New Moon in Libra, October 4, 2013 - "A Roadmap for Change"

Our New Moon in Libra occurred at 5:34 PDT today.  Lots of us

#11, Justice is Libra's tarot card
from "Dreamingway Tarot"© by Rome Choi

felt the energy surges from this New Moon well before it took place and as it turns out, we had good reason.  October's New Moon is considered by some astrologers to not only be the most powerful New Moon of 2013, but also the most important.  Some consider it to be warning shot for the astrological configurations coming up in our winter skies.  Others view it as a rather bumpy, by necessary jolt that forces us to confront issues in our lives and deal with them.  All from this one little New Moon. 

#2, The High Priestess represents
our Lady Moon. from Rome Choi's
"Dreamingway Tarot"©

In previous blogs I've explained the cosmic dynamics of the notorious T-Square and Grand Cross/Square configurations. ( See blogs: September 2013 "The Flying Wedge" and August 2013 "Dynamic, Transformative and a Tad Scary")  These blogs basically describe what we have occurring  on this New Moon.  Astrologer, Bill Herbst, in his paper on this year's astrology, explains that a T- Square (August blog) is actually a four-legged stool with only three legs showing.  Our New Moon in Libra forms the powerful fourth leg.  We have four planets (okay, one satellite, three planets) all in the cardinal modality (first astrological sign for a given season)  form a Grand Square.  Square configurations are extremely challenging – this one in particular.  Don't panic, though.  You simply need to pay attention to the life lessons you are being shown.

Libra rules the seventh house of relationships and partnerships.  Communication is essential to any healthy relationship, both personal and professional.   Where New Moons in Libra are normally easy-going, intellectual and gracious, this one isn't.  The other members of this Grand Square are Jupiter in Cancer, Uranus in Aries and (drum roll please) Pluto in Capricorn.  That's right, the notorious Uranus/Pluto square is alive and well.  It's also on another power build up for November 1st when their square goes direct.  Revolutionary energy and pivotal, societal change.  You read the news, you draw the parallels.  

The Fool from "Dreamingway Tarot"©
by Rome Choi represents Uranus      

This Grand Square gives us the opportunity to lurch forward, granted, a little awkwardly, but forward none the less.  Here's where we can do a diagnostic on our lives and review our decisions to date.  (Mercury Retrograde later this month gives us the opportunity to seal the deal.) In order to move into a successful 2014 it's important to complete and turn it your homework.  Rule #1, do harm to none – especially not to yourself.  Rule #2, if you keep repeating the same pattern in your life, you'll get the same results.  Change the pattern, change your life.  October is all about redesign and New Moons are about new emotional cycles.  It's time to clear away the situations and thoughts that no longer serve you so that you successfully navigate the transitions coming this winter.  Stay grounded,  clear your space and get to work.  You will be brilliant.

LADY ORACLE

September 22nd to October 23rd - “Libra, Balancing the Scales”

#11, Justice is Libra's ruling tarot card.
from Ciro Marchetti's
"Legacy of the Divine Tarot"©

Libra has the distinction of being the only sign in the Zodiac to be represented by an object, rather than a person, or creature.  There’s lots of other neat stuff about Libra too. This constellation was named by the Romans in early B.C. They recognized that the Sun entered this particular star grouping each September at Equinox and stated that Libra represented balance and the divine justice of Caesar. (Clearly, gladiatorial games had yet to be invented.) Greek and Arabic astronomers originally mapped the cluster as part of Scorpio.  The names for the brightest stars in Libra, Alpha Libra, or Zubenelgenubi and Beta Libra, or Zubeneschamali, in Greek mean ‘southern claw’ and ‘northern claw’ respectively.  Libra also contains the oldest star in our known Universe named, Methuselah (or, HD140283).

Libra is a cardinal sign that carries strong yang, or male, energy.  Yang energy is direct and very active. (Wands) This means that people born under the sign of Libra are constantly in motion, wondering what’s around the next river bend.  They have a natural joie de vivre that draws people to them.  Libra is ruled by Venus and in turn, rules the seventh house of the Zodiac.  This combination is literally a marriage made in Heaven. The seventh house rules marriage, partnerships and intimate relationships – Venus’ forte.  Librans are idealistic, romantic and can see past the immediate.

While Venus gives people born under the sign of the scales

#3, The Empress, the tarot card for Venus,
Libra's ruling planet
from "Steampunk Tarot"© by
Barbara Moore and Aly Fell

charm, Librans are also known for their diplomacy and concern for others.  Their primary goal in life is to achieve balance and harmony both within themselves and in the world around them.  As an air sign, their focus is intellect and the mind. (Swords) They are known to bridge gaps between opposing sides and they make excellent union negotiators and mediators – although they are also known for jumping up on a soapbox in a heartbeat.  A Libra person is happiest being of service to others.  However, they often shortchange their own needs and desires while caring for those closest to them.  Libra is a highly social sign and its people are often the life of the party.  They also make wonderful hosts at their own soirees.   

While grounded Libra is all easygoing charm and sharing, ungrounded or, negative Libra is resentful, moody and changeable.  People can easily talk a Libran into something simply by using flattery – their Achilles heel. They do love to be adored. Also, when ungrounded, a Libra becomes mired in their need to balance matters.  They will revisit and revise their conclusions to exhaustion and still not come up with a final plan.

Libra’s tarot associations are #11, Justice (There’s that balance and diplomacy again.) and through its ruling planet Venus, #3, The Empress (Who doesn’t like to party in the Empress’ garden?). In relationships, Libra is best with other air signs like Gemini, or Aquarius.  Opposites like Leo, Aries and Sagittarius can work too, plus add some interesting sparks.

This portion of September represents balance and Libra has so much to teach us on that score.  Enjoy your Libra friends and colleagues. They keep us in check and balance our world.  Without them we’d all likely be spinning out into space.

LADY ORACLE

A Case for Divine Balance # 11 - Justice

#11, Justice - Divine order and
universal fairness - RWCS deck

September 4, 2014 = #11, Justice
Here's some things for your consideration 
on this day of universal balance...

Justice sits squarely upon her throne, the chaos of the universe discretely hidden behind the scarlet drape at her back.  She knows the fundamental truth lying at the heart of all matters.  Her judgment is never clouded by her own perceptions.  We know this because her right hand holds her sword upright, straight and true, not tilted to one side or the other by her personal bias.  Never confuse justice with judgment, because one has little to do with the other.  Judgment is about decisions based upon facts, happenstance or personal preference.  Justice is about balance and fairness.  Justice is karma.

If # 11 has shown up in your reading ask yourself where you need fairness and balance in your life.  Did something happen in the past that has caused you regret?  Is the universe sending you a message that it's past time you forgave yourself and moved on?  Life has a way of balancing things out, sometimes in a straightforward manner and sometimes in a pattern that may take years to unfold.

I told you all that to tell you this...

This past weekend was miraculous and I was there to see it all unfold.  At the beginning of the month (see post - "The April Fool")  I told you the story of the sailboat my husband and I bought to rebuild on April Fool's day, six years ago.  Before this latest project boat, "Enchantress," there was another sailboat, a wooden, ketch named "Jenny."  Jenny was our first major project boat.  She'd been the victim of a fire set as revenge for a tattoo gone wrong.  I know... but that's a story for another time.  We bought her and painstakingly repaired her.  Once Jenny was complete, we said goodbye to our home in the city and took our children cruising among the San Juan Islands of Washington and into Canada.

When we returned, circumstances forced us to sell Jenny.  It wasn't easy, especially for my husband.  He knew every bolt, every plank in her by heart.  We all loved Jenny, but she was part of his soul. Sailors will tell you that wooden boats hold a spirit, a life force all their own because they are made of organic material.  They're right.  Each of us could feel Jenny in our own way, but my husband, felt her more than any of us.  For him, he was losing a piece of himself.

 

Ciro Marchetti's more yin and yang
view of Justice.  Works for me.
"Legacy of the Divine Tarot"©

The last weekend she was ours, we took her sailing, spending one last night with her.  We were all pretty miserable.  We said our goodbyes, thanking her for all her gifts to us and for protecting our family on the ocean.  As the years passed (16 of them) we heard tales of her, but never saw her again.  Frankly, it would have been too painful.  Just after we purchased Enchantress, we heard Jenny was for sale, but our commitments were elsewhere and so we let her go again.

Jenny often drifted into our thoughts as we undertook the momentous task of reconstructing Enchantress. We rebuilt her hull, purchased a galley stove and an engine, along with hundreds of miscellaneous parts.  Then trouble hit.  The engine we purchased for her refused to work correctly.  Now bear in mind that during the past 6 years I'd heard my husband say, "If we only had Jenny's engine.  That would have been perfect," no less than a hundred times.  And now that we were in need the cosmic tumblers started clicking with blinding speed.

Last week we saw an ad for a used engine that was the same make and model as Jenny's.  The seller said the engine had been pulled from a wooden Tahiti Ketch - just like Jenny.  Long story short, when we saw the engine my husband was suspicious and seeing the boat's title only confirmed what he knew at first sight.  It was Jenny's engine. She'd found her way back to us.  The seller told us he had other parts from her as well.  He produced a pair of brass reading lamps, lamps I'd turned on and off a thousand times.  We bought them.  I held them in my lap as we drove away, tears streaming down my face.  Our girl had never given up on us and in the strange balance of the universe, she'd found her way home.

A lot of things had to happen quickly and in a certain way to make

#5, The Hierophant from
Ciro Marchetti's "Legacy of the Divine Tarot"©

this all come about.  This story is so much more than just a story about replacing an old boat engine.  My husband's year card is #11, Justice.  Amid the chaos of life, the universe has restored balance for him at least in this piece.  Karma.  If Jenny had a heart, then surely that's what this engine is.  I believe it.  We will transplant Jenny's heart into Enchantress and we will have many new adventures with both of them.
Numbers 11 and 5, justice and faith.  It's a darn good year.



(I originally posted this blog in 2012 and it looks like we'll have a launch this summer! You can be sure I'll keep you posted!)

Lady Oracle