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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December 8, 2014 – “Santa Claus Goes Retrograde”

Jupiter, the friendly giant of our solar system begins its

#10 Fortune, from Kris Waldherr's fabulous
"The Goddess Tarot" © is tarot's
card for Jupiter. 

retrograde cycle today.  During Jupiter’s ramp-up for retrograde we began feeling the need to rein in our lives a little bit. We had a sense of having spent too long at the banquet table and began wishing for more Spartan fare. (Probably, in part, a reaction to all the dressing and gravy during Thanksgiving) Nationally and globally during Jupiter Retrograde there’s a sense of having too much information to process and that our gains as a species have come too fast and left us feeling a little hollow inside.  

Our desire to slow down and take a serious look at the foundations of our lives is one of the best gifts we receive from our Santa Claus planet.  Jupiter governs the expansion of our worlds – another way of saying it provides us with the opportunities to grow.  Ruler of Sagittarius, Jupiter occupies a place in the ninth house of the zodiac. This where we store our philosophical and religious views, our relationship to the laws that govern our culture and our desires for travel. Jupiter entered Leo earlier this year, bringing us a powerful and charismatic energy to propel our lives forward.  No wonder you’re feeling a little overwhelmed.

Leo's card (of course) is #8 Strength.
From "Steampunk Tarot"© by Barbara
Moore and Aly Fell

Retrograde cycles are based on an optical illusion that as Earth overlaps a planet during its orbit of the Sun, the planet we pass appears to move backwards.  There’s a decrease, or even a slight reversal of the astrological benefits associated with the outdistanced planet.  Many people groan when they hear the word, ‘retrograde.’  They shouldn’t. Retrogrades are a natural part of the expansion and contraction process of the Universe – particularly Jupiter’s retrograde.  As the opportunities slow we have the chance to go inside ourselves and shore up our core beliefs and values.  If you’re going to build a skyscraper, you have to have a solid foundation.  That’s the purpose of Jupiter’s retrograde, to allow us the chance to reinforce the footings of our lives in preparation for the next surge forward.

Jupiter remains in retrograde until April 8, 2015.  Use this time as the opportunity it is.  Make your plans and make certain you have the support systems in place to set them in motion this April, because come this spring there will be whitecaps in the power waves rolling off Jupiter as it turns direct in Leo.  Be ready.

LADY ORACLE

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Mercury in Leo, July 31st to August 14th - "An Eloquent Mind"

Tarot's card for Leo (of course) comes from
"Steampunk Tarot"© by
Barbara Moore and Aly Fell

Mercury in Leo is an eloquent mind, so pay attention, my friends, because this is an important transit for moving your life forward. Mercury’s intellect and communications skills combine with the lion’s charismatic leadership, making us virtually unstoppable. There’s a boldness, a passion and a natural presumption of success accompanying this transit. Mercury foregoes pure analytical thought to go with gut instinct. Idealism is our friend and we seek each and every one of our opportunities with a dramatic zest for living.

Leo loves center stage and Mercury in Leo is the consummate performer. People born with this transit prominently in their chart have a pleasing personality, effortlessly drawing people to their side. The next two weeks is an optimal time for presenting yourself if a favorable way. Schedule appointments with those tough clients you’ve been avoiding. Send out your resume. Dust off your portfolio and get your presentation ready. You have the answers to people’s dilemmas so get out in front of them with your knowledge and your creative approach. Persuasion is your middle name right now, so what are you waiting for?

As with everything, there is a yin to this yang and Mercury in

The Magician represents Mercury. Shown
here from "Wizard's Tarot" by Corrine Kenner
and John J. Blumen

Leo can influence us towards arrogance if we are operating a little left or right of center. Leo’s ‘performer’ gene can cause us to become opinionated and devalue the contributions of other members of our family or team. We have lots of planetary influences in Leo currently (Sun, Jupiter, Mercury, Lilith See blog: Sun in Leo), so guard against Leo’s confidence mutating into less desirable attitudes such as arrogance, or egocentricity. We all live on this planet together and no single person or group of people is the ‘whole show,’ regardless of their opinion on the matter.

Mercury’s transit of Leo it an excellent time to push your goals to the next level. Think of it as that summer growth spurt before things start bearing fruit for autumn’s harvest. Opportunities are what you make of them and when properly used, transits like this one give substance to your hopes and dreams.

LADY ORACLE

Astrology Trends for July 2014

Kris Waldherr's "Goddess Tarot"© brings
us Laskshi to represent #10, The Wheel.
#10 is tarot's card for Jupiter

July changes the astrological template we’ve lived with for the past year. Say goodbye to Cardinal Crosses for a while and so long to the stalemate that’s had you butting your head against walls since early spring. The big stories this month are Jupiter’s move from Cancer to Leo on July 16^th and Mars’ move from Libra to Scorpio on the 25th. All the reconfiguring you’ve done during Mercury retrograde is about to pay off people.

Jupiter has been hanging out in Cancer since June of last year, offering us the opportunity for financial and emotional growth. Jupiter expands the energy of the house it occupies. When our planet of fortune moves into confident Leo, we’ll put our growth to work for us in creative and exciting new ways. Leo offers a bold, at times, swaggering energy.  The next twelve months offers us a 'can do' philosophy. Don’t wait for someone else to supply the opportunities.  Assume a leadership role in your own life and create them.  Look for career advancement through big ideas. If you’re not certain how those ideas come into play, relax. Leo’s confidence will see you through. Jupiter’s transit of Leo lasts until August of 2015.

Thoughts translate into effective action under Mars in Libra.

Leo's tarot association is #8,
Strength, seen from "Tarot of the Pagan Cats"©
by Magdelina Messina and Lola Airaghi

Mars wants us to make the social connections that help us put our plans in motion. Timing is on our side right now. Those important introductions will happen through cosmic design, so pay attention. What seems like random chance right now it universal tumblers clicking into place, setting us up with the resources we need, both personal and joint, for the launch party that is Mars in Scorpio.  Mars' Scorpio transit carries vibrancy and ambition ­– two things that are highly useful in accomplishing goals.  However, keep an eye out for flairs of stubbornness.

Saturn in Scorpio turns direct on July 20^th.  Beef up your personal boundaries.  All the retrograde restructuring you’ve implemented gains momentum, working to transform areas of your life.  We have an increased sense of personal power and will be up to Saturn's challenges.

#21, The World, seen here from
"The Wildwood Tarot"© by
Mark Ryan and John Matthews,
represents the planet, Saturn

Mercury restarted its journey through the Zodiac after ending retrograde on July 1^st.  The planet of intellect will continue to hang out in Gemini (remember there was a backslide to Gemini during retrograde) until July 13^th when it returns to Cancer.  Mercury in Gemini helps us to access information files that we’ve uploaded from a variety of sources. It’s rapid fire intellect and hallmark wit are both incisive and amusing.  Look for sharpened communications skills, written as well as spoken during the first two weeks of July. However, when Mercury moves to Cancer on the 13^th you’ll see your mental focus shift to thoughts of home, family and stability.  Your communications will be heart-felt, delivered with understanding and respect.  Be careful not to over-think, though and allow Cancer’s strong, emotional component to cause unnecessary fretting.

Other monthly developments include Venus’ move to Cancer on July 18^th, Uranus’ retrograde on July 21^st, Sun in Leo on July 22^nd, Saturn turning direct on July 20^th, a Full Moon in Capricorn on the 12^th and a New Moon in Leo on the 26^th.  Whew! July is a pivotal month, setting up some significant changes that will stay with us into the next year.  Stay balanced through meditation.  Avoid excesses and most of all,  enjoy the opportunities this changing skyscape offers us.

July 23rd - August 22nd, Leo, the Lion - “Walking With Pride”

Leo's ruling tarot card, #8 Strength
Steampunk Tarot©
by Barbara Moore and Aly Fell

It is said that pride is a sin and that it ‘goeth before a fall.’ However, when you look at a typical Leo, you don’t see pride in the negative sense of the word.  You see self-assurance and a steadfast commitment towards creating something better in life.  For Leo that doesn’t necessarily mean having more, or having the best.  Lion people generally seize opportunities that make things better for all concerned.  They recognize life’s inequities and make a whole-hearted commitment to fix them.

Leo is the fifth sign in the Zodiac’s wheel.  It is a fixed sign connected to the element of fire.  In layman’s language, this means that Leo is consistent and dependable.  The element of fire makes them idealistic, passionate and energetic.  The sign of Leo the Lion carries male energy and as a result, Leos appreciate direct action and plain speech.  They have little tolerance for ego-driven, mean-spirited people.

Lions are hard workers. Granted, they love their down time, but you should stand clear when they decide to act.  They are natural leaders; both idealistic and confident in their resources.  Leos don’t give up easily on the people or situations that are important to them. They are, by no means, fair weather friends and often assume responsibility for everything in their world and in yours too, if you let them.  Leo

The Sun rules Leo and #19, The Sun
rules the Sun - Barbara Moore and Aly Fell's
Steampunk Tarot©

is ruled by the Sun which lends a particular glow, or magnetic mystique to their leonine natures.  You yearn to be invited to their parties and to bask in their light.  Naturally, their gemstone is the luscious, rich ruby.

Although outwardly confident, Leos harbor insecurities just like anyone else.  The difference is that lion people feel the fear and do it anyway - whatever ‘it’ happens to be.  

Lest you think Leo the Lion is the most perfect sign in the Zodiac, think again.  Off center, ungrounded Leos are arrogant, boastful, pompous and selfish.  They can be easily flattered and therefore are easy to manipulate.

Lions love amour.  They give much in terms of loyalty and adoration to their mates and likewise, they expect much in return.  They deal best with other fire signs such as Leo, Aires and Sagittarius.  Their opposites, Gemini and Aquarius also stir their heart strings.  Moody and sexual Scorpio brings about a glorious and sometimes frightening clash of will and passion.  Boy, howdy – keep a fire extinguisher handy for that one.

Tarot’s #19, The Sun rules Leo’s governing celestial body – the Sun.  Handy, huh?  In tarot, the Sun means greatness, vitality and self-assuredness.  Pretty much sums it up for Leo, doesn’t it?  Leo’s ruling card is (of course) #8, Strength.  That’s probably why the classic depiction shows a maiden soothing a lion through compassion and understanding.  Power through, never power over.  That’s Leo for you.  Leos are complex and extreme, but here’s the thing.  Leos are never by nature, dull.

Here's a YouTube link to Bruce Cockburn perform "Wondering Where the Lions Are," recorded live at KINK Radio's Bing Lounge.  KINK has been helping to keep Portland weird for many years!  

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Steampunk Tarot© available for sale through  Lady Oracle's Mercantile - click here!

Full Moon Eclipse November 28th, 2012

November’s full moon arrives on the 28th at 9:47 a.m., EST - two days after Mercury turns direct.  Hallelujah!  The November full moon, or the second full moon after the Fall Equinox, is called the Full Beaver Moon (No snickering from the kids in the back, please).  Historically, this was the time of year Native Americans set their traps for beaver, who become very active in the late fall. November’s full moon is sometimes called the Frost Moon, as well.

After all the dire warnings we’ve had during the past few full moon cycles, it’s going to be nice to have a full moon that is relatively uncomplicated and just darn right fun.  Our full moon this month is in six degrees Gemini, in opposition to a Sagittarian sun.  This means that while Gemini asks you to use logic and reason to solve a problem, Sagittarius nudges you in the ribs and says, “Come on.  Think outside the box.”

The Gemini moon is about communications and attitude.  We also have a lunar eclipse occurring at the same time and remember, eclipses have the power of 10 full moons.  You can expect to receive extra power kick to the already boosted organizing and accomplishing drive we have from Mars visiting Capricorn.

Sparkling conversation and witty remarks are the hallmarks of this full moon cycle.  Consider hosting an afterwork soirée with good wine and friends who always have something thought-provoking to say.  You might also round up your friends and drop by your favorite bistro.  The 28th is definitely an evening for good food and good cheer.  Think of it as a cosmic kickoff to the holiday season.

In terms of tarot, the number for the 28th is 8  (11 + 28 + 2012 = 8).  

Major Arcana # 8     =       Strength: compassion, coping, the ability to act 

                                          powerfully, yet calmly

8 of Wands              =       movement, a message or proposal, timing

8 of Cups                =        leaving a situation or relationship that is completed 

                                         and going to something better

8 of Swords            =      self-imposed restraint, or limitations

8 of Pentacles        =      task mastery, development of work skills and discipline for

                                       the sake of the job itself, immersion in work

Enjoy our Gemini moon.  She heralds some interesting high points for the December holiday season.

LADY ORACLE

Saturn in Scorpio October, 2012 - Defining Moments

The astrological gloves come off this month.  On October 5th we saw Mercury and Saturn move into Scorpio.  Boy howdy!  Saturn usually remains in a sign for two and a half years, so Scorpions, take note.  While everyone will have their share of tests during this period, Scorpions will have defining moments.  Saturn is known for teaching through challenges.  Remember that the test of any challenge is always what you discover about yourself in terms resilience and focus.  Saturn’s challenges are not about crushing your spirit.  Envision tarot’s # 7, The Chariot - triumph over adversity, and work with that image in meditations when you are feeling particularly overwhelmed.  #8, Strength is also good.

For those of us born under the sign of Scorpio, it’s important to remember that Scorpio is all about transformation and rebirth - tarot’s  # 13, Death.  Scorpios periodically reinvent themselves, sometimes out of necessity and sometimes simply for fun.  It’s who we are.  During the next two and a half years Scorpions will have plenty of opportunity for transformation.  

Under Saturn’s influence, Scorpions will face their fears as well as their true potential.  With hard work, we will be able to confront those fears we’ve allowed to hold us back and move past them.  Defining moments, remember?  And here’s where it gets exciting folks.  With a good portion of our fears gone, we are able to take great steps forward in our personal development and our goals. However, we must stay focused on what is important to us.  What is your goal and why did you choose it?  What portion of your life promotes the person you truly wish to be?  What portion of your life benefits the greater good?  Whatever paths we choose, we Scorpios must keep our vibrations and intentions high.  

Mars moved into Sagittarius on the October 6th as well.  That’s a lot of fiery wand action.  Don’t be surprised if you see your Sagittarian friends moving onward and upward this month.  If you’re a Sagittarius yourself, you probably already know what I’m talking about.  Look for lot’s of wands in your card readings, particularly the 2 and 3 of wands.    2 of wands is about personal power - having a satisfactory place in the world, but wanting more.  the 3 of wands is about discovering new horizons, or opportunities. 

Things will be hitting you Sagittarians hard and fast in the first part of October. Take a second to catch your breath, then take advantage of the planetary pull to explore new heights.  Work your mojo. 

The Full Hunter’s Moon occurs on October 29th in Taurus.  This is Diana’s moon and an amazing moon for everyone to manifest their desires into the material world.

Though we will all feel a little tug from Saturn, some of us will feel a more direct energy shift in cosmic energy.  Here’s a handy reference list.

Most effected - Scorpio 

Fixed signs -  Scorpio, Taurus, Leo, Aquarius

Water signs - Scorpio, Pisces, Cancer

People whose birth chart has planets in Scorpio

You can accomplish great things with Saturn’s energy.  Just rising above the obstacles.  Take responsibility for your choices and their inevitable consequences - both good and bad.  Responsibility shouldn’t be an intimidating word.  By taking responsibility we also take control of our destiny.  Eyes on the prize people!  Hard work pays great dividends under Saturn’s influence.

LADY ORACLE

Ramping Up for Retrograde - July 14, 2012 - August 8, 2012

Many of us view Mercury Retrograde with concern, and there’s some validity to that.  Any new endeavor we undertake during a retrograde cycle has a tendency to go a little sideways.  A vicious retrograde period can give us a whole new respect for ancient man shooting arrows at the moon to drive away dragons.  

While the basic rules for handling a Mercury Retrograde still apply, (see my blog, “Mercury Retrograde, Tarot and You”) we have some very significant differences going on with this one.  This Mercury Retrograde happens at 13 degrees of Leo which lends an air of creativity, spontaneity and playfulness.  Playfulness in a Mercury Retrograde?  Are you kidding?  Absolutely not.  It turns out that Leo is our new best friend.  

Leo rules the heart and often asks us to risk our inner-most feelings and sense of self to make positive gains in our lives.  Here’s where we return to basic retrograde rules.  Remember your ‘R’ words.  Review, research, restructure, revamp, rekindle and reconnect.  Take your ‘R’ words, superimpose them over the energy of self-expression and there you have Mercury Retrograde in Leo.  

Reconnect with a former means of self-expression - perhaps re-edit a piece of writing or redesign a quilt pattern from years ago.  Dust off projects and rework them.  You have the advantage now of time and perspective.  Use it. During this retrograde look for innovative and fresh ideas.  Create beauty around you on July 14th.

July 15th could find you with inner demons biting at your ankles.  They’ve been holding you back long enough. Perhaps you blame your partner or your parents for things that happened long ago.  Maybe a co-worker has stepped on your toes and has compromised your working relationship. Now is the time to let Saturn’s energy help you move through these resentments and take responsibility for your own life decisions.  It might be tough going at first, but you stand a good shot at driving them away and ending the stagnation that blocks your progress.  Strive to end co-dependencies.  Reprogram yourself.   Remember the expression “If you think you can’t, your right.  If you think you can your right.”  Attitude is everything.

On July 22nd, words are strong and powerful.  They can wound or heal and it’s a conscious decision on your part which one they will do.  Temper your words with others, but use a strong, clear voice in writing from your heart.  Those words are your own and are written by you, for you.  You can edit out any over-indulgences on the 24th.  That’s a good day for making informed decisions.  

Social connects and celebrations  come to the forefront on August 1st.  Perhaps you should meet up with friends, old and new at a local bistro or pub.  Enjoy a good pint of summer ale and some well-deserved fellowship.  You have seven days left in this retrograde period and you are already picking up steam.

Mercury turns direct on August 8th and if you’ve done your homework correctly through the retrograde you will hit the ground running.  The new ideas that you came up with in mid-July, revamped over ale on August 1st,  are ready to go.  August 8th’s celestial patterns promise us a stable platform to begin Leo’s creative endeavors in earnest.

In terms of tarot, the Major Arcana card for the July 14th is # 8, Strength.  Begin the retrograde with grounding meditations and a clean energy environment.  Stay focused and grounded throughout the cycle.  August 8th’s card is #12, The Hanged Man.  Your waiting period is officially over.  Get busy.  If you need further assurance of Leo creative power in your life, August 9th’s card is # 13, Death.  Transformation.  Bring on the party, Baby, because you are transforming your life by ending your old patterns and are about to give birth to your new ideas.  Stay focused and celebrate!

LADY ORACLE