Astrological Trends forJanuary, 2015 – “Wade in the Water, Children”

Edited:

Although the annual reign of Aquarius doesn’t begin until

#17, The Star from Ciro Marchetti's
phenomenal deck, "The Legacy of the
Divine Tarot"©

January 20th,  two planets dawn their energetic galoshes by wading into Aquarian transits early in the month. One of them, Mercury will also go retrograde in Aquarius. I guess we'll simply have to grin and bear it. Get it? Puns are a great way to start the new year.

Aquarius is an air sign in the fixed modality and is ruled by Uranus. Though most people associate the sign of the water bearer with neon-colored  paisley and an olfactory overload of patchouly, that couldn’t be further from the truth.  ( See blog: Aquarius: Independent and Artistic, or Diva) Aquarians are first, and foremost innovators.  They are the intellectual individualists of the zodiac and are also great humanitarians. Susan B. Anthony, Thomas Edison, Jules Verne, Charles Lindbergh and Charles Darwin were Aquarians.

Just as each sign in the zodiac is ascribed to one of the four elements, earth, air, water, or fire, each of the four suits in tarot is also associated with an element.  Tarot’s suit of Swords represents the element of air and in divination this suit explores the worlds of intellect, attitude, truthfulness and certain areas of spiritual connection. January is a month to pay close attention to how and where the suit of Swords shows up in your readings.  Also watch for #17, The Star, tarot’s major arcana card representing Aquarius. This card means hope, inspiration and serenity.

#3, The Empress from "Streampunk Tarot"©
by Barbara Moore and Aly Fell

On January 3rd, Venus enters Aquarius. Venus in Aquarius might appear to be emotionally detached, but that’s not the whole story. Venus in Aquarius is highly charismatic to a variety of people. Aquarian’s love their freedom, so give your partner room to meander on the open range (particularly if Venus, or Aquarius is prominent in their birth chart). No, that’s not giving them license to poach in someone else’s pasture. Venus in Aquarius benefits socially and financially by connecting with people now, but only by using the Aquarian mantra of innovation, industry and humanitarianism. Let long-term relationship issues take a back seat during this transit as partners are less likely to be receptive to deep discussions. Venus’ tarot association is #3, The Empress, who stands for abundance, creativity and nurturing. 

Our Full Moon this month occurs on January 4th in fourteen

Kris Waldherr uses Rhiannon to represent
tarot's beloved charioteer in her
deck, "The Goddess Tarot"©

degrees and thirty-one minutes of Cancer The Moon is said to be high functioning, or exalted in Cancer which means it is at its peak in terms of power and influence. The sign, Cancer is ruled by Lady Moon and is of great benefit to us if we use her power in the appropriate way.  I’ll have more of this Moon later this week.  Tarot’s association for the Moon is #2, The High Priestess. This card deals with matters of the subconscious, indirect action and intuition. Cancer’s tarot association is #7, The Chariot.  Tarot’s charioteer rises triumphantly above the obstacles in his path. Where will The Chariot help you in your life?

Mercury begins its transit of Aquarius on January 4th as well.

#1, The Magician, from
RWCS deck, US Games® version

Mercury is the planet of communications and intellect. Inside the water bearer’s domain, Mercury becomes an inventive mind. Aquarius uses this planet’s skill set to influence the areas of career, reputation and societal structures (such as corporations, government and agencies that benefit the human endeavor).  

Corporate structure becomes not only easier to understand, but also to navigate after January 4th. You’ll also find it easier to have your voice heard, so be prepared.  Know your facts inside and out. All sorts of communications – even the non-verbal kind – are easily understood during this transit. That means stay present it all discussions and don’t let your body language do the talking for you.  Aquarius’ strong human component helps analytical Mercury see into the heart of a person’s motivations. 

Now comes the most important part, so pay attention.

Mercury goes into retrograde on January 21st until February 11th.  (See blog: "Mercury Retrograde, Tarot and You" ) After January 16th be aware of the rules of Mercury Retrograde and follow them faithfully.  Communications, travel plans and computers tend to go askew. Be prepared. Check and re-check everything. Don’t enter into delicate negotiations or contracts during this time and carefully review business matters that are already underway. Mercury has possibly the best tarot association – certainly my favorite – #1, The Magician.  This card is about limitless potential and the ability to create ones realty through focus and conscious, directed thought.  It doesn’t get much better than that, does it? 

Later I’ll cover our Full Moon is Cancer, as well as Mars’ transit of Pisces (more water), Mercury’s retrograde in Aquarius from a tarot perspective and Venus’ leap to Pisces at the end of this month. 2015 is stretched out before us like the Yellow Brick Road.  The journey will often be exciting and sometimes nerve-racking.  Stay tuned to my blog for insights and suggestions. Oh, and watch out for the flying monkeys.

LADY ORACLE

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**Special thanks to Laurie pointing out a pivotal error in this blogs original posting!**

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.

Full Snow Moon In Leo, February 14, 2014 – “Riding With the King”

Smart and sassy, Rome Choi's depiction
for #2 The High Priestess - tarot's card
for the Moon from "Dreaming Way Tarot"©

The Snow Moon is also called the Hungry Moon in Native American culture.  That makes sense. Stores of food were depleted by February and in winter weather game often remained scarce until mid-March.  For some of us in society hunger is never far from the door.  February is a good time to give thanks for what we have and to share a little – even if it’s not the traditional time to do so.  

On February 14th, Valentine’s Day no less, we greet the Full Snow Moon in twenty-six degrees, thirteen minutes of Leo. Ladies and gentlemen, let the rumpus begin.  Full Moon in Leo is exuberant. Heck, just take off the e,x and the a,n,t and say it outright.  Full Moon in Leo is uber-moon.  Leo is a charismatic, flamboyant sign who hosts our Lady Moon in comfort and style.  Leos like luxury. If you have Moon in Leo in your birth chart, congratulations. You are riding with the king.  The rest of us will feel the effects to varying degrees, but people with Moon in Leo are riding shotgun.

Leo has an expansive way of thinking, so both Friday and this

Barbara Moore and
Aly Fell's "Steampunk Tarot"©
show us Leo's tarot card.  

weekend is about connecting with your potential and asking, why not me? This Full Moon want us to be center stage and larger than life.  It is a moon of leadership. What is your maximum potential? See it, touch it, live it.  Be on the lookout for financial opportunities, the chance to be on the cutting edge.  A lion is good with money and is the quintessential early adopter. They believe in teamwork and they have a tremendous capacity for followthrough.  If you’ve had problems in the past with your ability to go the distance expect to see a boost in stick-to-it-ness towards the end of this week and in the beginning of the next. 

Leo is notoriously alluring and when coupled with the Full Moon’s sultry light you’ll find yourself eager to sweep, and be swept, off your feet – or paws.  This particular Full Moon on Valentine’s Day is a marvelous chance for you to heap admiration and affection on your valentine and hopefully receive the same in return. Remember that Leo rules the heart.  Valentine’s Day is also the perfect time to love yourself as the marvelous creation that you are.  Open your heart and let love pour through you. You are the lion’s heart in your own life – worthy of love and admiration.

"OSHO Zen Tarot"© by Deva Padma
Offer a stunning depiction of romance,
love and eternity

Full Moon in Leo effects each sign of the Zodiac a little differently.  Generally speaking, air signs (Gemini, Libra and Aquarius) tend to pull that leonine charismatic energy during a Full Moon in Leo.  Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn) reflect the strong passions found in Leo, as well as the lion’s money making skills.  Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces) who already make a great emotional impact on others find that their powers of persuasiveness reach new heights.  Fire signs (Aries, Leo and Sagittarius) receive boosts to their creativity and their leadership skills.

Anyway you slice it, Full Snow Moon in Leo is an important Moon.  It is your chance to combine your courage with self-assuredness and to make lasting commitments to yourself and your goals.  Harness the energy of this Full Moon to assert the positive in your life and proudly proclaim who you are.

LADY ORACLE

Mercury Retrograde In Pisces and Aquarius, February 6th to February 28th – “Slipping Into the Shadows”

We are currently in what astrologer’s refer to as the ‘shadow

#17, The Star is Aquarius' tarot card
from "Legacy of the Divine Tarot"© by
Ciro Marchetti

period’ of a Mercury Retrograde cycle. The shadow period for a retrograde is computed by looking at the actual retrograde dates.  In this case, Mercury turns retrograde at three degrees Pisces.  After the retrograde period ends, Mercury doesn’t return to three degrees Pisces until March 20th.  Mercury turns direct on February 28th at eighteen degrees of Aquarius.  The last time Mercury was at eighteen degrees Aquarius prior to retrograde was January 22nd. Therefore the shadow period for this month’s Mercury Retrograde (MR) is January 22nd to March 20th.  

Why do astrologers calculate shadow periods?  Perhaps it’s a cosmic early warning system.  I’ve never been a purest about anything and I don’t have that much time to devote to smudging.  I consider a week before MR and a week after it to be enough of a cleansing period unless the signs involved with Mercury make things particularly crazy.  If you have Mercury in Pisces, or Mercury in Aquarius in your birth chart chances are you’ll feel this MR more than the rest of us.

#18, The Moon, Pisces card, reminds
us about the power of illusion and
imagination RWCS by US Games©

Starting tomorrow we have MR in Pisces.  Pisces is a highly intuitive sign and Mercury in Pisces is an intuitive mind.  During MR we may find that our intuition is slightly off kilter, or that we have more of a tendency to let our imaginations run away with us.  Our communications, while heartfelt, will be based in emotion, not logic and emotional expressions are the most susceptible to being misunderstood.  After all, miscommunication is the hallmark of Mercury in Retrograde.  Pisces have trouble forming strong opinions on their own on a good day.  We may experience feeling wishy-washy about matters that normally ignite our interest.  However, Pisces are also dreamers.  We can all use this MR to redesign and revise our dreams.

On February 12th Mercury slip slides back into Aquarius

Mercury's card, #1, The Magician
RWCS US Games©

along with our communications and intellectual attitudes.  Mercury in Aquarius is both a scientific and an inventive mind. Puzzle pieces fall into place easier and we can connect the dots more quickly.  Emotions rarely influence decisions under Mercury in Aquarius.  What does MR look like in Aquarius?  Missing the connections.  What appears glaringly obvious while Mercury is direct in the Water Bearer, now feels obscured.  Where we would normally leap to conclusions with gazelle-like accuracy, we find yourselves missing the mark.  We also risk sounding totally off base.  Remember that hallmark of miscommunication?  Repeat these ‘r’ words: Review, reconnoiter, reinvent.  After the 12th it becomes important not to rush into things without being 100 percent certain of where you’ll end up.  Thinking we know and going with your gut simply aren’t good enough strategies during MR.

Check out how to cope with basic Mercury Retrograde irritation in my blog, “Mercury Retrograde, Tarot and You.” 

Relax, remember to breath and put MR to work for you.

LADY ORACLE

January 30, 2014, New Moon in Aquarius - Merging Creativity and Individualism

#17, The Star - Ciro Marchetti's
concept that represents the
magical individualism of our New Moon in Aquarius
from "Legacy of the Divine Tarot"©

On January 30th, at 1:39 P.M., PST, we have our second New Moon of the month occurring in 10 degrees, 55 minutes of Aquarius, Water Bearer.  The other super cool thing about this New Moon is that it’s also a Super Moon.  You may recall that Super Moon is a somewhat freshly coined term referring to a moon that presents at 90% perigee (the lunar position closest to us).  Five Moons in 2014 carry the designation of Super Moon.  January’s New Moon in Capricorn was the first, and the second largest, January 30th’s will be the three largest.  The other epic perigee months this year are July, August and September.

The lunar influences are much stronger when the Moon is at perigee. Tides react, but so does the human body because, as adults, we are composed of between fifty-five and sixty-five percent water.  You’ll definitely feel the pull from this New Moon.  Just be careful if it tells you to swim up stream to spawn.  Cut yourself a little extra slack on the 28th and 29th.  This is time for the Dark of the Moon and if we have a Super New Moon, it only stands to reason that we can experience a Super Dark of the Moon that leaves us feeling unsettled, or carrying some free floating anxiety.  These feelings are a normal part of the New Moon reboot process. Honor them with your favorite flavor of Ben and Jerry’s® ice cream and a movie night. 

Do you feel as if the month of January has already been three month’s long?

That’s Cardinal Grand Cross energy for you.  Are you tired yet?  If so, you’re not alone. If not, just wait until our New Moon in Aquarius gets under way.  New moons set a new emotional tempo for the coming lunar cycle.  They are also a time to take stock and change it up if anything needs changing up.  New Moon in Aquarius celebrates the individual in all of us and January’s second New Moon joins with this month’s cardinal energy to tell us that as individuals, we get to make a few of our own rules along the way.  Think James T. Kirk, reprograming the computer for the Kobayashi Maru.   

The 30th is a great time to work on ending your dependency

The High Priestess, tarot card for the Moon
seen here in Rome Choi's delightful
"Dreaming Way Tarot"©

on other people’s good opinion of you, their advice, or their control over you.  This New Moon is about detaching from people and situations that trap us. Aquarius demands extra freedom and a respite from strong emotion during this New Moon, so be respectful of boundaries, yours and other people’s.  Our rewards for successfully harnessing the super energy of the 30th will be new-found idealism, enhanced intuition and creativity.  On the darker side, if you ignore Aquarius’ positive message, you’re apt to become dogmatic in your thinking, touchy and more blunt than normal, particularly if you have Moon in Aquarius in your birth chart.  

This New Moon is an excellent time is reset your goals and make adjustments to them.  Remember that Venus goes direct on the 31st and Mercury turns retrograde February 6th.  Have a great New Moon!

LADY ORACLE

Houses of the Zodiac - “Living in a Cosmic Subdivision”

Astrology, like any other field, has lots of buzz words and jargon. 

The Star, from
Barbara Moore and Aly Fell's
Steampunk Tarot©

Understanding the concepts represented by these words not only deepens our understanding of astrology, but also our appreciation for the three demential form of the Zodiac.  As we know, there are twelve signs that represent thirty degrees of the Zodiac’s wheel.  We also know that there are twelve houses and each one of them is ruled by a particular sign.  For example, Aries rules the first house and Pisces rules the twelfth.

Each house governs a specific area of life and is grouped into one of three categories: Angular, Succedent and Cadent.  Angular houses show us the strongest influences on our lives. Succedent houses represent our resources such as our friends, skill set, possessions, etc.  Last, but certainly intriguing, are Cadent houses.  These houses represent our human experience in terms of relationships, growth and transitions.

Ciro Marchetti's depiction of The Star
from Legacy of the Divine Tarot©

These house categories also correspond to the three modalities of signs: cardinal (first sign of each season), fixed (mid-season signs) and mutable (the ending or transitional sign for a season).  All this sounds pretty complicated, doesn’t it?  Many of us are content to simply know our birth sign and to read our horoscope every now and then.  Nothing wrong with that at all. Still, isn’t it nice to understand just a tiny portion more of what astrologers take into consideration when mapping a birth chart? 

Below is a handy, dandy chart of houses, their category, ruling sign, sign modality, ruling planetary body and tarot associations.  Check you out and enjoy!

LADY ORACLE

Exciting News!  The ever amazing and always inspiring Baba Studio announced they are working on a third re-print of their astounding "Bohemian Gothic Tarot"© . Some minor changes will be made, but with Alex and Karen you know it will rock.  Stay tuned for updates!


(Keep scrolling down for  2nd chart with 11th and 12th houses
Click the images to enlarge!)

August 20, 2013, Full Sturgeon Moon in Aquarius - Again

Corrine Kenner and John J. Blumen's
Wizard's Tarot© gives us Lady Moon
in all her enchantment

There’s been much discussion on the web whether or, not our August Full Moon in Aquarius constitutes a true “Blue Moon.”  August's Full Sturgeon Moon is our second Full Moon in the house of Aquarius.  For those who believe that Blue Moons should be calculated In terms of the Zodiac, (two months in the same sign) we fill the bill.  For those of us who prefer the traditional methods for charting a Blue Moon, we've missed the benchmark.  July’s Aquarian Moon occurred at zero degrees and 6 seconds of Aquarius (see blog on July’s Full Thunder Moon).  August's Full Moon in Aquarius occurs at twenty-nine degrees.  According to a calendar cycle definition, a traditional Blue Moon (see Blue Moon blog) is the second Full Moon occurring within a thirty day cycle.  In both scenarios, double sign or double moon, it’s a rare and powerful occurrence.   Look for Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius to be most effected by this month’s Full Moon.

During last month’s Thunder Moon, we experienced Aquarius’ quick mind and tendency to color outside of the lines.  This month’s Aquarian Moon sees all of us throwing out the coloring book and trading in our simple crayon box for a full palette of oil pastels.  We’ve discovered the boundaries created by our own minds as we’ve explored our personal power. It’s time to break free of self-imposed restrictions and rewrite some of the more confining rules if you haven’t already.  Now that we comprehend the restriction is of our own making (Eight of Swords), we must move towards understanding that we don’t have to simply accept our neat and tidy limits (Two of Wands and Three of Wands) as the status quo. 

Uranus, Aquarius’ ruling planet, sets up a little bit of a ‘no

Ciro Marchetti's Fool from
"Legacy of the Divine Tarot"©
Shows us the dynamic power and potential in Uranus

pain, no gain’ obstacle course this month.  Saturn, camped out in Scorpio, likes to teach us through the challenge model.  It might get a little bumpy, but it’s truly nothing we can’t handle. Saturn wants us to transform, not to break.  Use Uranus and Saturn’s energy to help you release the parts of your life that aren’t working so well.  The Universe abhors a vacuum and if you release the things that no longer serve you – be it people, employment, or personal belief systems – something better will flow in to fill the void you’ve created.  Just remember to create responsibly.  Uranus, with its revolutionary energy is swaggering around right now. (Read the world news - Uranus and Pluto square off again in November.  We’re experiencing one heck of a build up) Pull through your heart and release with compassion and love.  Don’t be a brat. Shove your ego into a box and stuff it under your bed.

Don't discount Leo's charisma, even
this late in sign. Let the Lion's confidence
ignite your own. RWCS from US Games©

Leo’s charm still gives us the opportunity to persuade and cajole rather hit people in the head with a hammer.  Use your innate skills to rise to a position of leadership and move your goals forward.  There’s definitely some power surges coming with this month’s Full Moon in Aquarius, Part II.  Use your meditation skills, read your tarot and use the Eight of Swords, as well as the Two and Three of Wands for focal points.  You’ll be brilliant!

LADY ORACLE

P.S. Check out my blog on Venus in Libra for the scoop on romance this month.

L.O.

Visit my website   

Sabian Symbols - Post Modernism Meets Astrology

Most of us like our astrology straight up with no chaser.  Give us a sign, some planetary influences and we’re good. Oh, and keep us away from the proverbial rabbit hole, because we’re not going in there. However, life gets pretty monotonous when you only consider it from one angle.  Ask our friend the Hanged Man.  Astrology’s Sabian Symbols give us something new to consider and they are definitely a view from the rabbit hole.  The twelve houses, or signs that make up the Zodiac each contain thirty degrees. There is a total of 360 degrees in a circle, or in this case, the wheel of the Zodiac. Sabian Symbols mark every degree of that wheel – all 360 of them. 

In 1925, astrologer Marc Edmund Jones teamed up with

One of my Sabian Symbols,
children in Halloween costumes playing pranks

famed clairvoyant, Elsie Wheeler for a day of fun-filled astrological channeling. Before the sun set on their work day, Wheeler had channeled visions symbolizing each degree of the astrological wheel. These symbols, named for ancient Sabian alchemists who lived in Mesopotamia, are not hieroglyphs from a long dead language. They are the phrases Elsie Wheeler used to describe the allegorical images she saw in her visions.  Each Sabian Symbol is meant to describe a particular trait, or energy held by a degree within the Zodiac wheel. Sabian Symbols are among the most widely regarded symbols used in astrology. 

The Zodiac calendar begins on March 22nd in the first degree of Aries and continues through the year, arriving back at March 21st, at 30 degrees, Pisces. Each day has three Sabian Symbols attached to it.  For example,

February 11th contains degrees 21, 22, and 23 of Aquarius.  Here are the symbols:

21 - A woman disappointed and disillusioned, courageously facing a

       seemingly empty life.

22 - A rug placed on a floor for children to play on.

23 - A big, trained bear sitting down and waiving all it’s paws.

Welcome to the rabbit hole.  Random much? If we simply read the Sabian Symbols they do appear disjointed, but if we look at the traits they represent, it becomes another matter entirely. The person of February 11th has the courage to look inside themselves (21) and see past the illusions they’ve constructed in their life.  This person understands the framework of a child’s imagination because that creativity, wonder and joy still lives within themselves (22). They may feel stagnated by the confines of their life occasionally (23), but they still find joy in the moment.  

Sabian Symbols add a different dimension when you consider astrology.  They are intriguing and thought provoking.  Read, learn and enjoy the rabbit hole.

LADY ORACLE

Here's a link to more material on Sabian Symbols - click here

Click here to explore my website and store - Lady Oracle Tarot

Eta Aquarid Meteor Shower, May 4th and 5th - "Grin and Bear It"

The predawn hours of May 4th and 5th are peak viewing

opportunities May’s Eta Aquarids meteor shower.  This annual shower comes out of the Eastern sky at approximately 4:00 a.m. no matter where you are on our planet.  The radiant for this particular shower is the star system that makes up the water jar in the constellation of Aquarius, the Water Bearer. This cluster is Y-shaped and its primary star is named Eta. The instructions for finding the radiant group sounds an awful lot like Peter Pan talking to Wendy. “Second star to the left and straight on to morning.”  Luckily, you don’t have to find the radiant of a meteor shower to enjoy the show.

The source for the meteors of the Eta Aquarid shower is none other than the debris field of good, old, reliable Halley’s Comet.  These meteors have a ZHR (Zenith Hourly Rate, or how many fall per hour) of thirty to fifty visible meteors in the Northern Hemisphere and sixty to eighty meteors in the Southern Hemisphere.  We’re in luck too, because this year’s waning crescent moon gives us a darker sky and astronomer’s are predicting a much better meteor display than we had last year.

For you Star Trek fans out there (and who isn’t?) the constellation of Aquarius immortalizes the story of Ganymede (as in the quadrant), a Trojan prince who, while watching his father’s flock on day, had the misfortune to be kidnapped by Aquila, Zeus’ giant eagle.  The eagle, under orders by the king of gods himself, carried the lad to Olympus where he was forced to serve drinks for a living.  Ganymede rebelled and poured the contents of his water jar over the Earth, causing a global flood.  Zeus felt a little guilty for turning a former prince into a slave and created the constellation of Aquarius to honor his libation bearer.  The kid probably would have been happier with better tips, but that’s the rich and powerful for you.

Warmer weather and clearer skies will give many of us the opportunity to enjoy the Eta Aquarid shower this weekend.  It promises to be worth getting up early, or staying up late for.  You won’t need protective eye gear - just a comfy spot.  Enjoy.

LADY ORACLE

New Moon in Aquarius, February 10, 2013

“I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference. “

                                                    Robert Frost - “The Road Not Taken”

Having you been feeling as if you’re standing at the juncture of two roads lately?  Don’t worry.  That’s the effect from February’s New Moon in Aquarius happening this Sunday, the 10th.  We are already receiving a cosmic push towards some of Aquarius’ best traits and that is a good thing.  Remember that Aquarians, by nature, are free wheeling and free thinking.  They are ruled by Uranus, the planet of revolution.  

Right now, particularly with this month’s astrological patterns, you have the opportunity to do a mini reinvention of yourself.  We are unique individuals and we should step out of our molds with originality and purpose -  even if our worlds are highly structured and traditional.  Express yourself as the singular person you are rather than as a member of the Borg collective.

The New Moon also brings elements of luck with it this month.  If you commit to a course of action, you become like tarot’s traveler, The Fool.  Fool definitely chooses the road less traveled and he has an unshakable belief that the universe will provide the support he needs to bring him success in his adventure.

On a last note, the second New Moon after the winter solstice is Chinese New Year.  So to all my friends and readers in the magical, mystical orient,  Xin Nian Kuai Le， 新年快乐

LADY ORACLE