Everything's Retro - Triple Crown With Three Retrograde Planets April 2016

Writers live to writer and to rewrite - usually into infinity if we can get away with it - and April is a terrific month for indulging yourself in agonizing reappraisal. We have three, count 'em, three retrogrades.  April 17th Mars, our outgoing, warrior planet  whose can-do philosophy often makes the difference between a hit, or a miss for us, suddenly turns shy with moments of self-doubt as it turns retrograde in Sagittarius. Mars in The Archer's house is adventurous, but a little scattered. Mars' openness can easily translate to bluntness and a willingness to give too much information. If you suddenly find yourself waffling more than usual that's perfectly normal. Remember we all feel the effects of  retrogrades to one degree or another, but the effects are more significant if you have the retrograde planet, or the hosting sign prominently in your birth chart.

Martian energy is more circumspect during retrograde. While retrograde periods are not traditionally a good time to start new projects, don't let yourself become frozen with indecision because you fear making a choice. Simply engage your brain and rely more on the analytical side of your personality. Mars stays retro until June 29th, finishing the last part of its retrograde hiatus in Scorpio. Beware of poking under too many rocks when Mars moves back to Scorpio. An indecisive and frustrated retro Mars in Scorpio has misplaced their self-determination compass. We'll be a little more moody broody and our sting response will be set on automatic stun. Again, hit the pause button and analyze individual situations before responding to stimulus. You'll save yourself wear and tear, as well as preserve a lot of friendships.

On April 18th Pluto, that solar system vagabond of change, goes retro in Capricorn. Do I

here a sigh of relief? What's the matter, has all that crazy, Tilt-a-Whirl of change gotten out of hand for you? If you think so, you're not alone. Pluto hesitates during retrograde. Its reevaluation process asks us if every piece of chaotic change was absolutely necessary and if it yielded the desired goal. From April 18th through September 26th Pluto will be moving at a snail's pace to make us reexamine our choices. Where did they come from? Were they a result of baggage we are still determined to lug around with us forever? If Pluto retrograde has its way you'll be letting go of the things that hold you back before you start moving forward again in the Fall. Yes, it is a lengthy process working with Pluto Retrograde, but worth every moment of self-analysis.

Mercury in Taurus joins the retro party on April 28th, though with the other planets already well underway in their backwards journey, MR's influences may feel a bit indistinguishable from the rest of the retro energy. Stay patient when plans go awry, when calls get dropped and half of the free world misunderstands your latest tweet. Chuck it up to Mercury and remember your 'R' words: Revise, re-do, recommit, redesign, research, rewrite. The last two are my personal favorites.

Enjoy the gift of April's slow-down. Smell roses, drink tea, but most of all, take stock of your life, its direction and consider what you wish to change to become the best person you can be.

LADY ORACLE

Follow this link to check out my new novel available on Amazon:
"A Terrible Beauty - Season of the Furies, Book1"
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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.

LADY ORACLE

All Featured Decks Available For Sale Through "Lady Oracle Tarot!"

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

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

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

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

A quincunx is a angular relationship of 150 degrees between two

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

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

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

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

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

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


LADY ORACLE

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

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

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

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

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

Pluto has been flirtatiously sextile with Chiron since August,

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

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

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

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

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

LADY ORACLE

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

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

Several astrologers on the web state that the big influence for

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

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

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

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

On February 26th Jupiter squares Uranus and forms a loosey

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

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

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

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

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

LADY ORACLE 

All featured tarot deck avail for purchase through Lady Oracle Tarot

 email - ladyoracle56@yahoo.com

Astrology Trends for January 2014 – “A Month for Innovation and Relationship Building”

A typical example of a Grand Cross configuration.
This month's Grand Cross is in
the cardinal modality, however.

We kicked off the year with a glorious New Moon in Capricorn on the 1st.  If you haven’t started your list of goals for 2014, get started now. Capricorn is a cardinal sign.  Cardinal signs are all Zodiac signs that come at the beginning of each season.  Capricorn (winter), Aries (spring), Cancer (summer) and Libra, (fall). Pay attention to the names of these cardinal signs because they will be popping up for the next several months to come. Cardinal signs carry traits such as independence, originality and  seeking the new. These are the signs for fresh starts and the astrological patterns for January 2014 are inundated with cardinal signs.

Capricorn's tarot association is
#15, The Devil – Enmeshment and
enslavement to the material. Check your
priorities From "Legacy of the Divine Tarot"©
by Ciro Marchetti

January’s tempo is set by a Cardinal Grand Cross composed of four planets at ninety degrees to one another, forming four astrological squares and two oppositions.  Whew! Heady stuff. Grand Crosses can carry very challenging energy – particularly in the cardinal modality. On January 11th Mercury bows out of Capricorn, but that still leaves us with Uranus in Aries (about the self), Mars in Libra (about relationships), Jupiter in Cancer (about home), Pluto in Capricorn (about the workplace) and Venus in Capricorn (more workplace, but with an emphasis on professional relationships). These planets share a central theme (I’m big on themes this year) of cardinal energy. Get used to the components of this Cardinal Grand Cross (hereafter known as CGC) because they will be recreating this formation off and on for the next several months.  

Those of us who’ve decided to change things up this year will be assisted by all of this CGC energy as long as we pay attention and take positive action. Action is the keyword here.  Get off the couch and turn off your electronic pacifiers. Cardinal energy hates to stand still.  It must be put to work. Create, strive, tap into your potential and make significant changes to your life. Stagnant cardinal energy causes your life to run amok and can give you feelings of anxiety, even depression.

The Empress is tarot's card for Venus, a highly
influential planet this month. From
"Steampunk Tarot"© by Aly Fell
and Barbara Moore

Venus is in retrograde until January 30th.  During this time we have the opportunity to review all of our relationships – not just the personal ones.  Venus Retrograde asks us to review our values, our business relationships and our finances as well.  Expect to see some underlying issues surface in our personal relationships. Old amours may return in person, or via the emotional baggage they left stored at your place.  Focus on the lesson in the Two of Cups.  What, or who, are you bringing to the relationship and what are you looking for from your partner?  Initially, each person only brings to a relationship what is stored in their cup.  Therefore, its important during this period to ask yourself if the contents of your partner’s cup is satisfying to you and if some of the items in your cup need to be left behind. Work to discover how both of you can add, or subtract from your own cups. Look for a great opportunity for communication when Venus is conjunct Mercury on January 7th.  

Also, Mars’ warrior energy comes off more dashing and debonair under Libra’s influence.  Ruled by the planet Venus, the sign, Libra is where we house our primary relationships and our partnerships. See how all this folds together this month? Mars pulls balancing energy from Libra and while it makes us more fair-minded, we may also bend over backwards to accommodate our partner and then resent them for it.  Be sure to balance the scale fifty-fifty.

Several tarot cards symbolize our relationships with money

The 6 of Pentacles asks us to make
decisions about finances, but also to
question our relationship with money
From Ciro Marchetti's "Legacy of the
Divine Tarot"©

and the material.  Probably the most significant during Venus’ retrograde in January will be major arcana’s #15 The Devil, Capricorn’s tarot card (enmeshment, enslavement to the material and conflict between higher goals and baser desires) and the Six of Pentacles ( judgments about money, your relationship with money).  Focus on these cards and what they symbolize in your life when it comes to reviewing issues with money, finance and the material.

Also this month we have a Full Moon in Cancer on January 15th, Sun in Aquarius on January 21st. and another New Moon in Aquarius on January 30th.  A twofer this month.

I’ll have more on these and other transits later.  In the meantime, don’t forget to meditate, goal-set and use this powerhouse of energy from the CGC to make the changes you want to see in your life.

LADY ORACLE

January 1, 2014 - New Moon in Capricorn - “Understated Excellence”

The High Priestess is the Moon's
tarot card. This sassy depiction from
"Steampunk Tarot"© by Barbara
Moore and Aly Fell

New Year’s is traditionally a time to cast away the old, the things that no longer serve us. Auspiciously, our New Moon in Capricorn (10 degrees and 57 minutes) occurs at 3:14 a.m. PST on January 1, 2014, and brings with it, a chance for all of us to calmly and completely dedicate ourselves to our own success.  Capricorn’s energy is focused and determined.  It is goal oriented energy with no fanfare. ( See blog on Capricorn – “When the Zodiac Gets Your Goat” ) Results is what matters now. Head down, persistent – New Moon in Capricorn wants us to get moving up the mountain.  

Avoid the term, ‘New Year’s Resolution.’  Our culture likes to imbue those words with the presumption of failure before you even get started.  Instead, you’ll do much better to compile a list of goals – not too many – and the steps necessary to accomplish each one of them by year’s end.  Break your steps down into specifics.  On this day I will do such and such.  Goals must be real, measurable, attainable and specific to you to achieve success.  Motivation is what’s necessary to kickstart the energy of January 1st’s New Moon in Capricorn.  Your task is to discover what motivates you.  I always recommend working with tarot’s Wand energy. ( See blog – “Lights, Camera, Action” ) 

Mercury and Pluto are conjunct (same place, same time) New

Pluto's tarot association in
Judgment - another thought-provoking
image from "Steampunk Tarot"© by
Barbara Moore and Aly Fell

Moon in Capricorn, thus setting the stage for swift change – not necessarily a bad thing.  Mercury works well in Capricorn.  This planet governs communication and intellect.  There will be little space for random thoughts, or flights of fancy in early January.  Mercury is at its analytical best here, on task, but also cautious. That’s a a good blend.  New Moon in Capricorn gifts us not only with focus and determination, but also with self-discipline and rationality.  Don’t let Pluto’s reputation for swift and unsettling change concern you unduly at this time.  Pluto’s energy can be your best friend.  Again, ride that wave on top and in front.  Granted, if you don’t control changes, they will control you, but you know the drill.  It’s nothing you can’t handle by using Capricorn’s skill set.

Some astrologer’s suggest approaching New Year’s Eve with caution.  That’s good advice anytime.  Remember that Capricorn carries a VERY focused energy and as such, can keep us from seeing past the end of our own nose.  During the craziness that ensues while celebrating the end of the year – particularly when alcohol is involved – it’s more necessary than ever to be mindful of what’s happening around you.  Stay present in the moment and avoid situations that put you in the path of someone else’s chaos.  Know where you are, who you are with and stay in control.  Okay, that’s my yearly mother hen lecture, but it does apply particularly to this year end energy pattern.

The World, is the card for Capricorn's
ruling planet, Saturn.  Perfect image of
challenges met with Capricorn's focus and skill
from "Wizard's Tarot"© by John J. Blumen and
Corrine Kenner

New Moon in Capricorn on January 1st is a gift.  It’s like being handed a pen and paper by the Universe and being told to place your order for the coming year.  Don’t let this opportunity pass you by, because if the Universe can't inspire you to move on your own It will surely force you to do so.  Get organized, get focused and get heading up that mountain. The view from the top is great!

LADY ORACLE

Capricorn, December 22nd to January 21st - “When the Zodiac Gets Your Goat”

#21, The World from Corinne Kenner
and John J. Blumen's "Wizard's Tarot"©
is the tarot association for Saturn,
ruling planet for Capricorn

There’s a reason the classic depiction of the sign, Capricorn shows a goat with a fish tail.  Sea-goats were a mythic animal of ancient Greece with the head and forelegs of a goat and the hind legs of a fish – perfect fare for a ‘surf and turf’ platter. Sea-goats were reputedly intelligent and highly honorable.  They were favorites of Chronos, (another name of Saturn) also known as ‘Father Time.’  The sea-goat kids became enchanted with the idea of life on dry land.  They swam to shore every day, dragging themselves along the sand on their forelegs to lie in the sun.  They stayed on land so long that eventually their fish tails changed to hind legs and they lost their ability to speak and to reason. 

Pricus, leader of the sea-goats, could manipulate time and space.  He used his powers to rewind time and return the kids to the ocean so he could prevent them from going ashore.  No matter how many times he tried to alter the future though, the results remained the same.  He couldn’t prevent the sea-goat kids from going ashore and evolving into regular goats.  Eventually, like all parents, Pricus came to realize he couldn’t control the actions, or the destiny of his children.  To ease his heavy heart and loneliness, Chronos placed Pricus in the stars to become the tenth sign of the Zodiac, Capricorn the Goat. 

Capricorns are nothing, if not persistent.  Ruled by Saturn,

Capricorn as the fish-tailed goat

these intense, yet, practical people fix on a goal and pursue it with relentless efficiency.  They are ambitious, highly organized and have amazing self-control.  If you support their vision, great.  If you don’t, get out of their way.  Capricorns aren’t kind to those who block their efforts.  Luckily, they are also not ones to hold a grudge.    

If you work with a Capricorn you know they are diligent, hard workers who don’t shirk responsibility.  Capricorn is a cardinal sign, which makes its children independent and enterprising.  For goat people, success is not simply pleasing a supervisor, it’s about company-wide, even industry-wide recognition.  They are goats, after all, and like the view from the top of the mountain. Capricorns are not risk takers by nature and favor a conventional approach in all things.  Don’t look for Capricorn’s aid in a corporate power struggle.  They will look after their own interests first.

Goat people are very good with money.  They don’t love wealth for wealth’s sake, mind you.  Goats understand money and its uses – primarily the power one derives from wealth. Capricorn is very generous with their money, but not above using it as a means of manipulating people, or situations to their liking.

Capricorn is an earth sign that carries yin, or female energy.  This is an indirect energy – a little surprising for the persistent goat.  Their best mates are other earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn), but they also do well with water people ( Scorpio, Cancer, Pisces).  These first children of the winter value stability and longevity in their relationships.  They like warm, comforting homes that act as retreats instead of homes that operate as staging areas for the events of their lives.

Capricorns are marvelous ‘go to’ guys and knowing them can be a rich and rewarding experience.  Celebrate the persistent and evolutionary energy of this sign as we make the turn into the new year.

LADY ORACLE

Astrology Trends for December 2013 - “The Light Fantastic”

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

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

Alien Fossil on Mars (Cool!)

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

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

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

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

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

Some of the stellar influences this month mean business, but

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

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

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

LADY ORACLE

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!)