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

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

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

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

Pluto, the planet of transformation leaves retrograde (See

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

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

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

Capricorn, the goat hosts Pluto until 2023

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

LADY ORACLE

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Full Pink Moon in Libra, April 15th, 2014 – “Blood on the Moon, or Miss Scarlet in the Conservatory With A Candlestick”

Blood on the Moon.  Again. Predictions about this month’s Full Moon with eclipse vary from multiple natural disasters to a full-blown apocalypse.  If any of you saw the 2011 movie, “Red Riding Hood,” you know that catastrophic events are supposed to occur when the Moon turns red.  Must be – I mean, did anyone else read the reviews for that movie? Talk about a career killer. There’s no doubt this is a powerful, yet touchy Full Moon cycle coming up – not going to lie about that. However, the edginess we’ll feel during the eclipse is more likely to have us seeing red rather than foretelling certain doom.  

The Full Pink Moon occurs at 12:42 a.m., PDT on April 15th, in twenty-six degrees of the sign, Libra. Lunar eclipses occur when the Moon passes through the Earth’s shadow.  When this happens, the Sun’s light disburses through the Earth’s atmosphere before reaching the Moon. The higher spectrum lights, such as violet, blue and green fade out and the colors left are orange and red. This is the same effect that gives us big, orange Harvest Moons and pearly, pink Moons during moonrise. There’s no way to actually determine how red the eclipsing Moon will get. It could be anything from a bashful blush to a deep crimson. In either case, the effect only lasts a few minutes, so watch closely. The eclipse begins at 10:58 p.m. on April 14th and reaches its climax at 1:07 a.m. on the 15th.  

Even the most upbeat astrologers suggest that we pay close

attention to the world around us during this volatile month.  On the outset, our Full Pink Moon in Libra is a partnership moon filled with charm and social grace. There’s a naturally empathic element that comes with Libra and this instinctual connection with people lends itself to greater success in relationships. In our personal lives, Libra likes close, balanced partnerships where everybody wins. Expect a boost to your people skills during this Full Moon cycle. However, this Full Moon can also make you feel needy, or as if your partner is sucking all the air out of the room. Relax. It’s a temporary effect brought on by the energetic ebb and flow of Lady Moon.

Eclipses act as an energy reboots for the entire planet, setting the tone of our planetary energy field for the next six months. During the eclipse cycle you frequently feel charges of energy coursing through you, almost more than you can handle. This effect is most intense two days prior to the eclipse and for the three days following it. Channel these high voltage surges into productive, positive actions. Focus on releasing any feelings of pressure that have built up in you this month.  Remember your positive mantra.  If you don’t have one, write one.  You are unique, you are enough and you are love. Pull in and use the energy from the stars of fortune and glory, Arcturus and Spica.  These guys are contributing their energy patterns to the lunar eclipse mix.  Arcturus is the stronger influence, combining good fortune with a powerful need for justice.  Use directed, conscious thought to set positive intentions (#1, The Magician) Again, stay grounded and don’t let chips form on your shoulders because someone will knock them off.

While a Full Moon lunar eclipse is already a powerful

Typical Grand Cross configuration

energetic force, this particular eclipse also heralds the exact squaring of that rare astrological event that’s been hovering over us, the Cardinal Grand Cross.  Remember that a Grand Cross forms when two sets of planets, in opposition (at an aspect of 180 degrees to one another) form two squares (aspects of ninety degrees).  ( See blog : "Cardinal Grand Cross"  )The planets involved in this Cardinal Grand Cross are: Mars, Jupiter, Uranus and Pluto.  The word, ‘cardinal’ simply refers to the type of signs each of these planets currently occupies, or in this case, Libra, Cancer, Aires and Capricorn, respectively. Cardinal signs are the signs at the beginning of each season.

"Osho Zen Tarot"© reminds us to seek
the silence with ourselves to achieve balance

Cardinal Grand Crosses carry very unsettled and challenging energy.  Uranus and Pluto want to sweep all the chess pieces off the board, even if they create wreckage along the way.  Jupiter in Cancer wants to help you rebuild with glorious results, while Mars in Libra wants to charm people into his way of thinking – the quintessential smooth operator. This is great energy, however, don’t hang onto things that no longer serve you, because this energy can metaphorically pull your arms from their sockets if you do. Also, watch out for Jupiter in Cancer’s expansion giving you too much of a good thing while Mars puts those he can’t sway to the sword.

As with any astrological patterns there are highs and lows. You simply need to make adjustments for working with this month’s power flow. Proceed mindfully, stay grounded and you will be brilliant.

LADY ORACLE

Full Frost Moon in Taurus, November 17th - “Opposites Attract”

November’s Full Frost Moon occurs at 25 degrees and 26

The Hierophant, is tarot's card for Taurus
from "Legacy of the Divine Tarot"©
by Ciro Marchetti

minutes of Taurus this year.  I like the name, Frost Moon, which refers to the time of year when the first frost is likely to occur.  The alternate name for November’s Full Moon is, Beaver Moon.  I never use that name, because we’re all Oregon Duck fans in this house.  Don’t get me started on the Stanford game.  

Full Moons happen when the Sun is in direct opposition to the Moon.  This month we have two signs involved that are also directly opposite one another on the wheel of the Zodiac – Scorpio and Taurus.  Scorpio lives in the eighth house along with our sexual energy, our ability to redefine ourselves, our resources and death.  Taurus resides in the second house where we find our earning potential, our self-esteem and our possessions.  

Death represents the transformative
power of Scorpio from "Legacy
of the Divine Tarot"© by Ciro Marchetti

While both signs are in the fixed modality and live in succedent houses (houses of fixed signs that are concerned with resources See blog: Houses of the Zodiac ) they are opposite in nature.  Scorpio is a water sign and its people favor the deeply mysterious, as well as self-improvement. Taurus is an earth sign whose denizens like their creature comforts and the finer things in life.  Taurians actually feel through their senses and unlike Scorps, are not moody and broody by nature. (See Blogs: Sun in Taurus and Sun in Scorpio )

All this opposition works incredibly well for us this month.  The

The High Priestess rules the Moon
from Rom Choi's "Dreaming Way Tarot"©

Moon is said to be exalted in Taurus which, simply put, means the Moon functions well in that sign.  Full Moons are about culmination and manifesting and November’s Full Moon in Taurus carries extreme power for bringing goals and dreams into reality.  Our Frost Moon’s intensity is supported by vast amounts of transformative energy, not only from the Sun and Saturn in Scorpio, but also via Pluto and Venus in Capricorn.  Neptune, direct and back in the game in Pisces, gives a powerful boost to our imaginations (See Blog: Neptune direct in Pisces).  Again, and repeat it with me, “What I perceive, I can achieve.”

The Sun for the Sun from
Ciro Marchetti's "Legacy of the Divine Tarot"©

Dare to dream during this luxurious and transformative Full Frost Moon in Taurus.  Use the tarot cards associated with Taurus, the Moon, Scorpio and the Sun as focal points during meditation, or meditative journaling.  This is an optimum time to create your ‘exit strategy’ for 2013 – a list of things you’d really like to see manifest, or culminate before the end of December.  And remember that it’s never too early to start your 2014 wish list.

LADY ORACLE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LADY ORACLE

Astrological Trends for September, 2013 - “The Flying Wedge”

Tarot's #20, Judgment is the ruling card for Pluto
from Ciro Marchetti's "Legacy of the Divine Tarot"©

We start the first 9 days of the month with the astrological version of a classic Chinese/American dish called, “Happy Family” – a blending of sensational tastes that holds something great for everyone at the table.  Jupiter remains in Cancer, Mars is in Leo, the Sun is in Virgo, Mercury is in Virgo and Venus is in Libra.  Jupiter is exalted in Cancer, which means it’s high-functioning (life-enriching, expansive energy, home and hearth).  Mercury and Venus are both in their home signs and are also particularly powerful.  Mercury in Virgo offers us better communication and clearer thinking, while Venus is all about social graces and romance.  Mars in Leo, well, think of John Travolta’s strut at the end of “Saturday Night Fever.” This is a very pleasant energy combination that keeps us motivated in a positive way.

Our Virgo New Moon on the 5th asks us to analyze our emotions. Details, details. Mercury moves into Libra on September 9th and turns over-analysis into an art form.  Every aspect of every situation is weighed and calibrated.  The problem is that we can get bogged down in the details, particularly if you have Mercury in Libra in your birth chart.  Venus enters Scorpio on the 11th where she will have us all seeking our fiery, passionate soulmate.  The Pisces Full Moon on the 19th is a dreamer’s moon and I’ll have more on that later this month.  The big story for the month, however, is the activation of the (now infamous) Uranus/Pluto square by the Cardinal T-square that’s been occurring since July. This square will continue through September.  

Tarot's # 10, The Wheel of Fortune
rules Jupiter's expansive energy
Barbara Moore and Aly Fell's
"Steampunk Tarot"©

In honor of the football season (college or NFL) let’s think of the T square as an astrological ‘flying wedge.’  At the base of the wedge Jupiter in Cancer opposes Pluto in Capricorn which squares Uranus in Aires at the apex.  Astrologer, Bill Herbst likens T-squares to a four-legged stool with one missing leg.  If you draw a line from the apex to the opposite side of astrological wheel, you arrive at the missing leg, or other effected sign (in this case, Libra).

Square aspects hold a tense, challenging energy.  A T-square with Cardinal signs (first sign of each season) pushes issues, brings them to a head so that they can be resolved.  We’ve talked about the revolutionary energy for grand scale transformation that emanates from the Uranus Pluto Square.  The T-square, or Flying Wedge, with Jupiter brings the need for change down to a personal level.  What needs expansion and change in your life?  

During the Moon’s visits with each Cardinal sign (Libra, Aries,

Tarot's Fool rules Uranus - the
epitome of the fresh start
Corrine Kenner and John J. Blumen's
"Wizard's Tarot"©

Cancer and Capricorn) this month, we will all feel prodded in one direction or another.  That’s okay as long we use the energy released to productively change our lives.  This is Rose Bowl energy, folks, and you’ve got to drive that ball straight down the field to make your goal and get the three point conversion.  Let your creative drive flow, meditate, control your attitudes and respond rather than react.  I’ll post more about the Moon’s journey this week and later discuss the Equinox on the 22nd.  In the meantime, celebrate your opportunities and the seasonal change.

LADY ORACLE

Here's a link to Bill Herbst's paper on the 2013 astrlogical configurations.  I think he goes a great job of explaining complex formations.

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August 21, 2013, Uranus Squares Jupiter - “Dynamic, Transformative and a Tad Scary”

Recently, the web’s been abuzz about the T-square formed

Jupiter's ruling tarot card,
#10 Wheel of Fortune from
Barbara Moore and Aly Fell's
"Steampunk Tarot"©

between Jupiter and Uranus, with Pluto in opposition. Small wonder when you consider recent international news.  Jupiter's proximity has activated the power of the ongoing and notorious, Uranus/Pluto Square.  (See blog "September's Full Harvest Moon 2012") August 21st marks the shift of this T aspect into a Grand Cross configuration between Jupiter in Cancer, Uranus in Aries, Venus in Libra and Pluto in Capricorn.  This is one of those times to consider investing in a metaphysical Kevlar vest.

A Grand Cross is an extremely active, if not stressful, astrological configuration between four planets, in two sets of opposition.  Opposition refers to an angle of 180 degrees between the planets within each set.  The planets of this Grand Cross are all in cardinal signs of the Zodiac; signs that mark the beginning of each season and denote leadership and a fresh start. That’s a good thing – powerful, but good.  

#7, The Chariot rules Cancer
Self-Assertion - from Corrine Kenner and
John J. Blumen's "Wizard's Tarot"©
"

The keyword for this Grand Cross is ‘transformation.’ Jupiter in Cancer is captain of the pep squad, so to speak, encouraging prosperity and life expansion.  (See blog "Astrological Trends for August 2013") Uranus in Aries casts off the conventional in favor of ground-breaking ideas.  Social reforms are the hallmark of Uranus in Aries. Unfortunately, there’s also a tendency to jump in before considering all the ramifications of sudden change. Venus in Libra is our love child; romantic, creative and nurturing.  She works with Jupiter to balance the rashness of this configuration.  Then there’s Pluto in Capricorn – evolutionary and revolutionary energy that shapes both the soul of man and the world around him. Pluto and Uranus are squaring off until 2015, causing sweeping and revolutionary societal change. 

#11 Justice rule Libra, Sign of Balance
Karma, balance from Ciro Marchetti's
"Legacy of the Divine Tarot"©

This Grand Cross influences us from August 20th through the 30th and peaks on August 27th when it becomes exact.  As with any astrological influence – it’s what you make of it.  If you’ve been reevaluating your goals and systematically releasing the situations and people that don’t support your chosen path, you have a chance to make great strides in your life right now. It is vital that we stay grounded in each moment under this type of influence. Meditate. When things get bumpy, ask yourself, “Am I viewing this situation through my heart or through my ego?”  Get into curiosity, as we say in motivational speaking. Learn about the dynamics of a challenging situation, or the motivations of difficult people.  What are they afraid of? What are you afraid of?  Look for common ground and avoid all or nothing scenarios. You don’t have to accept them.  Our ability to compromise for the greater good rather than for self interest is one of the things that makes a society evolve.

LADY ORACLE

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The Drive To Strive - Astrological Trends For January 2013

You know it's been a quite the holiday season when Weight Watchers sends you a mailer before the first of the year.  Do they have cameras at the buffet tables, or something? How did they know you received a Chocolate of the Month gift basket and have already eaten your way through June?  Thank Heavens for elastic waistbands.  And also thank Heavens for that tried, but true process we annually endure called the New Years Resolution.  This January we are getting an extra hand from the cosmos to help us define, refine and implement direct changes to our lives.

This month is a great time to kick start your goals.  Saturn is in Scorpio and Pluto is in Capricorn at sextile (a 60 degree aspect) and they are very good buddies.  While the energy ebb and flow may get a little intense this month, certain signs (Scorpio, Capricorn and those with planets in their houses) are going to thrive with this type of planetary turbo boost.

Returning to reality after the holidays (particularly when recovering from the alcoholic frenzy that is New Years Eve) can be a jolt.  We all become high minded about changing our lives in the coming year.  Hence, resolutions.  To put January's energy to the greatest good, however, work on shaping the material world around you and leave the spiritual retreats and deeper meditations for another month.  Success this month means you are required to be present and to be in the moment to seize January's opportunities.  From the 1st of the month through the 14th, focus on direct actions that will have direct effects on your life.   Now here's the tricky part:  Don't sit there. Do something.  A small, but consistent action will do more to move your life forward than some grandiose gesture that's here, then gone and leaves nothing lasting in its wake.

Remember the goals your worked so diligently to assess and clarify this summer?  You also had some great astral energy this fall which helped you start putting your plans into effect.  This month you have a chance to push past your preconceived limits about your own abilities.  Don't hinder yourself with phrases like, 'too ambitious,' or 'getting in over my head.'  Ambitions are a good thing and you swim best in deep water.  You are much more capable and resourceful than you give yourself credit for and the Universe knows it.

When working with tarot, pay particular attention to the suits of Wands and Pentacles.  Fiery action and earthly gain.  What cards are you pulling and where do they fall in the particular spread you're using?  Think of your first card reading this month as an opportunity for you to run a systems diagnostic.  Find out what you need to release and what you need to pursue.

January 6th and 7th are good days for being more reflective than active.  The moon is in Scorpio and conjunct Saturn.  Saturn likes to teach through challenges and things might get a little too challenging for you on these days.  Just breath and regroup.  On January 11th we've got that new moon energy shining strong in twenty-one degrees,  forty-six minutes of Capricorn.  Sit down with a skinny latte' and your smart phone for a little research and development.  Take a little time to review your accomplishments this month and to affirm your direction before you start moving again.

On January 26th we will have a full moon in Leo - another dose of energy that helps us celebrate who and what we are.  2013 is starting at a brisk pace folks.  Take advantage of this month's energy shifts to propel yourself forward.


LADY ORACLE