October 29, 2013 – November 3rd – “The Yod Nod”

The name for astrology’s Yod pattern comes from the Hebrew

letter of the same name.  The letter, yod, is one of four characters used in Hebrew tradition to symbolize the name of God – only one of the many reasons astrologers nicknamed those giant isosceles triangles is the sky, “The Finger of God.” Yod aspects form all the time and we can use their particular energy pattern to reach conclusions, or make decisions.  These aspects hold a note of destiny in them and how you choose to use or ignore their energy can determine whether or not you achieve your goals.

Yods are powerful, yet uneasy aspects between three or more basically, incompatible planets.  These planets form a giant stellar triangle. Two sides of the triangle are equal in length and form an aspect of 150 degrees, or quincunx . The planet(s) at the shorter side is at a sixty degrees aspect, or sextile.  While sextile aspects are easy–peasy, quincunx aspects are the geometrical problem children of astrology.  Energies don’t mesh well between planets sharing quincunx aspects. Their energy is unstable.  So what does all this mean for you during the next few days?  Good question.

The yod pattern for October 29th through November 3rd is formed by the Sun conjunct (same place, same time) Mercury Retrograde in Scorpio, quincunx Mars in Virgo with Uranus in Aries at the apex.  The most important part of a yod configuration is the apex, because this is the direction the finger of fate points.  This particular yod pattern is a great build up for November 1st when the Uranus/Pluto square goes direct. (see blogs:"Taking the Sting Out of Mercury Retrograde ; "The House That Passion Built"; "Keeping An Eye on the Prize)

Yods ask us to make decisions that move our lives forward.  It’s important to consider that we all have a tremendous opportunity to review and rework our personal strategies during Mercury Retrograde.  The information we gather should naturally lead us to conclusions that, in turn, help us make informed decisions.  Do your homework this week.  Uranus carries energy for unexpected, sweeping change that challenges the status quo and the authority that maintains formal structure.  Whew! That sounds exhausting, doesn’t it? Think of it in tarot terms as The Emperor butting heads with The Tower.  Sure, the whole sweeping change thing can be unsettling, but in terms of personal development, this is exactly what you’ve been striving for this year.   

College graduates labored long and hard so that one day they could step into the workplace and take it by storm.  Artists and scientists alike have break-through moments that change the direction of their lives.  Each of us gets to experience pivotal moments of destiny where we can choose the course of our life.  All we need is the courage to make the decisions that move us forward with honor and distinction.  

LADY ORACLE

Aries, March 21st - April 20th - Living With the Ram Without Getting Fleeced

Aries' tarot association is
#4, The Emperor from
"Wizard's Tarot"© by Corrine Kenner
and John J. Blumen

Aries the Ram is a cardinal sign, meaning it is the first zodiac sign of a specific season.  In this case, the season is spring. Cardinal signs are highly motivation.  Aries, doubly so, because it's not only the first sign in springtime, but is also the first sign of the zodiac year.

Aries people are optimistic and gregarious. They jump into a new venture or situation with both feet and usually with a high degree of success. They make excellent friends because of their caring, generous natures, as well as their leadership skills. Aries’ natural enthusiasm draws people to them. You want to do things for Aries just to see them smile and do their happy dance. Use caution though, because you don’t want to spoil an Aries. They are born with the knowledge that they are the first sign and in their minds that gives them an entitlement to the things they want. Standing between an Aries and their goal can be darn right foolhardy.

Ram people are easily offended. Notice I didn’t say they are overly sensitive. They are not. Aries is a fire sign ruled by both Mars and Pluto. Gee, can you say moody? Mars carries aggressive energy and Aires isn’t one to shy away from confrontation. Unfortunately, they are also known for becoming childish or even throwing full blown temper tantrums when they are thwarted. Aries best relationships are with other fire signs (Aries, Leo, or Sagittarius).

The tarot card for Mars, ruling planet of Aries, is
#16, The Tower. From "Legacy of the Divine Tarot"©
by Ciro Marchetti

The natural leadership and energy of Aries makes them very good at heading up new projects or endeavors.  When they are focused, they are focused. Rams are what I refer to as ‘first string’ people.  They insist on being in the starting lineup and are never content to warm the bench.  In their world, team is definitely spelled with an I.  However, ram people are easily bored. While Aries is great at getting the ball rolling, halfway through the game you’re likely to look down the field and find that they’ve headed off to the snack bar. 

Aries birthstone is diamond.  Hard head, hard stone.  In tarot, their ruling cards are # 4 The Emperor (hardness, authority, rules and structure - hmmm I sense a theme here) and the ever dynamic and irresistible, Queen of Wands (creative action, achievement, self assurance).

Aries of a special, charismatic people and life around them is rich and vibrant.  Celebrate the Aries in your life this month.

LADY ORACLE

September's Full Harvest Moon 2012 - 7 Degrees, 22 Seconds Aires

Astrologically speaking, September has been a challenging month for some of us. If you were able to stay on top of the wave and ride the energy, you discovered some fantastic opportunities to accomplish your goals.  September's Full Moon, however, comes with a warning label.  The Full Harvest Moon of the 29th (the closest full moon to the Autumnal Equinox is called the Harvest Moon) is seven degrees, twenty-two seconds in Aires.  Aires, the Greek God of War is represented by the Major Arcana card, #4, The Emperor.  Mars, the Roman God of War is also the ruling planet for Aires. Can’t you just feel that testosterone surge?  Mars happens to be deployed in Scorpio now and is squaring off with Leo. (see blog: “Astrology Watch September 2012 - Shebang!)  As a Scorpio, I'd be better off hiding under my bed during this month's full moon phase.  It's a good thing I've labeled September as “Self-determination Month,” isn’t it? 

The word on the street for our Aires full moon is, ‘revolutionary.’  Astrologers advise approaching the run up dates, of the 27th and 28th, with a clear mind and a steadfast heart.  You will need both to navigate the riptides and shoals of this Harvest Moon.  

Uranus squares Pluto - again.  That’s happening a lot lately and will continue to do so for some time.  We have seven full-on Uranus Pluto squares from June 2012 to 2015. This particular square produces extremely powerful, even incendiary energy in the arena of social change.  We had Uranus Pluto squares during the 1960's.  Under the influence of Aires’ warrior energy,though, the Uranus Pluto square can easily take a fanatical turn, not only in your life, but also in the world around you.  It’s best to avoid conversations where tempers are likely to flair.  Don't talk politics, religion or reality TV shows.  

While the Uranus - Pluto square brings focus and energy to your goals, however under this particular sky, your ambition easily couples with your pride.  You may have no patience with people who see things differently than you , or who question what your saying.  “My way or the highway,” becomes “Get out of my way, you un-evolved, little wretch.” You’re going to damage a lot of friendships with an attitude like that.  Stay focused, positive and proactive.  Power past any distractions caused by other people flailing around in reactionary panic.  There’s tremendous opportunity for transformation right now if you maintain presence of mind.

Avoid personal addictions next week.  They’re a distraction - even the most benign stuff like chocolate, sticky buns or an addiction to exercise.  Surf’s up people.  Waimea has come in and you can either ride the crest of the wave or wipe out.  Your choice.  

Here are the tarot numbers for the dates from September 27th through the 30th, the Major Arcana cards, the lesson card (reduced from the card #) and the Major Arcana card’s ruling sign:

Date         Major Arcana                Lesson Card #s            Ruling Sign         Card Meaning                         

27th:        #14, Temperance              5s, loss and conflict      Sagittarius              Blending, moderation
                              (If you insist on all or nothing, that's usually what you'll get)

28th         #15, The Devil                 6s, communication        Capricorn               Enslavement
                     ( Turn off your smart phone and talk to the people you are actually with)

29th         #7,   The Chariot              7s, victory                      Cancer                  Triumph over adversity
              (It's been tough going today, but you will succeed.  Just don't run over anybody)

30th         #8,    Strength                   8s, movement                Leo                       Compassion, coping
    (The situation is changing.  You have the coping skills to see it through, but remember kindness)


Next month Saturn moves into Scorpio.  I might be posting my blog from under my bed after all.

LADY ORACLE