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

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Full Wolf Moon in Cancer January 4, 2015 – "Bark at the Moon"

#7, The Chariot from Corrine Kenner
and John J. Blumen's stellar deck,
"The Wizard's Tarot"©

We get a 'twofer' on January 4th. Not only does Mercury move into Aquarius that day, but our Full Wolf Moon arrives at 8:53 p.m. PST.  This month's Full Moon occurs in 14 degrees and thirty-one minutes of Cancer. Lady Moon rules the sign of the Crab and so we say the Moon is exalted when she resides in this sign.  It's a little more complicated this month, however. In this case her bark is equal to her bite. While we normally look forward to a powerful Moon in Cancer for manifesting our goals there are some additional factors adding riptides to January's Full Moon. 

Cancer is a cardinal sign, meaning that it is first sign of a given season. Cardinal energy acts as an instigator. It’s restless and come Full Moon time, perhaps a little edgy. Properly channeled, this energy not only motivates you, but  lifts you up and over the obstacles in your path.  Aptly, tarot's card for the sign of Cancer the Crab is #7, The Chariot – reaching your goals, focusing your intent and knowing who you are. Also remember that Cancer is a water sign and like all water signs, carries a deep, emotional subtext. 

Home, hearth and foundations are what Cancer the Crab is

#2, The High Priestess from
Barbara Moore and Aly Fell's
"Steampunk Tarot"©

all about.  Full Moons are about emotions and culmination. Our Full Wolf Moon in Cancer asks us to consider the nurturing strength of our families and close friends.  It suggests that we draw their support as a foundation for refining our goals. Ask yourself who supports you on your path.  Are their people in your life who don't support your aspirations? If not, get new ones. Seriously.  This is your life. You can live it to please yourself, or live it by other people's standards and end up pleasing no one. This Full Moon allow yourself time to enjoy the comfort and security of your own home while you reflect on the direction you want for your life.  Ground yourself and get a sense of where you belong.  

The Initiate, or The Fool from
"Wizard's Tarot"© by Corrine
Kenner and John J. Blumen

This Full Moon in Cancer forms a T- square with Uranus in Aires and Pluto in Capricorn, thereby activating that harbinger of sweeping change, the Uranus/Pluto square.  The South Node is also square with Uranus and the whole mess forms a Grand Cross. Ouch! Emotions run high and it's easy to feel anxious and lack certainty.  Spend extra time grounding yourself through your favorite methods. Also – and this is important – be conscious of what emotional baggage belongs to you and what doesn’t. Remember that it's not your job to be anyone's emotional bellboy.  Don't carry anyone else's baggage but your own.  When conflicts occur, try to respond thoughtfully rather than react to fiery words.

The tarot cards to watch for this Full Moon period are:

The Moon    –    #2, The High Priestess

Cancer        –    #7, The Chariot

Uranus        –    The Fool

Aires           –    #4, The Emperor

Pluto           –    #13, Death, or Transformation

Capricorn    –    #15, The Devil

Libra           –    #11, Justice

There's still lots of good energy in this Full Moon, though it is very intense.  Ease yourself into it and go with the flow.

LADY ORACLE

Pluto Retrograde April 14th through September 23rd – Cosmic Checks and Balance System

Periodically, Earth’s orbit overtakes the orbit of another planet.  When this happens an optical illusion occurs making it appear as if the planet that Earth passed paused in its orbital path and started to move backwards. We call this effect a planetary retrograde.  Every planet has one except us, of course, because we observe the solar system strictly from our own perspective. The most notorious retrograde cycle belongs to the planet Mercury.  Our verbal communications can be easily misunderstood at Mercury Retrograde.  Glitches occur in electronic and mechanical devices and travel plans become snarled. During the eclipse and Full Pink Moon mania earlier this week Pluto quietly turned retrograde.  Well, perhaps not so quietly as we think.  What happens when the planet of transformation, the one featured so prominently in the Cardinal Grand Cross configuration this month, turns retrograde? A better question might be, "Are we having fun yet?"

Pluto takes 248 years to complete one orbit of the Sun. 

#20, Judgment is the tarot association for Pluto
From Kris Waldherr's "The Goddess Tarot"©

When you’re the slowest body on the solar system race track you get use to other planets lapping you and kicking cosmic dirt in your face.  Controversial Pluto was discovered in the 1930s, given planetary status, only to be demoted to an ice ball in recent years.  Still, Pluto remains, at least in astrological terms, one of the group of outer planet called transpersonal planets.  These guys deal with the forces outside of the self – universal connections and destiny.  Also, because its orbit takes so long to complete, Pluto is called a generational planet – its position in a birth sign guiding an entire generation.  Pluto entered Capricorn in 2008 and will remain there until 2023, influencing all children born during this time in a particular way.

Ciro Marchetti's vision of #13, Death
This is the tarot association for Scorpio,
which is ruled by Pluto.
From "Legacy of the Divine Tarot"©

Pluto governs the eighth house of the zodiac, Scorpion territory, where matters of death, transformation, sexuality and shared resources are stored (environmental issues).  When Pluto is direct its influence is felt in the changes you experience in life and how they transform you.  Those changes can be as subtle as spring cleaning, or as groundbreaking as starting an entirely new career.  The planet of transformation brings you moments of stark insight that allow you to see your life clearly and make changes accordingly. Pluto is known for bringing hidden matters to light – sort of ripping off the bandaid so the wound can be properly cleaned and healed. Note that once Pluto begins transforming your life there’s no going back. Your end results are generally positive even though the journey might have been bumpy. 

During its retrograde cycle, which occurs five months out of

A new cycle means the beginning of a
new journey. The Fool, seen here from
Marchetti's "Legacy of the Divine Tarot"©
is Divinely protected on his new quest.

each year, Pluto makes us pause in our lives and take stock of what we are doing.  Are we helping our species and our home planet advance in a positive manner, or are we focused on self and making gains that simply gratify us as individuals?  These are the tough questions – no doubt about it – but there has to be a system of cosmic checks and balances for humanity's sake and Pluto Retrograde is a significant part of that system. Not only you, but an entire generation of children born with you during Pluto’s fifteen year reign in a particular sign will look with keen introspection on similar issues during a Plutonian retrograde, all for the collective good.   If that’s not a powerful, positive force, what is?

In a couple of days the Cardinal Grand Cross goes exact.  The notorious Uranus/Pluto Square goes exact as well.  Our strength during this time comes from the review process of Pluto’s retrograde cycle. Who are we?  Where are we going?  Ask yourself the tough questions this month and demand honest answers, because one thing is for sure, where ever we’re going, we’re going there together.

LADY ORACLE

All featured deck are available for sale through Lady Oracle Tarot.

November 3, 2013, New Moon in Scorpio With a Solar Eclipse – “Sugar Rush”

#13 - Transfiguration, from Corrine Kenner
and John J. Blumen's "Wizard's Tarot"©
Scorpio's card and the theme for
early November

There comes a point when there’s simply too much of a good thing.  This is true in astrology as well as in leftover Halloween candy and both can leave us groggy and feeling as if we’ve been on a three day bender.  We have Mercury Retrograde conjunct Sun, Saturn, and North Node in Scorpio.  These guys form a yod featuring Uranus in Aries at the apex. (See Blog: “Yod Nod”) The double fudge layer on all of this is that Uranus is also directly square Pluto on November 1st. However, the cherry that tops this rich and gooey mound of transformative energy is a New Moon in Scorpio with a hybrid, total solar eclipse chaser.  Sugar overload.

If you’re nervous about Scorpio’s energy, then perhaps it’s a good time to make a three day pilgrimage to a cloistered abbey.  If, however, you are ready to shake loose the status quo and step across the lines of regimentation that have been chaffing you for the past several months (if not a couple of years) take a deep breath, square your shoulders and step into the supped up transformative energy flow that is the best of Scorpio. 

The North Node represents the path of our personal growth –

Choi Roma's "Dreaming Way Tarot"©
presents The Fool, card for Uranus.
The Fool is ready for anything and puts his
faith in both providence and himself.

our future.  It offers us challenges that are meant to teach and inspire us. It’s a place where you learn to stand tall, gaining confidence with each stride.  When housed in Scorpio, North Node invites us to dive into the deeper mysteries of life and use our inborn talents to empower us and transform our lives.  The North Node clearly works well with Saturn, who’s mission is also to teach by issuing us challenges we can win.  

New Moons start a new cycle and there is no cycle stronger than one beginning with a an eclipse.  Eclipses are planetary reboots and we will feel the effects of the reboot for about six months.  In addition, this particular eclipse is a rare ‘hybrid’ type that starts out as an annular eclipse (ring of fire) before transforming into a total eclipse where the Moon’s shadow fully sweeps across the Earth.  Again, here we see the pivotal theme of the stars: Transformation.  The power in this eclipse asks us to seize the moment and use the best parts of Scorpio’s energy – their innate resourcefulness, focus, passion and drive –  to take control of our destiny.

#20, Judgement, from "Steampunk Tarot"©
by Barbara Moore and Aly Fell carries
a two-fold message - Decision and Rebirth

Uranus, that whirling dervish a sweeping, societal change, squares Pluto (one of Scorpio’s ruling planets - See blog: "Sun In Scorpio, The House that Passion Built" ) the transformer.  Total Optimus Prime here. At this point the Zodiac it’s almost on planetary overload in terms of transformative energy.  For this reason, as I’ve stated before, Mercury Retrograde is your best friend.  Review, revise, renew and decide.  That’s your assignment.  You don’t get an extension because the dog ate your homework.  Get busy.  If the astrological energy for the next few days is a little overwhelming at times, cut back on your activity.  Practice quieting your mind through meditation, music and activities that require simple motor skills.   Let go of the past and look towards the future.  Release resentments and claim your life as your journey, not your parent’s, not your lover’s, not your sister’s and not even your neighbor’s cat’s journey.  Yours – unparalleled and unequaled. It’s time to rise and shine.

LADY ORACLE

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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

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   

July 22, 2013, Full Thunder Moon in Aquarius - “The Eagle has Landed”

High Priestess ruler of The Moon
Barbara Moore & Aly Fell's
Steampunk Tarot©

Our Full Moon in July is called the Full Thunder Moon or Full Buck Moon.  These names come down to us from Native American tribes who noted that July heralded the beginning of the summer thunder storms.  They also observed that July was the time that young male deer, or bucks, started growing their antlers.  

This year’s Full Thunder Moon happens in zero degrees and six seconds of Aquarius.  The neat thing about having a July Full Moon in zero degrees Aquarius is that August’s Full Moon will also be Aquarian at 29 

The Star ruler of Aquarius
Barbara Moore and Aly Fell's
Steampunk Tarot©

degrees.  Aquarius carries an intellectual energy that emboldens the independent thinker in all of us.  We hankers for freedom and variety in our lives.  The Water Bearer’s house is ruled by Uranus, planet of revolutionary, societal change.  It’s also interesting to note that the tarot card for Uranus is The Fool (beginnings, spontaneity) and that the card for Aquarius is The Star (hope, inspiration). 

Under the influence of July’s Full Moon, we’ll see some dynamic breakthroughs for people who’ve done their homework during the past couple of months.  If you’ve used the power of this month’s Grand Water Trine to release and redirect your life – no matter how seemingly small the changes – you’ll be soaring just like Aquila, Zeus’ trusty eagle of legend. ( see Eta Aquarids blog) This is exciting stuff because these changes will be far-reaching and lifelong.

The Fool ruler of Uranus
Barbara Moore and Aly Fell's
Steampunk Tarot©

Also on the 22nd, Venus enters the sign of Virgo. This is Venus at her most practical and discerning.  Venus has much to offer and she wears it with confidence. She knows what she wants and it’s not just some flash in the pan sort of romance.  We’ll all be seeking the deeper meaning of the word, ‘relationship.’  Male or female, Venus in Virgo tells us to seek true depth of character in a partner.  “Faint heart never won fair maid (or male for that matter).”

The Thunder Moon is still at perigee (closer to Earth in its orbit) this month and you’ll continue to hear the term, ‘super moon’ used. Check out "June’s Full Strawberry Moon," blog for more complete information on the term. The important thing to remember, however, is that July’s Full Moon is pretty powerful.  It will be 12 percent larger and 26 percent brighter than a regular Full Moon. No need for night vision goggles on the 22nd, that’s for sure.  Remember to manifest, people.  As an added perk, Lady Moon rises as the sun sets this month and she may well cloak herself in sunset colors - rosy pink, lavender or even orange.  Go somewhere with that certain someone and enjoy a quiet, romantic picnic as you watch the moonrise.  

LADY ORACLE

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

(This is a fabulous deck for all levels of reader.  It's considered on of the best decks of all time and I can't say enough good things about it!  Rich depictions, clear, crisp readings! Buy today!)

New Moon in Aries - April 10, 2013

A Fool, a High Priestess and an Empress walk into a Tower one night.  Stop me if you’ve heard this one.  On April 10th we have a new moon in Aries.  In my previous blog, “Astrological Trends for April, 2013,” (see post below) I discussed the astrological players on the field.  To recap, we have Venus, Mars, Uranus, the Moon and the Sun currently in Aries, where they’ll remain through this new moon.  

In tarot, The Fool represents Uranus (Seriously.  I didn’t make that up.), The High Priestess is the Moon, The Empress is Venus and The Tower is Mars.  New moons are about fresh starts, a theme we will see repeated throughout this month.  The Moon itself, corresponds with the element of water.  Water represents emotions and spiritual energy. This is why every new moon we have the opportunity to rework the emotional subtext of our lives.

Aries, the Ram makes passion run strong on the 10th.  Aries, the element of fire, demands action (suit of Wands), whether you’re starting a new relationship, or rekindling an existing one. However, The Emperor rules Aries, which means there are rules for love that must be followed.  The biggest romance rule this new moon is that you get what you give.  April 10, 2013 adds up to #11, or Justice.  This card is about fairness, but there is also a karmic inference in the meaning.  What you put out, you will get back, so be forewarned.

The Empress, ruled by Venus, is about abundant flow and the act of creation.  Couple her card with Aries’ wand energy, toss in the intuition of the High Priestess and carefully fold in the Fool’s new beginning to refine and set your goals on the 10th.  The Tower, ruled by Mars, promises a change in the wind - not necessarily a destructive one.  Channel Mars’ energy to kick-start the process of manifesting your goals and desires during the new moon period.  Make them appear in your reality.  Perceive it, achieve it.   Most of all, use this planetary energy to enrich your life.  That’s what a fresh start is for.

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

January 20th - February 18th, Aquarius - Independent and Artistic, or Diva

#17, The Star is the tarot association
for Aquarius - Hope, serenity, social
consciousness from "Steampunk Tarot"©
by Aly Fell and Barbara Moore

Aquarius is the sign of the Water Bearer, yet funnily enough, Aquarius’ corresponding element is air.  Who says the Universe doesn’t favor ambiguity.  The element of air, Swords in the world of tarot, governs intellect and other matters of the mind.  That’s why some of our most famous Aquarians have also been some of our greatest thinkers: Thomas Edison, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Charles Dickens, Abraham Lincoln and Charles Darwin for example.

People born under the sign of Aquarius are walking contradictions - shy, sensitive and artistic on one hand, logical, contrary and aloof on the other.  They are remarkable in their complexity as in the example of other noted Aquarians, Virginia Woolf, James Dean, Mozart and Lord Byron.  Imagine having a kiki with that bunch.  

Uranus, one of Aquarius' ruling planets

Uranus, that free-wheeling, free-thinking planet of rebels co-rules Aquarius and under its influence, Aquarians are encouraged to honor their visions and seek their own destiny.  Not surprisingly, Uranus’ corresponding Major Arcana Card is The Fool.  An open, optimistic heart, coupled with a faith in divine intervention guides The Fool, and by association, Aquarius.  Aquarians love to try anything new and will flit from one thing to another without staying long enough to acquire any real mastery.  The new, the different is their passion and they are the quintessential ‘early adopter.’

Saturn, the planet who teaches us all by placing challenges in our path, co-rules Aquarius.  Although Aquarians learn their lessons well, there is an indomitable spirit in water bearers that is more than a match for Saturn's object lessons.  

People often confuse the watery image of Aquarius with the

Saturn co-rules Aquarius

emotional make up of a water sign.  Don’t do it.  One of Aquarius’ weaknesses is their lack of emotion which often shows itself in a cynical, even sarcastic sense of humor.  Aquarians are frequently accused of being distant in a relationship.  That may be due to their ability to focus on life’s journey rather than on its destination.  Much like tarot’s Fool, they are thrilled with the prospect of what’s around the next corner and don’t deal well with ruts.  

Uranus's ruling card, The Fool
from "OSHO Zen Tarot"© by
Devi Padma 

Aquarians are very self-contained and often appear to enter into a relationship as an afterthought.  They cherish life as a free spirit.  If you are the partner of an Aquarian, you understand every definition of the word tolerance.  Water bearers require freedom and intellectual stimulation in their relationships, as well as the joy of new discovery.  Saturday’s hike, Sunday’s crossword puzzle, theater and art gallery openings, a new restaurant summarize the Aquarian view of the perfect life. Try to keep up.  Their most compatible signs are Aires, Gemini, Libra and Sagittarius - Leo as well, if you believe that opposites attract.

Their humanitarian instincts run particularly deep and when they combine that with their ability to connect to higher spiritual planes, Aquarians accomplish miracles.  They are excellent healers and therefore make excellent doctors.  While January’s birthstone is Garnet, Turquoise, a healing stone, rules Aquarius.  Water bearers also enjoy the arts and do well  as actors, theatrical agents, musicians and poets.   They love history and make excellent researchers too.

The Major Arcana card for Aquarius is #17, Star.  Star indicates hope and a healing peace after a period of dramatic

Saturn's Tarot association
from Corinne Kenner and John J. Blumen's
"Wizard's Tarot"©

change or vigorous transformation.  Star kneels by the pool pouring water effortlessly from one realm into the other, having faith that it will be just the right amount and travel to just the right spot.  None of the careful control of #14, Temperance is needed here.  Also, there are no paths to the pool.  Star is isolated and as is the nature of Aquarians, happy to be so.  Enjoy being an Aquarius and if you have a relationship with one, as challenging as it can be, enjoy that as well.  They are lofty idealists who can take us to the heights of our dreams. They engaging, infuriating, but not dull.  And always remember, “Still waters run deep.”

LADY ORACLE

Check out the mythology for Aquarius the Water Bearer in my blog, "Grin and Bear It"