Mercury in Retrograde, October 4, 2014 - October 24, 2014 – “A Solo Act, But No Headliner”

The Shaman, or Magician is Mercury's
card. This depiction from "The Wildwood
Tarot"© by Mark Ryan, John Matthews
and Will Worthington

Mercury in Scorpio had mind like a scalpel.  It makes clean incisions to expose hidden thoughts and agendas.  A Mercury/Scorpio mind loves to investigate the inner workings of a process, human, or bureaucratic. It’s a mindset with a notoriously short fuse, but is balanced by brilliant insights that are capable of transforming any situation according to intention.  The people most strongly influenced by this transit are people born under the signs of Scorpio, Gemini, or Virgo (the last two planets are ruled by Mercury), and those who have Mercury in Scorpio predominantly in their birth chart. (See Blog: “Mercury Retrograde, Tarot and You," for tips on dealing with the great mangler of communications and timetables)

I told you all that to tell you this: Mercury Retrograde begins on October 4th in the sign of Scorpio.  Luckily, this Mercury Retrograde doesn’t remain in testy Scorpio, but slip-slides back to Libra on October 10th.  We get to breath a sigh of semi-relief then because Libra is a much less volatile position for Mercury and we already have more than enough combustable energy to go around this month.  Mercury in Libra is a balanced mind that analyzes all sides of an issue as it continually looks for the perfect solution.  Nothing is ever perfectly balanced, but that doesn’t keep Mercury in Libra from trying.  If we follow Mercury Retrograde’s sacred rules, (re-visit, re-analyze, re-work) rules that are second nature to Mercury in Libra, we will have a relatively unobstructed path this month. Of course, we still have to traverse the rest of October’s volcanic terrain, don’t we?

October 8th we also have the Moon conjunct Uranus in fifteen

Fiery Aires rules Uranus and stirs
up the energy between the Moon and
Uranus on the 8th. Depiction from
"The Wildwood Tarot"©

degrees of Aires. This is part of the ongoing September/October Grand Fire Trine between Uranus in Aires, Jupiter in Leo and Mars in Sagittarius.  This is a massive amount of fire, or wand energy to handle.  It’s also a highly creative and industrious energy as well, and should nicely counter-balance much of MR’s impact.  However, remember to channel that fiery trine power, or risk being caught by an energetic ‘sneaker wave.’  

October is month for the intrepid, astrologically speaking.  What we seek, we are bound to find, good or bad, but never indifferent.  This weekend I’ll be looking at FullMoon in Aires, coupled with trine forces and garnished with – wouldn’t you just know it – a full lunar eclipse.  Plot your course, dust off your surf boards and prepare to shoot the energetic curl for this one, folks!

LADY ORACLE

All decks featured available for sale through "Lady Oracle Tarot"©

Typecasting – Sorting Our Astrological Planets to Type

In the field of astrology all planetary bodies are sorted by type. There are the inner

planets: Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus and Mars.  Although the Sun is a star and the Moon, our satellite, they are considered planetary bodies in astrology.  There are also outer planets: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto.  

Inner planets all have one feature in common.  It takes them less than two years to complete their respective orbits.  Yes, we orbit the Sun, but remember that astrology is what’s happening in the Heavens from Earth’s perspective.  Inner planets are also called ‘personal planets.’  Their influence over us is much different from the outer bank of planets simply because inner planets bebop through our signs much more frequently.

Their are two types of outer planets as well: Transitional planets and generational planets.  Jupiter and Saturn are transitional bodies, while Uranus, Neptune and Pluto are generational.  Jupiter, the planet of optimism, success, and generosity; i.e. the Santa Claus Planet, completes its orbit roughly every twelve years. This confident giant transits signs at the rate of one per year and astrologers look here for our opportunities to develop and become successful. Saturn, on the other hand, takes approximately twenty-nine and a half years to circle the Zodiac.  Saturn is where our lifetime achievement award is housed.  While Jupiter offers a closeup of our opportunities, Saturn shows us what we’ve accomplished and the lessons we’ve learned along the way.  Saturn is about rules, responsibilities, self-discipline and lasting achievement.  It’s also about the journey towards our goals and how we overcome obstacles to gain self-respect and security.

The notorious Saturn Return occurs about every thirty years

for each of us as Saturn returns to our birth sign.  During Saturn Return we are offered special challenges that are meant to move our lives forward and help us attain the things we yearn for whether we’ve admitted their existence or not.  Saturn Returns are pivot points in our lives.  We can make extraordinary advancements and set off in entirely new directions during its influence.

Generational planets are the slowest moving planets of all

and because their transits are so lengthy, their influence colors an entire generation.  Uranus take eighty-four years to complete an orbit – Neptune, 165 years.  Pluto is the winner for being last.  Its orbit takes 248 years.  Uranus transits at the rate of seven years per sign.  Neptune takes thirteen and three-quarters years to move from sign to sign, but Pluto takes an astounding twenty and two-thirds years to cross each sign.  Pluto’s influence in a particular sign is felt from cradle to adulthood, while Neptune’s reach only extends to adolescence.  Uranus carries a more rhythmic cycle of a seven year transit per sign.  Perhaps that’s the origins of the term, ‘seven year itch.’ After all, Uranus is the planet originality and unexpected change.  While Uranus challenges authority, Neptune relates to the mystical and Pluto assists in our transformation.

Astrology is a vast and complex system for analyzing the positions of heavenly bodies and the patterns of their influence on our lives.  Just when you think you’ve gotten a handle on what it really means, you turn the page in a book and discover a whole other level that has to be considered – but then again, that’s life, isn’t it?

LADY ORACLE

Astrological Trends for October 2013 – “Avast Me Hearties”

When weather turns stormy at sea, a good sailor knows what to do:  Close up the vessel so that the waves breaking over the deck don't spilling water below.  He also lessens the ship's sail area so that strong winds don’t push it over.  “Hmmm,” you ask, “what is she trying to tell us with this sailing metaphor?”  Reef your mainsail and batten your hatches.  October has some powerful configurations in it and you need to stay mindful and focus on what’s truly important to you.

On October 2nd, Saturn is trine (the most favorable aspect of

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

120 degrees) the asteroid, Chiron.  Chiron is the wounded healer of myth, who, in this case couples with Saturn to provide all of us with an opportunity to do self-healing work. Also, those of us with Saturn quincunx (an aspect of 150 degrees that requires serious adjustments) Uranus in our birth charts will have particular trouble reconciling the conflicting parts of ourselves. Saturn represents rules, discipline and self-respect.  Uranus is a wild child who questions authority and the status quo. We will all experience frustration trying to merge the parts of our lives that simply won’t merge.  That’s a quincunx for you. Don’t attach to outcomes, breath and let go.

The Fool, the card for Uranus
from Ciro Marchetti's
"Legacy of the Divine Tarot"©

The Moon, Saturn and Mercury are all hanging out in Scorpio during the first part of the month.  Again, we see Saturn’s need to challenge (provide growth opportunities) mixing it up with Mercury in Scorpio.  The result is a deep, intellectual process. There’s lot’s of soul searching during this period.  We gain true insights into our lives – not always pretty, but necessary.  Don’t get trapped inside your own head, though.  Get outside and take in some of that wonderful Fall air to help you maintain balance. Meditate.

Our New Moon in Libra arrives on October 4th and makes all of us ready for a fresh start.  We’ll lay aside old resentments and seek common ground in our partnerships and friendships (Somebody tell Congress) while enjoying a revitalized social scene.

Mid-month we get some help to lighten our moods when Mars enters Virgo on the 15th and Venus enters Sagittarius on the 17th.  Mars and Virgo join up to help us clean house, both physically and metaphorically.  This is problem solving energy – an energy that tidies bothersome corners and tucks away those repetitive thoughts that nag us.  Use Mars in Virgo to clear your decks.  Venus in Sagittarius is a young-at-heart style of energy that solidifies friendships even if it doesn’t offer us a lasting love. Venus will definite helps us regain our dance moves.

On October 18th we have a Full Moon in Aries and a lunar

The Magician is Mercury's card
from "Wizard's Tarot"© by Corinne Kenner and
John J. Blumen

eclipse.  Let’s hear it for planetary reboots.  Great energy here, but I’ll have more on that later this month.  Mercury goes retrograde from October 21st through November 10th.  I’ll re-post appropriate blog links as needed.  Remember: Smudging in an art form.  Lastly, the end of the month picks up momentum as we prepare for another direct Uranus/Pluto square on November 1st.

We have lots of energetic activity this month – lots of whitecaps in the waves as well.   Stay high-minded, meditate and above all, don’t lock yourself away to brood.  Change happens and the best part about change is that you get to be a part of it.

LADY ORACLE

Tarot decks available for sale through www.ladyoracle.net

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   

Astrological Trends, July, 2013 - “Trine Time”

Saturn's ruling tarot card
#21, The World
Shadowscapes Tarot©

July started the month off with incendiaries – some of which had faulty guidance systems, but all in all, July’s roller coster arrival (Super Moon after shocks and Mercury Retrograde) was nothing we couldn’t handle with meditation, creative visualization and maybe a couple of glasses of wine if things felt too crazy.  Now we’re humming as the Grand Trine between Jupiter in Cancer, Neptune in Pisces and Saturn in Scorpio takes the center stage and becomes the major player for July’s astrological forecast.  

A trine is the most favorable aspect, or angle (120 degrees), between planets and certain other celestial bodies. A Grand Trine is a harmonious and continuous flow of energy between 3 planets.  Our natural inclination during a trine is to bask in the pleasant out-pouring of magnificent energy, however, astrologers warn that too many trines at once may be too much of a good thing, causing a somewhat sluggish mindset, or even outright laziness.  Go with the flow this month, particularly during Mercury Retrograde, but remember that there is fabulous energy from the Grand Trine that you can use to shift your life in the desired direction. 

All the signs in July’s Grand Trine are water signs.  All water signs are spiritual, intuitive and creative.  Water folk tend to view life from an emotional viewpoint rather than from facts and figures.  They are often romantic souls. The analogy used to compare them states that if Cancer is a lake, Scorpio is a river and Pisces is an ocean. Each of these signs has a direct affect on the planet within its house and what we’’ll all be feeling this month is the water signs’ influence.  

Jupiter (tarot’s #10, The Wheel of Fortune) in Cancer (tarot’s

Jupiter's ruling tarot card
#10, The Wheel of Fortune
Shadowscapes Tarot©

#7, The Chariot) is humorous, good-natured and good with money. Design a budget and stick to it.  The end of summer will find your cash crunch eased and who knows, you could solve a tricky money flow issue with the help of Jupiter, the Santa Claus planet.  The combination of Jupiter in Cancer also promotes emotional growth and healing which makes July the perfect month to let go of romantic fantasies and emotional attitudes we should have left behind long ago.  

Neptune (tarot’s #10, The Hanged Man) is the ruling planet for Pisces (tarot’s #18, The Moon) and is the “beautiful dreamer” of the Grand Trine.  Neptune is also in Retrograde which means that we are more likely to contemplate our

Neptune's tarot card
#12, The Hanged Man
Shadowscapes Tarot©

connection to one another and question our intention towards our fellow creatures. Who do we serve, ourselves or the whole?  You may recall that Pisces easily becomes lost in day dreams and illusion.  In July we’ll all battle this tendency trying hard to remain focused on the here and now instead of the seductive allure of ‘someday.’  The lesson here; change your focus, stay in the now and change your life.   

Saturn (tarot’s #21, World) is the most practical of the three planets.  Saturn likes analyzing people’s motivations and assigning them either asset or liability status – not in a cold-blooded way, but as a matter of practicality.  Do the people in your life help you be a better person, or do they hinder the process? While Saturn in Scorpio (tarot’s #13, Death) normally uses challenges to help us transform our world, here we see Saturn stabilizing the trine and helping us use its energy in our daily lives.

Factoids for the month: Our New Moon in Cancer in on July 8th.  The Grand Trine becomes exact of July 17th, so expect a little more magic that day.  Hum a lot.  Mercury goes direct on July 20th and is an exact square with Uranus.  Look for some breakthrough energy there. The full Moon in Aquarius is on July 22nd and we also have a meteor shower, the Delta Aquarids, later this month.  More on these later.  Enjoy!

LADY ORACLE

The mystical and magical Shadowscapes Tarot© by Stephanie Pui-Mun Law and Barbara Moore are available for sale through      Lady Oracle's Mercantile!  Click Here!

Full Moon in Scorpio and A Partial Eclipse April 25, 2013 - No Need To ‘Duck and Run’

There’s no shortage of names for April’s full moon.  We can call it Full Pink Moon, Full Sprouted Grass Moon, Full Fish Moon, or Full Egg Moon. There are no shortage of planets and signs involved in this month’s full moon either.  On the 25th our full moon is in 5 degrees, 46 minutes of Scorpio. Scorpio is keeping company with Saturn until 2015.  Saturn, the teacher of the Zodiac, gives us challenges designed to hone our strengths and prompt us to excel.  The Scorpion is about transformation; the end of one cycle and the beginning of another.  This month’s Full Pink Moon gives all of us a chance to use Scorpio’s phoenix mode and rise from the ashes to reinvent ourselves and our lives.

Many astrologers say this is a full moon of reckoning.  Uranus and Pluto, who are in transit together, are building up for another power square in mid May.  Uranus is the planet of revolutionary thought and social change, while Pluto is all about emotional subtext.  Hidden issues come to light under Pluto’s influence. Once in the open, they can heal, but it’s not always a pleasant process.  On the 25th, Uranus will be in Aries. That’s a fiery, ‘me first’ energy, but it’s also an energy that does not fear change. The Ram embraces forward movement, particularly if gets gets him what he wants. Emotional Pluto on the other hand, is in Capricorn.  Capricorn’s ruler is Saturn, the ‘enforcer’ of the Zodiac.  Saturn teaches us responsibility, resourcefulness and regulations. Capricorn rules the tenth house of finance, big business, banking and power deals.  Take stock of your finances before splurging. Watch out for impulses to randomly invest. Financial responsibility now translates to a bigger budget later this summer.

This moon can also push your relationship buttons.  Be aware of power struggles with your partner.  Don’t play games. Prioritize everyone’s needs in your relationships, both personal and professional. This is good advice all the time, but even better advice now.  Most importantly, give yourself and your partner room to expand this week.  This is not the time to draw lines around anyone, particularly yourself and say, “stay put and don’t change.”  No one is advocating infidelity here. This is all about personal development and attaining goals.

The last player on the field for the Full Pink Moon is none other than the Moon herself.  We have a partial penumbral eclipse.  We won’t necessarily notice it visually, but we will feel its power.  Use it to goal set, to assist you in accessing Scorpio’s transformative power.  The Sun in Taurus will help you ground and focus our intention.  This moon is extremely strong.  There’s really no need to ‘duck and run.’ Just use all that lunar energy responsibly to become the person you were meant to be.  

LADY ORACLE

Tarot Planetary and Sign Associations

Mars - The Tower, sudden, unexpected change

Pluto - Judgment, rebirth and decisions

Saturn - The World, fulfillment and integration

Uranus - The Fool, a fresh start (divinely protected)

Aries - The Emperor, rules and structure

Taurus - The Hierophant, group spiritual structure, spirituality

Scorpio - Death, end of a cycle transformative rebirth

Capricorn - The Devil, conflict between higher self and enslavement to the material

Moon - the High Priestess, unconscious thought and intuition

Please forgive the over simplified meanings for some very complex cards, but I think it’s important to see the astrological correlations without ten more pages of blog. 

L.O.

Here's a link to the scientific info for the 4/25 lunar eclipse

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

Astrological Trends for April 2013 - "This Joint is Jumping"

Spring is in the air and so is love.  Venus remains in Aires until April 15th (Naturally. Nothing kills romance like taxes.).  The planet of love provides lots of sparks the first two weeks of this month.  Astro experts say you can expect some delightful new romantic opportunities as well as a fresh perspective on existing relationships.  

Our new moon on April 10th is in 20 degrees of Aries. New moon’s are about new cycles and don’t be surprised if you receive an across the board power boost during this one.  Do you remember the power surge we got during The Full Worm Moon a couple of weeks ago?  We had Mars, Venus, the Sun and Uranus in Aries.  The power grid is still open for business.  Mars, Aries ruling planet, stays in house until April 20th.  Take advantage of this energy configuration to hone a competitive edge on the job.  Yes, there will be fresh challenges (this month is all about fresh) but you have a greater ability to focus until the 20th and that increases your confidence quotient.  Watch for conflicts and anger issues as Uranus (Sudden change and revolution) flexes its muscles this month.  To put it bluntly, keep your head in the game and out of Uranus.

Mercury parts company with Pisces on the 13th, but until then expect to have some peak moments of insight and intuition.  There will be a strong emotional subtext due to the energy of watery Pisces, however, this also adds lots of colorful imagery to your imagination.  Let it flow, but keep a handle on your emotions.  

There a lot more to say about April.  We have the Lyrid Meteor shower on April 21st, a full moon with a partial eclipse on April 25th and Saturn at opposition on April 28th.  I’ll be talking about these events a little later in the month.  Take your cues from the planets this month.  Keep it fresh and stay proactive.

LADY ORACLE

Full Moon, March 27, 2013 - "The Worm Turns"

March’s Full Worm Moon occurs of Wednesday, March 27th at 2:27 a.m. PST.  This particular Full Moon derives its name from the spring thaw which allows worms to move to the surface to be devoured by robins. Is anyone else having a Wes Craven moment with this?  Perhaps Robin Moon would be a more picturesque name, but somewhere in the annals of time someone thought worms should be given their due.  I’m biased having been born and raised in Vermont, but I like the other name for March’s Full Moon - the Sap Moon.  It sound’s much more appetizing than Worm Moon.  As the weather warms in March the tree sap runs and this is the time of year for tapping maple trees.  It’s a truly amazing process and one you should check out on YouTube.

This year, our Sap Moon occurs in Libra.  Libra carries a lovely equity energy and has a strict policy of maintaining fairness and balance in just about everything.  Very harmonious - accept when you happen to have the Sun in Aries and three, count ‘em three, planets aligned within the same sign.  Venus, Uranus and Mars will be joining our Sun and hanging out in Aries in opposition to our Full Moon in Libra.  These planets will also be squaring Pluto.  What does this mean is simple language?  We have a relationship moon on the 27th and Libra, who is fair and balanced will be overpowered by Aries energy.  The Sun in Aries receives a super charge from a visit by Mars, its ruler and Venus, the relationship planet.  

Aries energy is based on self-interest.  First sign, first in line.  In terms of a relationship, that means making certain your needs are not only met, but that they come first.  There’s only one, first place in a relationship and there will be two people vying for the top spot during the Full Moon period.  You can see the problem.  The days leading up to the 27th and the few afterward may take all your communications skills, candor and ability to compromise to negotiate with your partner.  While you’re elbowing for position to have your own needs met, it’s crucial to remember that everyone’s needs are valid in a relationship.  One partner’s needs should never be considered more important than the needs of the other partner.  For your own sake this Full Moon, learn the difference between importance and immediacy.  Also remember the four Cs of relationships: Commitment, compassion, consideration and compromise.  

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"