"A Void Is A Void, of Course of Course" ( Apologies to "Mr. Ed") or "Slipping Into The Moon's, Void of Course"

Our moon completes one revolution around the Earth every

twenty-nine days, twelve hours, forty-three minutes and roughly 11 seconds.  During her monthly journey, our lady also travels through the twelve signs of the Zodiac and graciously presents herself to the planets she meets along the way.  When the moon and planets meet in the same sign, their angular interface is known in astrological terms as an 'aspect.'  The type of aspect they share, like any angle, is measured in degrees and seconds.  Once Lady Moon has met and passed all the planets within a given sign, we say that the moon is 'Void of Course' and that there will be no further influences from her until she enters another sign with new planets. When the moon is Void of Course, or, VoC, there is a brief pause in the breath of the Universe and you should, be all means, honor that pause.

It takes the moon approximately 2 1/2 days to enter and leave a sign in the Zodiac.  Consequentially, VoC periods occur about every 2 1/2 days.  These voids can last a few moments, several hours and occasionally, for the entire 2 1/2 day cycle.  That means we experience roughly twelve to thirteen VoC moons in a month.  We often sleep right through them as they can also occur in the middle of the night.  There is some debate amongst astrologers as to how many planets should be included in the calculation for lunar voids, as well as what particular aspects should be considered.  (See the basic aspect table below)  Some astrologers favour Ptolemy's ancient system, while others wish to include more newly discovered bodies like Pluto and Charron.  I'm not convinced that it really matters.

The truly remarkable thing about a lunar VoC is that the Universe, in its wisdom, has created time and space for inconsequential drifting.  You'll hear the usual warnings about starting new ventures, unexpected results, etc.  Wiccan's and magician's won't normally try spell work during a VoC.   Regardless of all of that, during a VoC you have the Universe's permission...no, assertion that it's right and proper to slow down and simply enjoy the state of being.  You might feel a little aimless, slightly ungrounded as if life has an unreal quality to it.  Not really a surprise.  Reality as we perceive it is, after all,  is merely an illusion.

It's suggested that we use the minutes, hours and days of VoC to connect to ourselves, to promote our spiritual growth.  A hike in the woods, good music, a deck of tarot cards - whatever it is that helps you connect to your higher self.  During  VoC periods meditations can be deeper, more profound.  We have the ability to more easily slip our earthly bonds and do spiritual work in the higher realms.

Western society moves at an abominably fast pace.  As

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society increases its expectation of our productivity and status, we frequently judge ourselves as falling short of arbitrary guidelines as to who we should be.  We become so caught up in achieving, often only for the act of achievement itself, that we lose sight of what we initially wanted to do with our lives.  During the next VoC ask yourself whose guidelines you've chosen to use - your own, or those manufactured for you on glossy, media pages.

On August 15th at 21 minutes past midnight PST, we will experience the Moon's next Void of Course.  It will last until 10:04 a.m.  Here's your opportunity to begin your quest to find your own guidelines about who you are, what you believe matters above all else and what you truly want to create as your spiritual framework.  Just you and your Creator doing some inconsequential drifting.  Turn off the morning rhetoric and instead, start your day with a mediation.  Take a moment before 10:00 a.m. to just sit quietly in this space in time, on this tiny planet and honor the peace of the void.

LADY ORACLE




COMMON ASTROLOGY ASPECTS  (PLANETS AND/OR MOON)

Term                       Degree or Relationship To Each Other              

Conjunction          approximately on the same degree

Semi Sextile           30 degrees

Sextile                    60 degrees

Square                   90 degrees

Trine                    120 degrees

Opposition           180 degrees

May 20th Solar Eclipse - An Astronomical Grand Slam

The bases are loaded on May 20th and some astrologers say we're heading for the brink.  The brink of what is the subject of debate.  Some say that we could see a global event and it might not be pretty. Others say there will be a certain shaky feeling, but it will mostly effect people of certain birth signs and those with Gemini in the the first five degrees of their houses.  My house has dust bunnies, so I guess I'm safe.

The eclipse on May 20th occurs during the zodiac sign of Gemini and is predicted to effect the birth signs of  Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces.  So, if your birthday is on, or around the 20th of May, September, November or February, there's an increased chance that you will feel some effect from the eclipse.

What are the effects of an eclipse?  What we do know about eclipses is part science, part myth and part spirituality.  In primitive man, they engendered feelings of fear and anxiety.  Disastrous events were said to accompany an eclipse and tribesman had rituals to drive away the monster eating the Sun.  I think it's a safe bet that we won't be rounding up virgins to sacrifice in this day and age.  Plenty of disaster hits every day regardless of celestial positions.

Scientifically speaking, a solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between us and the sun. This is a naturally occurring phenomena that happens in a six month pattern.  Orbital patterns... go figure. In terms of astrology, leaders in the field suggest that an eclipse acts as a planetary reboot and sets the tone for the coming six months. What's unique about the 20th, however, is that it's only the start of the show. 

A new Moon also begins on the 20th and Venus will also be crossing the Sun in a retrograde style of occurrence called, a transit.  Uh, oh.  I said the 'r' word.  Didn't we just have one of those?  All planets have retrograde periods.  Pluto (the questionable planet) and Saturn are working on their respective retrogrades as well.  Batter up!  I checked out several sites trying to find a consensus on what we can expect in terms of planetary freakishness.  There are many opinions, but certain common themes appear among the sites.

In astrology, the planet Venus governs relationships and finances. The Venus transit (let's not say retrograde) will heighten awareness of any difficulties in those areas.  However, certain sites advised that an early Gemini eclipse also carries the energy for strong personal development through gains in confidence and motivation.  Mercury rules Gemini and brings youthful energy, communication and mental acuity to the mix.  Venus' effect, coupled with the new Moon and boosted by the reboot energy from the eclipse, is thought by some to present us with the right time and place for personal expansion and development in the areas of career and relationships.

Doesn't sound like a downer to me.  However, other astrologists warn that people who are effected by the eclipse's energy may also battle boundary issues in their personal and professional lives.  There can be emotional ripples, which, left unattended, can grow into waves.  They caution not to let a sense of restlessness and unease take over your life.  Good communication is key and here is what those in the know suggest.

Use this time productively.  If you want to manifest changes in your life, this is a great time to do so, but now you must be particularly clear and focused about what you truly want.  Study, gather information and resources.  Set your resolve.  Brainstorm with like-minded people.  Think synergy - the sum of the parts is greater than the sum of the whole.

If you're feeling awash with emotions, check them at the door.  Experience your emotions privately, but seek out intellectual expression.  Controlling your emotions doesn't mean bottling yourself up. In order to use the energies in play right now, it's important that you communicate freely with friends, family and co-workers.  Just do it in a centered, well-ordered way.  As I like to say, you have two ears and one mouth.  Use each one equally and you'll be astounded at what you learn about yourself and others.

As with any shift or change that we go through, meditation is your best friend.  I recommend you reaffirm your connection to Source.  Your link with your Creator is the most important communication you can have.  All else falls into place from there.  Ground yourself with your morning and evening mantras as you breath in and out with the Universe.  And smile.  We have a lunar eclipse coming in June.

LADY ORACLE

Mercury Retrograde, Tarot And You – March 2012

I make it a point to check the retrograde calendar without fail...well, usually.  This present one (March 12th through April 4th)  snuck up on me -  complete with missed appointments, various and sundry mechanical failures and an overall feeling of being stuck wearing somebody else's dirty gym socks.  At least I passed through the eye of the storm in not so blissful ignorance.  And when I finally realized the cause of all snags and snarls in what few organized systems I possess, I said, "Well, of course, retrograde!" We have just a few more days...a few more days.  Repeat it with me, a few more days.


If you're not familiar with Mercury retrogrades, I'll take a minute to explain.  Each year as Earth orbits the Sun, it overtakes Mercury three to four times.  When we pass Mercury, it creates the optical illusion that Mercury is actually reversing it's orbit.  This optical illusion is a metaphor for the mishaps and misstatements that punctuate our lives during this period.  It's also proof that the Cosmos has a twisted sense of humor.

Are you drawing more swords than usual in your tarot readings?  Hmmm.  Could be old Mercury messing with your mind.  Do your cups runneth over?  You know the culprit.  So how go I stop saying the wrong thing at the worst time, or stop spending hours wallowing in emotional quagmires?  Worse yet, how do I get my cable remote to work again, you ask.

The key to a successful Mercury Retrograde is preparation.

1) Know your yearly retrograde dates, relax and breath into them.  Meditate.
2) Keep you expectations low during this time, both personally and professionally.  If possible, try not to     enter into new contracts or negotiations.  Don't decide to have air-clearing discussions with friends and family.  Communications of all kinds are highly influenced by Mercury's illusion.
3) Remember your  "R" words.  Renew, revisit, rest, re-plan, re-figure, renovate.  Things that are already in progress can benefit from a Mercury Retrograde revision.  Those are safe to do.
4) Keep your favorite tarot deck handy and plenty on sage and sweetgrass incense about for cleansing as needed.  Swords may caution you about over-thinking or living in your head.  Cups will point out over-indulgence of angst and remind you that there is, indeed, a morning after.

Follow these steps and while life won't necessarily be a breeze, it will be much easier.

Retrograde Dates for 2012


March 12th  to April 4th

July 14th to August 7th

November 6th to November 26th


Lady Oracle