New Moon in Libra Delivers Balance and Drive

#11, Justice, or Breakthrough from
"OSHO Zen Tarot"© by Deva Padma
gives us the sense of how to work with
New Moon in Libra

This month's New Moon in 1 degree and 8 minutes of Libra continues the theme of establishing balance throughout our lives and in the world around us. New Moons set the emotional tone for the month and Libra provides an excellent tuning fork. Moon in Libra is a charming, romantic moon, with a strong intellectual component. Romance is a big factor, but our intellect decides where our boundaries are and any attractions we feel must engage our minds, as much, or even more so than our hearts.  Libra's energy creates a highly social dynamic, where our interactions are about honest communication and the drive to build harmony by deepening our understanding of others. That's a fairly intense combination. 

Venus, the ruler of Libra gives this New Moon a glamorous

OSHO's #14 Integration also stands for
Temperance, Sagittarius' card

and sophisticated flavor.  This is a time to appreciate the arts and enjoy some of the finer things in life, to indulge in free thinking while staying grounded. New Moon in Libra is not an overly emotional moon. It is a moon of balance though, connecting equal parts for a sum much greater than the sum of the whole.  We have an equal connection to the elements of earth, sky, fire and water – more so now with the cosmic push for balance.  Air signs will likely see a greater increase in their mental keenness than other signs, while earth signs experience a stronger creative flair coupled with feelings of intense resolve.  Water signs draw on the moon's intuition while firmly grounding their imaginations through their intellect.  Fire signs, cry out for action – not for its own sake, but action with an eye towards completion.

OSHO Zen Tarot's© #16, "Thunder Bolt"
shows us the positive power unleashed
in an adaptation of "The Tower"

There are other factors to take into account during this New Moon.  Venus, ruler of Libra is residing in Virgo where she boosts the romantic flavor of this month's New Moon. There's also Mars in Sagittarius who carries a bold energy that's always on the lookout for an adventure. Left to its own devices Mars in Sagittarius remains a little unfocused. However, all the balancing and focusing power from Libra gives Mars a boost in the adventure department. One that will likely increase on September 25th when Jupiter trines Uranus (more on that later). 

Consider the astrological significance of the following cards should they appear frequently in your readings:

The High Priestess      -  The Moon     

Justice                          -   Libra

The Magician              -   Mercury (also in Libra now)

The Empress               -   Venus

The Hermit                  -   Virgo

The Tower                   -   Mars (let's watch this planet during the next few days)

Temperance               -   Sagittarius

Wheel of Fortune       -   Jupiter

Uranus                         -   The Fool

Enjoy the benefits of a strong Moon in Libra. It's here to facilitate our artistry as well as our intellect, our imaginations, as well as of practical natures.  This is a time to balance and restore order so we can prepare for the power surges of October.

LADY ORACLE

All featured decks available for purchase through Lady Oracle Tarot!

Venus in Cancer, July 18, 2014 – “With Fronds Like These, Who Needs Anemones”

“Finding Nemo,” is one of my favorite movies and every time I 

Kris Waldherr uses the goddess Venus for
#6, The Lovers in her "Goddess Tarot"©

watch it, I chuckle over Marlin the Clown Fish’s rather lame joke. If you’ve ever visited a tidal pool and poked an Anemone you know that stimulating their fronds makes them quiver and close up in an instant. Venus’ transit of Cancer this month turns all turns us into untral-sensitive creatures who react instantaneously to both negative and positive romantic stimulation.  We also become incurable romantics. 

Mercury has been in the sign of the crab since July 13th.  (See blog: “July Astrological Trends”) That’s a witty intellect.  Venus is another story.  The goddess of love rules the seventh and second houses of the Zodiac, dealing with primary relationships and self- esteem, respectively.  Cancer lives in the fourth house where we house our family and foundations.  The fourth house is ruled by the Moon, which gives us insights, but can also make Venus’ attractions remarkably strong this month.  Don’t worry, though.  You’re unlikely to throw everything away for love. Cancer is too practical for that.  Venus in Cancer makes us want to hug the world, or at least our corner of it.  We all become more sentimental and our romantic roles, more traditional in the game of hunt and chase. We want to woo and be wooed as the situation dictates.

#3, Estsanatlehi (try saying this three
 times fast!) represents the Empress, Venus' tarot
 association from Waldherr's "The Goddess Tarot"©

If there’s a down side to Venus in Cancer, it’s the heightened sensitivity we have during this transit.  Cancerians are shell people.  Much like an Anemone, they close themselves off when they become confused, or hurt. They have a need to hide emotions. Expect a little tug of war inside yourself with the need to emote and the need to protect your super sensitive feelings.

Venus in Cancer is a great transit for summer romances (as opposed to summer flings).  Enjoy the idea of romance and romantic gestures.  Think about possibilities, but stay away from obsessing on a particular person.  Like the summer, keep it light.

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.

Full Snow Moon In Leo, February 14, 2014 – “Riding With the King”

Smart and sassy, Rome Choi's depiction
for #2 The High Priestess - tarot's card
for the Moon from "Dreaming Way Tarot"©

The Snow Moon is also called the Hungry Moon in Native American culture.  That makes sense. Stores of food were depleted by February and in winter weather game often remained scarce until mid-March.  For some of us in society hunger is never far from the door.  February is a good time to give thanks for what we have and to share a little – even if it’s not the traditional time to do so.  

On February 14th, Valentine’s Day no less, we greet the Full Snow Moon in twenty-six degrees, thirteen minutes of Leo. Ladies and gentlemen, let the rumpus begin.  Full Moon in Leo is exuberant. Heck, just take off the e,x and the a,n,t and say it outright.  Full Moon in Leo is uber-moon.  Leo is a charismatic, flamboyant sign who hosts our Lady Moon in comfort and style.  Leos like luxury. If you have Moon in Leo in your birth chart, congratulations. You are riding with the king.  The rest of us will feel the effects to varying degrees, but people with Moon in Leo are riding shotgun.

Leo has an expansive way of thinking, so both Friday and this

Barbara Moore and
Aly Fell's "Steampunk Tarot"©
show us Leo's tarot card.  

weekend is about connecting with your potential and asking, why not me? This Full Moon want us to be center stage and larger than life.  It is a moon of leadership. What is your maximum potential? See it, touch it, live it.  Be on the lookout for financial opportunities, the chance to be on the cutting edge.  A lion is good with money and is the quintessential early adopter. They believe in teamwork and they have a tremendous capacity for followthrough.  If you’ve had problems in the past with your ability to go the distance expect to see a boost in stick-to-it-ness towards the end of this week and in the beginning of the next. 

Leo is notoriously alluring and when coupled with the Full Moon’s sultry light you’ll find yourself eager to sweep, and be swept, off your feet – or paws.  This particular Full Moon on Valentine’s Day is a marvelous chance for you to heap admiration and affection on your valentine and hopefully receive the same in return. Remember that Leo rules the heart.  Valentine’s Day is also the perfect time to love yourself as the marvelous creation that you are.  Open your heart and let love pour through you. You are the lion’s heart in your own life – worthy of love and admiration.

"OSHO Zen Tarot"© by Deva Padma
Offer a stunning depiction of romance,
love and eternity

Full Moon in Leo effects each sign of the Zodiac a little differently.  Generally speaking, air signs (Gemini, Libra and Aquarius) tend to pull that leonine charismatic energy during a Full Moon in Leo.  Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn) reflect the strong passions found in Leo, as well as the lion’s money making skills.  Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces) who already make a great emotional impact on others find that their powers of persuasiveness reach new heights.  Fire signs (Aries, Leo and Sagittarius) receive boosts to their creativity and their leadership skills.

Anyway you slice it, Full Snow Moon in Leo is an important Moon.  It is your chance to combine your courage with self-assuredness and to make lasting commitments to yourself and your goals.  Harness the energy of this Full Moon to assert the positive in your life and proudly proclaim who you are.

LADY ORACLE

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

Astrology Trends for January 2014 – “A Month for Innovation and Relationship Building”

A typical example of a Grand Cross configuration.
This month's Grand Cross is in
the cardinal modality, however.

We kicked off the year with a glorious New Moon in Capricorn on the 1st.  If you haven’t started your list of goals for 2014, get started now. Capricorn is a cardinal sign.  Cardinal signs are all Zodiac signs that come at the beginning of each season.  Capricorn (winter), Aries (spring), Cancer (summer) and Libra, (fall). Pay attention to the names of these cardinal signs because they will be popping up for the next several months to come. Cardinal signs carry traits such as independence, originality and  seeking the new. These are the signs for fresh starts and the astrological patterns for January 2014 are inundated with cardinal signs.

Capricorn's tarot association is
#15, The Devil – Enmeshment and
enslavement to the material. Check your
priorities From "Legacy of the Divine Tarot"©
by Ciro Marchetti

January’s tempo is set by a Cardinal Grand Cross composed of four planets at ninety degrees to one another, forming four astrological squares and two oppositions.  Whew! Heady stuff. Grand Crosses can carry very challenging energy – particularly in the cardinal modality. On January 11th Mercury bows out of Capricorn, but that still leaves us with Uranus in Aries (about the self), Mars in Libra (about relationships), Jupiter in Cancer (about home), Pluto in Capricorn (about the workplace) and Venus in Capricorn (more workplace, but with an emphasis on professional relationships). These planets share a central theme (I’m big on themes this year) of cardinal energy. Get used to the components of this Cardinal Grand Cross (hereafter known as CGC) because they will be recreating this formation off and on for the next several months.  

Those of us who’ve decided to change things up this year will be assisted by all of this CGC energy as long as we pay attention and take positive action. Action is the keyword here.  Get off the couch and turn off your electronic pacifiers. Cardinal energy hates to stand still.  It must be put to work. Create, strive, tap into your potential and make significant changes to your life. Stagnant cardinal energy causes your life to run amok and can give you feelings of anxiety, even depression.

The Empress is tarot's card for Venus, a highly
influential planet this month. From
"Steampunk Tarot"© by Aly Fell
and Barbara Moore

Venus is in retrograde until January 30th.  During this time we have the opportunity to review all of our relationships – not just the personal ones.  Venus Retrograde asks us to review our values, our business relationships and our finances as well.  Expect to see some underlying issues surface in our personal relationships. Old amours may return in person, or via the emotional baggage they left stored at your place.  Focus on the lesson in the Two of Cups.  What, or who, are you bringing to the relationship and what are you looking for from your partner?  Initially, each person only brings to a relationship what is stored in their cup.  Therefore, its important during this period to ask yourself if the contents of your partner’s cup is satisfying to you and if some of the items in your cup need to be left behind. Work to discover how both of you can add, or subtract from your own cups. Look for a great opportunity for communication when Venus is conjunct Mercury on January 7th.  

Also, Mars’ warrior energy comes off more dashing and debonair under Libra’s influence.  Ruled by the planet Venus, the sign, Libra is where we house our primary relationships and our partnerships. See how all this folds together this month? Mars pulls balancing energy from Libra and while it makes us more fair-minded, we may also bend over backwards to accommodate our partner and then resent them for it.  Be sure to balance the scale fifty-fifty.

Several tarot cards symbolize our relationships with money

The 6 of Pentacles asks us to make
decisions about finances, but also to
question our relationship with money
From Ciro Marchetti's "Legacy of the
Divine Tarot"©

and the material.  Probably the most significant during Venus’ retrograde in January will be major arcana’s #15 The Devil, Capricorn’s tarot card (enmeshment, enslavement to the material and conflict between higher goals and baser desires) and the Six of Pentacles ( judgments about money, your relationship with money).  Focus on these cards and what they symbolize in your life when it comes to reviewing issues with money, finance and the material.

Also this month we have a Full Moon in Cancer on January 15th, Sun in Aquarius on January 21st. and another New Moon in Aquarius on January 30th.  A twofer this month.

I’ll have more on these and other transits later.  In the meantime, don’t forget to meditate, goal-set and use this powerhouse of energy from the CGC to make the changes you want to see in your life.

LADY ORACLE

Capricorn, December 22nd to January 21st - “When the Zodiac Gets Your Goat”

#21, The World from Corinne Kenner
and John J. Blumen's "Wizard's Tarot"©
is the tarot association for Saturn,
ruling planet for Capricorn

There’s a reason the classic depiction of the sign, Capricorn shows a goat with a fish tail.  Sea-goats were a mythic animal of ancient Greece with the head and forelegs of a goat and the hind legs of a fish – perfect fare for a ‘surf and turf’ platter. Sea-goats were reputedly intelligent and highly honorable.  They were favorites of Chronos, (another name of Saturn) also known as ‘Father Time.’  The sea-goat kids became enchanted with the idea of life on dry land.  They swam to shore every day, dragging themselves along the sand on their forelegs to lie in the sun.  They stayed on land so long that eventually their fish tails changed to hind legs and they lost their ability to speak and to reason. 

Pricus, leader of the sea-goats, could manipulate time and space.  He used his powers to rewind time and return the kids to the ocean so he could prevent them from going ashore.  No matter how many times he tried to alter the future though, the results remained the same.  He couldn’t prevent the sea-goat kids from going ashore and evolving into regular goats.  Eventually, like all parents, Pricus came to realize he couldn’t control the actions, or the destiny of his children.  To ease his heavy heart and loneliness, Chronos placed Pricus in the stars to become the tenth sign of the Zodiac, Capricorn the Goat. 

Capricorns are nothing, if not persistent.  Ruled by Saturn,

Capricorn as the fish-tailed goat

these intense, yet, practical people fix on a goal and pursue it with relentless efficiency.  They are ambitious, highly organized and have amazing self-control.  If you support their vision, great.  If you don’t, get out of their way.  Capricorns aren’t kind to those who block their efforts.  Luckily, they are also not ones to hold a grudge.    

If you work with a Capricorn you know they are diligent, hard workers who don’t shirk responsibility.  Capricorn is a cardinal sign, which makes its children independent and enterprising.  For goat people, success is not simply pleasing a supervisor, it’s about company-wide, even industry-wide recognition.  They are goats, after all, and like the view from the top of the mountain. Capricorns are not risk takers by nature and favor a conventional approach in all things.  Don’t look for Capricorn’s aid in a corporate power struggle.  They will look after their own interests first.

Goat people are very good with money.  They don’t love wealth for wealth’s sake, mind you.  Goats understand money and its uses – primarily the power one derives from wealth. Capricorn is very generous with their money, but not above using it as a means of manipulating people, or situations to their liking.

Capricorn is an earth sign that carries yin, or female energy.  This is an indirect energy – a little surprising for the persistent goat.  Their best mates are other earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn), but they also do well with water people ( Scorpio, Cancer, Pisces).  These first children of the winter value stability and longevity in their relationships.  They like warm, comforting homes that act as retreats instead of homes that operate as staging areas for the events of their lives.

Capricorns are marvelous ‘go to’ guys and knowing them can be a rich and rewarding experience.  Celebrate the persistent and evolutionary energy of this sign as we make the turn into the new year.

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

Sun in Scorpio, October 23rd to November 22nd - “The House That Passion Built”

Everyone who likes astrology has favorite and least favorite

#16, The Tower - ruling card for Mars,
one of Scorpio's ruling planets by
Ciro Marchetti - "Legacy of the Divine  Tarot"©

signs.  Scorpio is top of my list of favorites.  Good thing too.  It’s my birth sign.  Being our own fan may very well be a Scorpion trait.  We do nothing in half measures.  We’ve been called a complex, broody sign that turns lethal in an instant. Frankly, it takes longer than an instant.  We are fiercely loyal, highly motivated, but we can hold a grudge like none other.  

Scorpio rules the eighth house of the Zodiac which stores the energy of birth, death, transformation and sex. Busy place.  It’s also the home of shared resources.  Rather a volatile home for the resources of a planet, mind you.  Scorpio is a water sign in the fixed modality.  That means that our emotions run deep, as does our intuition and our spirituality. As a fixed sign, our traits are constant and reliable. We carry yin, or feminine energy as seen by our intuitive and transformative skills.

'Seasons don't fear the reaper' - neither does Scorpio
#13 Death (Transformation) is their ruling card.
By Ciro Marchetti
from "Legacy of the Divine Tarot"©

The world is black and white to a Scorpion. There is no gray area – fifty shades, or otherwise.  We learned our moral lessons as children and took their simple truths to heart. What often seems like a simple matter of bending a rule, or manipulating a situation to some, poses a huge, moral dilemma for Scorpio.  We talk a glib game, but 

right is right and we prefer a more mystical, or intuitive approach to persuade others.  Think of it as wearing feathery, bedroom mules as opposed to combat boots.

We are intense, highly motivated creatures – determined folk, 

Pluto's ruling card, #20, Judgement
by Barbara Moore and Aly Fell from
"Steampunk Tarot" ©

who are not quitters.  Our love of secrets and the mysterious comes from the primal forces ruled by the eighth house. Scorpio is blessed with two, count ‘em, two, ruling planets:  Mars, the warrior planet, who carries physical energy and courage, and Pluto, who carries the ability to deconstruct, regenerate and transform. (That’s right. One of my ruling planets has the same powers as Dr. Who.)  We are resourceful and independent, loyal and passionate.  Still, with all these marvelous attributes, why are we so often considered the bad kids of the Zodiac?  Perhaps it’s because we can also be jealous, obsessive, unyielding and vindictive.  Okay, so who doesn’t have their faults?

An injured Scorpion is a curious thing.  We will come back from adversity transformed and stronger than ever (Mars, the warrior and Pluto the regenerator).  We are not motivated to seek reprisals by vanity, or by consequence, as other signs can be.  We seek reprisals for moral reasons – even if those morals are personal to us and slightly askew at that.  Scorpio never forgets a kindness, nor do we forget an injustice.  Should you inadvertently hurt our feelings, of course we will overlook it a first, or even a second time, but God help you on the third.  

If you are a child of the Scorpion remember that you carry serious chops and you can’t take them lightly.  We have the uncanny ability to adapt at will, to bloom in the desert as well as in the rain forest.  We can choose to focus our energies on positive life changes and when we do the sky is the limit.

LADY ORACLE

Mars in Virgo, October 15th to December 7th 2013 – “Keeping an Eye on the Prize”

Mars' card, #16, The Tower
at so much destructive here, as high-energy
from Ciro Marchetti's "Legacy of the Divine Tarot"©

This October we receive a burst to both our ambition and our organizational drive known as Mars in Virgo.  Virgos, and those of us with Mars in Virgo in our birth chart, will be cruising at wrap speed from mid October into early December.  The rest of us will also enjoy the benefits, as well as suffer some of the drawbacks this energy provides.

Under Mars in Virgo you can expect an uptick in your aggression.  No, that doesn’t mean that every bouncer in the city is going to know your name.  It means that you will pursue your goals more aggressively.  This is a good thing. You will also stubbornly cling to your methodology as if your life depends on it.  Not necessarily so great. Still, this is terrific energy to focus on last quarter strategies, or new year projections.  You can also use Mars in Virgo to clear out your living space prior to the frenzy of the holiday season.  However, avoid becoming overly critical and dogmatic to those who don’t share your vision.  Mars in Virgo energy puts the “P” in perfectionist.  No one wants to be around people who over-analyze the simple, i.e., nitpick, or judge their every action.

Mars in Virgo accomplishes tasks and problem solves like

Virgo's card, #9, The Hermit
from Barbara Moore and Aly Fell's
beloved, "Steampunk Tarot" ©

none other.  There’s a natural detachment that comes with this energy.  This detachment allows all of us to more easily discount our emotions and analyze the subject as whole before reaching a decision.  Again, this trait is particularly strong in Virgos and birth chart people.  Business people, investors, negotiators and attorneys take note.

There’s nothing very romantic about Mars in Virgo.  That’s why we’re fortunate to have Venus in Sagittarius at the same time (see blog: Venus in Sagittarius ) Mars in Virgo is not a demonstrative creature.  It’s that compartmentalizing, detached energy this configuration carries.  Unfortunately, this energy unchecked can lend itself to playing head games during arguments.  Avoid statements that manipulate people, or situations.  Employ the rules of fair fighting and don’t belittle other people by chipping away at their confidence.  Don’t nitpick.

We all have a chance to prosper and gain ground under the influence of Mars in Virgo.  Just stay active and involved to avoid feeling fidgety and you’ll be able to rest on your laurels in December.  Well, at least you can take a breather.  Enjoy!

LADY ORACLE

September 22nd to October 23rd - “Libra, Balancing the Scales”

#11, Justice is Libra's ruling tarot card.
from Ciro Marchetti's
"Legacy of the Divine Tarot"©

Libra has the distinction of being the only sign in the Zodiac to be represented by an object, rather than a person, or creature.  There’s lots of other neat stuff about Libra too. This constellation was named by the Romans in early B.C. They recognized that the Sun entered this particular star grouping each September at Equinox and stated that Libra represented balance and the divine justice of Caesar. (Clearly, gladiatorial games had yet to be invented.) Greek and Arabic astronomers originally mapped the cluster as part of Scorpio.  The names for the brightest stars in Libra, Alpha Libra, or Zubenelgenubi and Beta Libra, or Zubeneschamali, in Greek mean ‘southern claw’ and ‘northern claw’ respectively.  Libra also contains the oldest star in our known Universe named, Methuselah (or, HD140283).

Libra is a cardinal sign that carries strong yang, or male, energy.  Yang energy is direct and very active. (Wands) This means that people born under the sign of Libra are constantly in motion, wondering what’s around the next river bend.  They have a natural joie de vivre that draws people to them.  Libra is ruled by Venus and in turn, rules the seventh house of the Zodiac.  This combination is literally a marriage made in Heaven. The seventh house rules marriage, partnerships and intimate relationships – Venus’ forte.  Librans are idealistic, romantic and can see past the immediate.

While Venus gives people born under the sign of the scales

#3, The Empress, the tarot card for Venus,
Libra's ruling planet
from "Steampunk Tarot"© by
Barbara Moore and Aly Fell

charm, Librans are also known for their diplomacy and concern for others.  Their primary goal in life is to achieve balance and harmony both within themselves and in the world around them.  As an air sign, their focus is intellect and the mind. (Swords) They are known to bridge gaps between opposing sides and they make excellent union negotiators and mediators – although they are also known for jumping up on a soapbox in a heartbeat.  A Libra person is happiest being of service to others.  However, they often shortchange their own needs and desires while caring for those closest to them.  Libra is a highly social sign and its people are often the life of the party.  They also make wonderful hosts at their own soirees.   

While grounded Libra is all easygoing charm and sharing, ungrounded or, negative Libra is resentful, moody and changeable.  People can easily talk a Libran into something simply by using flattery – their Achilles heel. They do love to be adored. Also, when ungrounded, a Libra becomes mired in their need to balance matters.  They will revisit and revise their conclusions to exhaustion and still not come up with a final plan.

Libra’s tarot associations are #11, Justice (There’s that balance and diplomacy again.) and through its ruling planet Venus, #3, The Empress (Who doesn’t like to party in the Empress’ garden?). In relationships, Libra is best with other air signs like Gemini, or Aquarius.  Opposites like Leo, Aries and Sagittarius can work too, plus add some interesting sparks.

This portion of September represents balance and Libra has so much to teach us on that score.  Enjoy your Libra friends and colleagues. They keep us in check and balance our world.  Without them we’d all likely be spinning out into space.

LADY ORACLE