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

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

Mercury in Scorpio, September 29th to December 4th - “Communication Via Steamroller”

The Magician is tarot's card for
Mercury. This depiction is from
"Wizard's Tarot"© by Corrine Kenner
and John J. Blumen. Great deck!

Today, at 4:38 PDT, Mercury entered the house of Scorpio.  Though we all feel the effects of this cosmic pair-up to a greater, or lesser degree, those of us with Mercury in Scorpio in our birth chart will feel these effects most strongly.  What can we expect?  For starters, Mercury in Scorpio is a relentless truth seeker.  It senses a lie underneath a ton of camouflage and shows no mercy when exposing that lie to clean air and sunlight.  There will be no word mincing, and no tolerance for frivolous promises with Mercury in Scorpio – just straight talk that drives right to the heart of the matter.  

Mercury in Scorpio turns all of us into students of human nature.  Mercury picks up on emotional subtext more easily in the 8th house of the Zodiac.  It loves to ferret out information, especially if that information leads to intrigue, or better yet, solves a mystery.  Mercury in Scorpio particularly likes to flirt with the supernatural and the psychic arts.  Think of Mercury in Scorpio as the Shaggy and Scooby Doo of the Zodiac. 

In the workplace, Mercury and Scorpio’s keen powers of

Scorpio's ruling tarot card, Transfiguration (Death)
from "Wizard's Tarot"©

observation, along with their characteristic bluntness, presents a two-edged sword.  Their straight-forward insights may sound judgmental, even pessimistic.  Their blunt speech can be perceived as micro-management. Think about the energy of the Knight of Swords here, but, also remember that Mercury in Scorpio loves a good strategy rather than simply charging into the fray with their sword waving. Mercury in Scorpio is blunt, but never random or reckless in their critique – which is why the stinger goes in so deeply.

The Knight of Sword who turns
bluntness into an art form
from "The Wizard's Tarot"©

The insights into the human condition that we receive while Mercury is in Scorpio can make us want to jump up on a soapbox and inspire the masses with a stirring speech, or, at the very least, compose an earthy torch song. There’s a surprising amount of romance packed in this Zodiac pairing – along with a love for a good argument.  Notice I didn’t say debate.  Debates have rules and tend to be more analytical.  Repeat, Mercury in Scorpio loves to argue.  They will not let us surrender until our opponent is on the mat.

Mercury in Scorpio is a powerful cosmic pairing and we can gain much ground by being insightful and by using our intellect to further our goals during this period.  Strive for diplomacy and keep in mind that Mercury goes retrograde October 21st through November 10th.  See blog: "Mercury Retrograde, Tarot and You"    to learn what this means and gain some techniques to help you through this sometimes tricky period.  Be brilliant.

LADY ORACLE

The exceptional "Wizard's Tarot"© is a great deck for those interested in the link between astrology and tarot.

It is available for purchase through Lady Oracle Tarot

Tea, Tarot and the Fellowship of Like Minds

"OSHO Zen Tarot"© by Deva Padma gives us
an excellent depiction of  the
fellowship of like minds

The University of Tarot covers the entire world and all methods of learning.  There's independent study; you, your deck and a notebook, formal lectures, classes taught by tarot scholars and, my personal favorite, the informal seminars held at a friend's home where tea and really good cookies flow like mana from Heaven.

Once you get the meanings of each tarot cards under your belt, you start looking at the symbolism within each card depiction.  You start to look at the numerical themes and their significance as they travel suit to suit.  For example, sevens express aspects of victory according to the qualities of the individual suit.  The Seven of Pentacles shows us victory over toil and routine as our harvest, not only comes in, but becomes self-perpetuating as well.  The Seven of Swords examines the use of stealth and cunning to accomplish a goal when assistance, coupled with a more honest and direct approach would have met with greater rewards.

As different personalities view the same spreads, different

The Queen of Wands who knows, like she knows,
like she knows.  Creative fire energy from
Ciro Marchetti's "Legacy of the Divine Tarot"©

things stand out to each reader.  As key words and impressions fly around the table, each reader is exposed to nuances in the spread that they may not have previously considered.  The group energy expands and an intuitive synergy occurs.  I always come away from these afternoons with fresh insights and less likely to fall into what I term a 'readers rut,' where you, as the reader, jump to a conclusion about what a particular pairing in your card deck means, simply because this is what your deck always gives you when revealing a similar situation for you.  Yes, your cards are tuned to you, but no matter how linked you are with them, you can never assume their intention reading to reading.  Otherwise, you might as well use flash cards.  

Learning to trust your inner voice is essential
to effective tarot reading. The right group will
help you grow.  from "OHSO Zen Tarot"©
byDeva Padma

There's a trust that develops among tarot groups, weather it's based on friendship, or the more transient bond of a class.  You have a wonderful opportunity to watch each other grow and stretch your awareness – your intuitive skills.  I recommend you try this group process.  If one group doesn't click for you, that's okay.  Just keep searching for that magic mix and most of all, have fun and enjoy the process.



LADY ORACLE


These decks and more are available for purchase through www.ladyoracle.net

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

Rules of Karma - Rules for Parenting

The rules of karma are simple and straight forward: What you

#11, Justice also stands for karma.
As you can see, not blind at all.
RWCS by US Games©

put into the Universe returns to you threefold, so play nice and if you don’t listen to what the Universe is saying to you the first time, you can bet It will speak louder and clearer next time.  Lastly, and most importantly, there will absolutely be a next time. I’ve done a lot of reflection on karmic rules this weekend as, like so many others, I’ve read the online articles and posts concerning the vandalism of Brian Holloway’s home, his amazing and generous response to it and the resulting furor.  If you are not familiar with the story, please Google™ it.  

What is a parent’s responsibilities in shaping their children’s karma?  It is, after all, the child’s karma, not the parent’s.  However, as parents it is pivotal that we lead by example and when our children fall down, both physically and metaphorically, we are there to pick them up as best we can, whether or not it’s comfortable or convenient to do so.  That’s what me signed up to do when we became parents.  

Most of us strive to teach our children right from wrong and the Universe in its wisdom provides us with object lessons.  If our child passes an object lesson then our reward is to breathe a sigh of relief until the next one.  If they fail one, then as parents, it’s our responsibility to hold them accountable, to help them learn the object lesson and not to circumvent the consequences of their own folly. To do so is to interfere with the child’s karmic journey. Remember, if you don’t learn the lesson the first time, the Universe simply raises the ante on the next such lesson.  Ignore it again, and the Universe will continue to raise the stakes until the cost is higher than any parent ever wants their child to pay.  The parent, likewise pays a terrible price because as the child didn’t the lesson, neither did the parent.

As parents, my husband and I had to make many decisions regarding our children’s lessons from the Universe.  It was a struggle sometimes to hold them accountable for their actions and to hold ourselves accountable as parents.  The end results, however,  were phenomenal.  It still astounds and humbles me how much we learned from them even though all three of them claim it was the other way around.  They are all amazing individuals who learned their respective lessons with grace and dignity.

By not running misguided interference and by offering appropriate support instead, our children learn that while sometimes there are irrevocable consequences for their actions, a true parent’s love is unconditional.  They also learn that everyone makes mistakes and that messing up matters much less than how well you recover yourself and whether or not you do so with integrity.  

To not allow your children to recover from their messes honorably is to not allow them to redeem themselves in their own eyes.  Deep down, no matter how much they deny it there will always be a part of your child, long into adulthood that feels diminished.  They will believe that they couldn’t make the cut because in their parent’s opinion they weren’t worth the inconvenience, or the aggravation.  That’s a horrible legacy to hand any child.

LADY ORACLE

Autumnal Equinox - September 23, 2013 – “Spicing Things Up”

Tarot card for Sept. 22, 2013
#10 The Wheel of Fortune
Stephanie Pui-Mun Law's "Shadowscapes Tarot"©

The last third of September is devoted to balance.  The Autumnal Equinox is the physical expression of the Universe’s need to maintain balance and as we are an integral part of that Universe, we too, require balance.   The term ‘equinox’ means ‘equal hours,’ referring to the equal number of daylight and nighttime hours occurring on the 23rd. (see blog: Autumn Equinox – “All Things Being Equal” for facts about the Equinox).  The Equinox is a gift to us, because it offers us all the opportunity to take stock of our lives and adjust the areas where we are out of balance.  It also gives us the opportunity to open a bag of candy corn ahead of the season. Score!

Autumn colors, autumn scents. The Fall is a rich tapestry of sights and smells – a reminder that bounty is all around us, even if some years we have to look a little harder to find it.  The Fall Equinox is a great time to bring order to the chaos that comes from jumping right into the school year when you didn’t even have the opportunity to pour the beach sand out of your tennis shoes after Labor Day weekend.  There are some easy and fun things to do to bring balance and a sense of order to your world now and luckily any number of them begin with the scents of cinnamon, cloves, sandalwood and ginger.   

Try welcoming the Autumnal Equinox through your kitchen. 

It's also appropriate to further
reduce #10 to #1, The Magician
for Fall Equinox - from Corrine Kenner
and John J. Blumen's "Wizard's Tarot"©

Start early in the day by organizing your cupboards.  Clear away the out of date ingredients and donate the kitchen gadgets and extra dishes that you don’t use to a charity.  Once those things are out of the way, make a harvest centerpiece for your table.  You can use anything that strikes your fancy – silk flowers, real flowers and herbs – get creative.  For a unique centerpiece, take a fruit bowl and fill it with apples and pomegranates (remember Persephone?) Add sprigs of rosemary and juniper (cypress and pine work well too) for interest – perhaps a cinnamon stick or two as well.  Light candles for warmth and good cheer. If aromatherapy is more your style, try some autumn scents like frankincense, sandalwood, cypress, juniper, sage or pine.  Many metaphysical stores have terrific essential oil blends and incenses that sweeten and clear the air both scent wise and energetically.  

Below is a recipe for an empowering Pumpkin Bread Pudding that says, “Welcome Autumn” and will fill your home with the scents of spice and abundance.  What more can you ask for on the Equinox?

LADY ORACLE

Pumpkin Bread Pudding

6 1/2 cups cubed bread (use a rich, egg variety if possible, like Challah) 

1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts 

4 eggs beaten

1 can sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated)

2 Tbsp honey or molasses 

1 cup cooked pumpkin 

1/4 tsp ginger

1 tsp nutmeg

1 tsp cinnamon

2 cups milk

1/4 cup butter – melted

1/3 cup dark rum (feel free to pour yourself a shot too – if you’re 21 or older)

Preheat oven to 350º 

Mix bread cubes and 1/2 of the nuts in lightly greased 9 x 9 inch pan

Dizzle a half the rum over the bread in pan (easier to use a teaspoon to drizzle)

Beat eggs, condensed milk, honey OR molasses, pumpkin and spices in a mixing bowl. 

Stir in milk and rum until blended.

Pour liquid mixture over bread, top with rest of the nuts, then place in preheated oven until the blade of a knife, inserted into the middle comes out clean. (approx. 1 hour)

Serve alone or garnish with whipped cream

All featured decks are available for purchase through Lady Oracle Tarot