MUSIC OF THE SPHERES

This New Moon Solar Eclipse at 11:11pm Central Time on December 25th is an especially powerful one. Just four degrees from the South Node, it continues the themes we’ve been experiencing for much of this year: investing our time and resources wisely, pruning back, and letting go.

That said, it is a New Moon and New Moons reflect seeding energies and beginnings. Furthermore, Jupiter is conjunct this eclipse offering a promise of hope that accompanies the aforementioned shedding. It’s almost as if we’re being asked to deal with the past once and for all so that we are truly free to step into the future. Perhaps this means spiritually taking out the trash so that energetically, we’re 100% available for what wants to show up in our lives.

As the year comes to an end, perhaps we might reflect on what we still need to surrender to the great cosmic recycling bin. As we all know, nothing is ever really gone, it comes back to us in a new form either as another lesson to work through or as wisdom accrued.

Image by Fran Rodríguez

Did you know that Saturn rules cats? As I was listening to Jennifer Hudson talk about going to cat school in her preparation for the movie Cats, I began wondering where Saturn turns up in her chart. In Cat the movie, Hudson plays the main character Grizabella the Glamour Cat, or as Hudson describes, “a good diva cat”.

In a nutshell, Grizabella is at first rejected by the other cats when she tries to rejoin her tribe. In her old age, she has lost her allure and prestige, appearing tattered and worn. All she has are her memories of days in the Sun. She’s alone now: weak, aged, and repeatedly shunned.

Her stellium in Libra reflects this story line: We see Mercury conjunct Saturn in Libra which in this example reflects an Aged Lonely Cat (Saturn ruling elders, separation and cats) that has something to say (Mercury) but communication is challenged + delayed (Mercury/Saturn).

There’s light at the end of the tunnel, however, as Venus, Ruler of Libra, is in her domicile. She’s strong here. All she needs is a little dusting off and we can see the Diva underneath. Whereas Saturn might contribute to the isolation, Saturn is exalted in Libra. Grizabella/Jennifer can work that Saturn to her benefit and step into authority in the arts, beauty, in social situations or as a feline glamour queen! With Jupiter just minutes away from her Mercury, she has a big voice and a lot of faith that turns fortune back in her favor. Pluto sitting on top of the fixed star Spica assures us that through this Phoenix process, Grizabella is reborn (Pluto) and everything turns out well in the end (Spica).

This. Is. No. Ordinary Love, chants Venus as she glides into Aquarius at 12:42 AM (Central) on 12/20. Sade, with her Venus in Aquarius, demonstrates the sentiment in her portrayal of a mermaid who falls in love with a sailor. In the video, we see her constructing a highly unusual yet brilliant wedding dress that 1) fits the Aquarian Venus aesthetic and 2) could only be worn by Sade as she runs through the streets pouring salt water over herself, her human legs and the dress.

Venus is how we relate and connect as well as our beauty style. When we meet someone for the first time that we’d like to impress, it’s our Venus that’s in the driver’s seat. Like all air signs, Venus in Aquarius connects through communication. Whereas Gemini and Libra aim to communicate in order to relate on a social level, Aquarius is more interested in the ideas themselves. This Venus shows up on a first date ready to talk about cryptocurrency, debate over 3D porn, and philosophize about what really went down in Atlantis.

Oprah Winfrey has her Venus in Aquarius (as well as her Sun and Mercury) and we see her gift to bridge differences and connect people by disseminating ideas through her platforms, always pushing an evolutionary agenda which is what progressive Aquarius is good at. Yoko Ono—another Venus in Aquarius—catalyzed societal growth in the songs she wrote with John Lennon and their Bed-Ins for Peace, nonviolently protesting war.

Venus in Aquarius values her independence and freedom. She enjoys being self-sufficient and requires personal space and sovereignty like we see in Oprah Winfrey’s partnership with Steadman, a relationship that has lasted over three decades. Despite the pressure to marry, Oprah never did as she admits that she’s not the marrying type and that their relationship would not have survived a marriage. Venus in Aquarius bucks the trends not only in style but in love. Whether it’s a eccentric Japanese artist marrying a Beatle or a mermaid falling in love with a sailor, Venus in Aquarius is extraordinary.

After soul searching for two months in the deep, sensitive and psychic waters of Scorpio, Mercury emerges into the warmth of Sagittarius and he has something to say. As the ruler of a chatty Full Moon in Gemini, he’s ready to envision a larger dream. Perhaps to even take a leap of faith. He wants to be optimistic about the future; yet, with Venus conjunct Saturn in Capricorn, perhaps the topic that comes up first–like a discombobulating record scratch–is commitment, reliability, and evidence that responsibilities are equally shouldered.

On a good day, Venus + Saturn speaks to solid working partnerships and respectful connections. Venus Saturn on a not so good day can bring up insecurity, feeling burdened by a relationship/finances, and feeling left out and unwanted. Ouch. Some of us might’ve been feeling this energy yesterday as Venus was approaching Saturn. She made her conjunction at 4am Central this morning.

Full Moons often bring relationship dynamics to a head. When we factor in that the Moon falls in communicative Gemini who is ruled by an opinionated, oratorical Mercury, all the two months of soul searching in Scorpio combined with Venus (relating, finances, values) and Saturn (commitments, boundaries, reality checks) might rise up with the Gemini Moon in search of release.

The Full Moon is exact on Wednesday at 11:11pm Central Time. A helpful piece of advice is to take a deep breath before speaking, and as you do, ask yourself if it passes through Rumi’s three gates: is it true? is it necessary? is it kind? You’ll be happy you did, because next on the celestial stage on Friday the 13th, Venus will conjunct Pluto as Mars trines Neptune. This can be a heart warming energy of great depth and intimacy while surrendering your desires for harmonious union. It can also be finally letting go and moving on closer towards your truth.

Image by @thenamdas

Debbie Harry and David Bowie both have (and had) Sun square Neptune in their natal charts giving them an ethereal vibe. Both carry a timeless enchantment and glamorous mystique. They stand as legendary icons in music, bringing forth their own stamp of creativity, conjured and cast from a fertile imagination.

As the Sun squares Neptune early morning on Sunday (Central Time), some of us might be inspired to surf the wave of imagination and enter into the barrel of timeless knowing, a superhighway that leads to collective myth. In this place, we are all one. The ego dissolves like a drop in the ocean and is the ocean. Here we find great access to all that wants to express in the carnate world. Sun square Neptune allows us to plunge our pails into the magical well of creativity, drinking up ideas in order to embody and share them. This is artistic midwifery.

Sun square Neptune expressing as shadow often shows up as the dissolution of self. Addiction, excessive psychedelic journeying, ghosting one’s own life, martyrdom, refusing to accept responsibility, lack of purpose, and delusional thinking are all ways in which this combination can play out in a person’s life if they’re not using Neptune wisely.

Personally, I think Neptune often gets a bad rap (“confusion”) because of the discipline it takes to channel the gifts that Neptune brings. When expressed positively, Neptune Sun can produce the most imaginative, transcendent, and compassionate people and experiences.

Debbie Harry and David Bowie Photographed by Chris Stein in 1977 backstage during Iggy Pop’s Idiot Tour

December marks the end of a decade as well as a mighty shift in the skies as Jupiter enters Capricorn. Jupiter in Capricorn is a much more contained and quality control version of himself than in fire wielding Sagittarius. Whereas Jupiter in adventurous Sag expanded our horizons, now he’ll be breaking ground and building scaffolds so we can root our dreams in a fertile ground. They’ll have something to latch on when they sprout. What’s more: Saturn has been tilling the soil in Capricorn for the past two years. The Capricorn part of our lives is ready for the strategic visioning Jupiter brings.

We can think back to 2008 when Jupiter was in Capricorn to get a feel of how this will play out for us. During this time, I began living and working in a convent that ran a shelter for abused women and fostered girls. During this time, I got to know the nuns and their values, resulting in the organic implementation of programs that could continue long after I was gone such as a learning lab with internet, a library, and solar water heating. My time at the convent marked one of the most precious and important times in my life. Yet my entire focus was humanitarian and group oriented, working with elderly nuns to bring a century old convent into the modern age. This made my 11th House in Capricorn very happy.

Jupiter loses dignity when passing into Capricorn, his Fall. But he’s still Jupiter! The Greater Benefic’s nature is to bring optimism, blessings and faith to whatever house he enters. In Capricorn—a Cardinal Earth sign—Jupiter will use a practical, steady and long term approach in taking on challenges and initiating change in the Capricorn part of our lives which could use a little pick me up after two years of Saturn and the eclipses! May we all use his presence wisely.

Photo of the girls on their way to school. Taken at the convent with Mother Superior on the right.

Ambitious, steadfast and results oriented… who wouldn’t want Venus in Capricorn on their A Team? I love the image @astrotwins makes of Venus strategically hanging mistletoe to “date up”. It’s true, when it comes to relationships, finances, and style, the Goddess of Love has an ascending plan when she’s in Capricorn… the sky’s the limit!

As the Holidays approach and the shopping frenzy begins, Venus in Cap will inform our purchasing decisions. She prefers higher quality gifts that lean towards practicality rather than novelty. Less sparkle; more useful. We might be buying less while spending more time selecting thoughtful gifts that will stand the test of time for those people who are truly special and loyal to us.

Friends, lovers, and companions can count on Venus in Cap. As a Cardinal Earth sign, her love language is “Acts of Service”. If you’re important to her, she aims to never let you down. This loving Seagoat is on the scene to lend a helping hand and provide a solid solution before you have to ask because she takes the time to truly know you. This Venus demonstrates her love by showing it, taking her commitments seriously. Don’t ever take her for granted because she guards her heart closely. If you’ve been lucky enough to earn your way in, make the effort to stay there as her solidarity is invaluable.

Illustration by Britta Glodde

Today’s sugar and spice aspects may feel a bit like breakup sex: feelings of boundless goodwill and togetherness (Venus & Jupiter in Sag) followed by going through a shredder (Mars oppose Uranus).

As the moon nears the Sun, the Balsamic Moon phase signifies letting go, coming to a conclusion, and endings. As she separates from Mars Sunday morning, she carries courageous and possibly reckless energy to Mercury in Scorpio (truth serum) where soul-bearing conversation can take place. From now until Tuesday, she will make a trine to Neptune = surrender; dissolving into a new shape. Then a sextile to Saturn = adjusting boundaries and reality checks. Finally a sextile to Pluto: shedding skin; regeneration before starting her new cycle in hopeful Sagittarius on Tuesday morning.

There are so many ways this energy can play out. Essentially, early morning Venus and Jupiter offer big-hearted, feel-good, generous warmth as the orchestra cues up the next act of illuminating breakthroughs, shocking developments, and (un)welcome surprises (Mars oppose Uranus) as Venus gets ready to step into a more buttoned up version of herself in Capricorn. The storyline is informed by Luna’s trek along the Dark Moon Highway in Scorpio passing light from Mars, Merc, Neptune, Saturn, Pluto as she reaches her final destination: the Sun in Sagittarius where New Moon aspirations begin.

Illustration by Cristie Dunavan

Back when I was a reference librarian at the University of Oregon, I discovered the music of Tom Waits in an attempt to answer the question “where does leaving your life in a cheap hotel come from” (Townes Van Zandt). This was during my Saturn Return. I was in the process of divorce, just graduated with my Masters in Library Science, moved across the country, started my first real professional job, and was learning how to be a single parent with two little girls. Sometimes I was so tired, I would crawl under my desk in my cubicle and grab a power nap. I was so full of self doubt, wondering if I had made the right decisions. Wondering if I could be a good enough mom and professional and if I would ever adjust to this pace of life.

The music of Tom Waits, my favorite Sun in Sagittarius, entered in at this time and became a lifeline of hope. He sang of broken shoes, a sailor’s mouth and wounded eyes. Of people hard on their luck but still soft on the inside. Of chasing the dream, living the quest, goin’ out west where the wind blows tall. Of love, crumbling beauty, and a dogged perseverance. At the foundation of all of it was a yearning to really live… like a plant that struggles to bloom despite hard soil and no rain.

It’s not a surprise that Tom Waits has his Sun, Ascendant and Mercury in Sagittarius. His characters paint on a canvas that is larger than life. They quest, mythological style, with buck shot eyes and purple hearts on a road that promises nothing. You’ll find them in a circus, at the bar, in a Hong Kong Drizzle, in barns and basements always searching for meaning. It’s the same with The Archer… no matter how far that arrow sows its seed, there’s a homing signal that’s really trying to find the way back home. In the process, he inspires the rest of us to fully live.

Illustration by Anggia Anindita

MARS ENTERS SCORPIO — November 19, 2019 at 1:40am Central Time.

After nearly six weeks of anxiously minding his Ps & Qs in diplomatic Libra, Mars charges into his own sign early Tuesday morning where he’s free to honor his animal instincts. Whether it be fighting, fornicating, or taking a stand, Mars is better equipped now to go about advancing personal aims. Finally at home in Scorpio, he can move forward without abiding by Venus’s crippling playbook which would have him keep the peace and think of others before taking action. During his time in Libra, he might have felt stuck and frustrated. Not anymore.

Mars in Scorpio is primal, passionate, magnetic and intense. Above all, Mars in Scorpio lives by the creed “To thy own self be true.” Martial artist and cultural icon Bruce Lee had his Moon, Mercury, Venus and Mars in Scorpio. His performances were raw and real as was his philosophy. He was obsessed with living his life authentically. In the 2012 documentary “I am Bruce Lee” he said: “Always be yourself, express yourself, have faith in yourself, do not go out and look for a successful personality and duplicate it.” At its core, penetrating Mars in Scorpio must BE oneself, even if that means making the hard decision to cut away those parts that are no longer true. Along these lines, Bruce Lee offers another Mars in Scorpio truth: “The less effort, the faster and more powerful you will be.” The more we eliminate anything that does not support our authenticity, the easier it is to assert ourselves, make decisions, and confidently move forward in our lives while maintaining our integrity.

Mars will oppose Uranus in a week which will trigger an enthusiastic “let’s do this!”, or “sh*t, I’m going for it!” or “I’m soooo done!” reaction which are just a few examples of this breakthrough energy / “electric yang enthusiasm” (Renn Butler). Consider these reactions and offer them a little bit of breathing room so that you can respond with wisdom once Mercury has turned direct and picked up the pace. Mercury is better resourced with Mars in Scorpio and the wait for wise + powerful action will be worth it.

Illustration by @replaceface

I lived in a redwood forest for two years when I worked at a Buddhist Meditation Retreat Center. People came for private or group retreats such as a 10 day Vipasanna. Their experiences were profoundly internal, sifting through and working with deeply imbedded thought patterns and complexes. Oftentimes, retreatants would walk the woods in order to ground. Getting out of their minds and into their bodies was therapeutic. This Full Moon in Taurus reminds me of walking through the redwoods to allow the mind a break and for clarity to sink in.

Mercury has been taking us through our subterranean landscape where we’ve confronted our fears and gotten in touch with our survival instincts. As he’s passed from Neptune, Saturn, Pluto and then back again, we’ve checked our idealism, faced the hard light of reality and limitations, and confronted our power or lack of it. Mercury stands next to the Sun at this Full Moon and some of us will be connecting the dots with a clearer recognition of the next steps forward.

Taurus understands the power of presence. The Full Moon in Taurus encourages us to walk through the woods and ground into what is. When we allow for the moment just as it is and begin to fully embody our experience, we reclaim our spirit. The moon exalted in Taurus is ruled by a mutable Venus in optimistic Sagittarius squaring inspirational Neptune. There’s a feeling of faith right now… an understanding that grace is stronger than circumstance. Stay still long enough to let it fill you so that the way forward is illuminated with a fortified hope that reconnects you to your dreams.

Photo: I took this photo in the Redwoods of Northern California at Vajrapani Institute

I’ve been working with Venus. I petition her on her hours and her day, Friday. I’ve built an alter to her and repeat the same prayer when I address her. Afterwards, I meditate on a feeling tone that I imagine corresponds to her qualities.

In the Tarot, The Empress is ruled by Venus. I’m embodying this card in a new way. I’m beginning to understand the double sided coin of vulnerability and confidence through my work with Venus, and that it’s key to this card. The Empress nourishes and sustains life. She cultivates growth. But doesn’t the seed start out in a tender state… like parts of us, the parts that are unsure, that have been bullied or repressed or put down? We’ve hidden a part of ourselves; yet the flame of a dream has kept those vulnerable parts alive. The Empress is like Vesta in that she keeps that sacred flame alive. And when we’re ready, she gracefully blows on it, building it with us, until we have enough confidence to carry the torch of inspiration by ourselves.

When working with The Empress, allow your vulnerability to surface. Like Green Tara, The Empress is wholeheartedly compassionate and will hold space for the tears, the heartache, and the self doubt. You just have to be real, and begin building from that space. You are always supported.

Venus in Sag is always going to remember this moment. She’s taking a mental snapshot that she’ll pull out when she wants to reconnect with who she is. She’s wearing a “Born to Ride” tshirt, jelly shoes, and evaluating her chipped lime green nail polish as she surfs her hand up and down a mane of wind out the window. She’s sardined in her friend’s dad’s Oldsmobile with a bunch of girls and they’re loudly singing along to Supergrass as they drive with no destination in mind:

We are young, we run green
Keep our teeth nice and clean
See our friends, see the sights
And feel alright

It smells like cigarettes and lip gloss. Someone is halfway sitting on her lap. The wind is dancing a tango with her hair while the setting sun paints a lambent glow on her skin. She is invincible. Free. Lighthearted. There’s so much future in front of her, a wide open sahara blinking back with glittered eyelids and growing promise. But for right now, this moment, she’s along for the ride. May it last forever.

Illustration @marktennantart

“With unfailing kindness, your life always presents what you need to learn. Whether you stay home or work in an office or whatever, the next teacher is going to pop right up.” —Charlotte Joko Beck.

Today’s Mars square Pluto may present a teacher who tests our patience. A teacher that encourages us to keep our heart open in an effort of conciliation as we attempt to carefully lance swollen resentment and power struggles. If we’re able to witness ourselves and treat the situation as a learning opportunity, we can make courageous steps forward in whatever learning environment we’re currently struggling with.

The New Moon in Scorpio finds some of us generating force in our yin power. Like the Knight of Swords reversed, there’s a stillness in this dark moment where the winds are gathering and the words are forming. It almost feels like a conjuring. Or maybe it’s more like when T.S. Eliot wrote: “Wait without thought, for you are not ready for thought.”

Ace of Wands reversed appears when we’re feeling overwhelmed and stuck in our process. Like Mars squaring Saturn, responsibilities have piled up while frustration levels rise. This can be a one step forward, two steps back. Mars is our desire to act, to move forward and take bold action. Saturn can put up roadblocks and delays, testing our reserve. Saturn also symbolizes time. This challenging configuration at the new moon could indicate feeling pressured for time while we try and move forward with ambitious projects that are important to us. Mars is the ruler of this New Moon. With Mars in Libra, these frustrations and challenges arise in the arena of relationships.

The Sun opposes Uranus the day after the New Moon. Uranus likes to serve us breakthroughs and/or surprises that keep us moving towards our authentic selves. Just like the Three of Cups reversed, we may find our emotions turned upside down as we try to regain our balance from the disruption Uranus flings at us from the wings. Three of Cups Rx advises that we 1) remain flexible and 2) set up healthy boundaries in our emotional realms so that we can respond from a place of integrity.

​Mornings are quieter these days. Evenings too. As I walk my dog, the stretching light yawns across the leaves and cobblestones. September’s celebrations have wrapped up taking the fireworks and tourists with them. Now Introspection and Solidarity sweep through the city like galvanic winds, their faces turned towards the sidewalk as they huddle together under a serape of whispers. In the plaza, vendors are selling candles, flowers, baked goods and delicate sugar sculptures for Day of the Dead. Scorpio season in Mexico ushers in a time of acknowledging ancestors and creating alters to revere them while remembering our roots.

There’s a pensive, inward quality to Scorpio. After the social exertion of Libra, the Sun in Scorpio dives deep into a hidden cenote where it lays to rest, regenerate and eventually, resurrect. This can be a time of breakdown and decay, of shedding and shadow work, of cutting through all the cover up until only the bone truth remains. The process serves as compost for the transformative impulse to rise up, like a revivified Lazarus.

Another rise-up example is Demi Moore whose recently published tell-all memoir, Inside Out, is her story of survival and transformation. Demi has her Sun, Mercury, Venus and Neptune in the cathartic waters of Scorpio.

Illustration by @qetzaart

Mercury and Venus are serving up the perfect weekend to 1) attend a driven, outcome-focused event and 2) come home feeling inspired and ready to commit to some serious goals. I’m been following Amy Porterfield’s Instagram stories from her Entrepreneurship Experience. The sessions on Saturday take advantage of Mercury in Scorpio sextile Pluto in Capricorn.

Saturday’s Mercury gets down to business! Mercury in Scorpio wants to understand the core of change as it relates to power and how to break away from thinking that’s held someone back in the past. This energy learns, strategizes, and networks with a laser like focus which leads to transformation. Saturday is the optimal time to knuckle down the breakthrough by owning those key takeaways and a-ha moments that begin to steer these entrepreneurs towards success. Supportive Moon in Cancer passing by the North Node can provide insight on how to self care and nourish loved ones while pursuing ambitions.

The event ends Saturday afternoon and many will be returning home Sunday when Venus in Scorpio sextiles Saturn in Capricorn. This energy supports setting goals and long term planning. As the high from the event settles and attendees add new friends and acquaintances to their LinkedIn, Venus sextile Saturn can help delineate dreams into clear actions plans resulting in a higher level of confidence and self worth.

Image @motivational.flow

It’s been six months since the New Moon in Aries seeded an impulse to go out and GET IT. Wherever Aries lies in your chart, a little warrior was activated. As the impulse took shape and the warrior grew, they were fed by the summer eclipses and July’s laborious oppositions of the personal planets in Cancer passing through the unyielding gauntlet of Saturn + South Node + Pluto. What could we leave behind? What part of shadow could we alchemize into light?

Now we find ourselves at the Aries Full Moon, a time of revelation and fruition. The journey which began last April reaches its apex. There’s an urge to pull forward into our own lane and secure our freedom. “To thine own self be true” is the mantra our apexed warrior marches to. With Pluto forming a T-square to the Moon in Aries and Sun in Libra, there’s an urgency to get things out in the open, to flex our muscles as we come to some sort of understanding. The things that we’ve swept under the rug or situations we’ve been fearful of can come spewing out at this time like a volcanic eruption. And with the opposition of Venus to Uranus yesterday, we’re primed for sudden changes, shocking departures and unexpected developments in relationships.

If you’ve been teetering on the edge of a relationship or feeling as though you’ve over compromised, this Full Moon in Aries may be just the push you need to address the fairness you desire. Just know that there’s an edge here as the cardinal skies are wet with gasoline. Be careful on lighting that match. On the plus side, the electrified atmosphere might give you the courage to address issues in the relationships that truly need tending to.

Illustration by @stangandspindle

After weeks of reveling in social engagements, seeking graceful compromise, playing devil’s advocate and honing her aesthetic instincts, Venus takes an exit curtsy out of Libra and joins Mercury in the penetrating waters of Scorpio. In Scorpio, a sign ruled by Mars, Venus has a harder time performing her roles of relating, mating and connecting. In fact, she might have a bit of social anxiety and develop allergic reactions to superficial environments where she’s expected to perform in prescribed manners. This Venus is raw, passionate, magnetic and intense. She has psychological depths and is eternally curious as to what makes people tick. Above all, she values truth and loyalty in relationships and has a razor sharp sensor for dishonesty. Hence, she can court drama when she sniffs deception in the air.

Joaquin Phoenix is my choice of ambassador for Venus in Scorpio. His discomfort with the media and social engagements has been well documented. Instead of charming the crowds, he shrouds himself in mystery and enigma which magnetically draws the public to him. The in-depth psychological portrayals of characters he inhabits exemplifies his ability to truly connect with the core of these personalities = Venus in Scorpio. As a method actor, he is raw, instinctive and primal. Joaquin Phoenix not only has his Venus in Scorpio; his Sun and Mars are in there too. How perfect that his surname (Bottom) was changed to Phoenix, one of the three symbols of the sign of Scorpio.

Illustration by @replaceface .

Mercury opposes Uranus ushering in breakthrough energy. Perhaps we discover something that changes everything. Mercury in Scorpio is compelled to get to the bottom of things, to walk the shadow and to lift the rug and see what’s been swept under. Uranus is like a lightening bolt that illuminates the sky, and for a second, we see into the dark.

Sun square Saturn often asks us to face issues of confidence and self sabotage. What are we worth? How do we want to be treated? Where are we feeling judged or taken advantage of? What restrictions and rules (Saturn) aren’t working for our sense of balance (Libra) anymore? The Sun in Libra wants peace. But equally important is fairness. This square challenges us to understand our blocks around worthiness and self respect.

Mars oppose Chiron (exact tomorrow) invites us into our spiritual warrior work. We’re kneading our soft spots when it comes to relationships. Mars instinct is to sever and defend; but in Libra, the goal is to self protect in a way that unites and restores peace, which means cultivating perspective of the other’s pov. And here’s the conflict, because Chiron in Aries is hyper identified with his own pain stories and would prefer to walk away without understanding the other side.

In summary, I suppose the bottom line is “the only way to pass a test is to take the test.” Passing here requires taking responsibility for our maturation process (Sun + Saturn) when confronted with breakthrough insights (Mercury + Uranus) that ask us to work with our wounding, patterns, and scripts in a way that promotes harmony and healing (Chiron + Mars).

Illustration by @mikecreighton

I lost my wallet yesterday. The Moon was just separating from Saturn and I was pretty sure I had been pickpockted as Saturn symbolizes thieves among other things. So I cast a horary chart for “Where is my wallet”.

With both the Sun and Moon above the horizon, there was good testimony for recovering my beloved wallet — I’ve had it since Junior High! The chart ruler, Mars, was under the Sun’s beams and in detriment in Libra, 7th House. Mars stood for me: blinded to the situation and perhaps absent minded. The last aspect the Moon made to Saturn showed what had already happened, which made me think my wallet was currently with a thief. But given the condition of Saturn (in Rulership and in an angular house, the 10th), I began to think of other Saturn symbolism. In good condition, Saturn can represent honest and pious people. Perhaps my wallet was in the possession of a good person after all.

The next aspect the Moon would make was to Venus in the 7th, the same house my significator Mars was in. Venus was in an angular house and in her rulership = double good news. In the horary chart, she ruled the 2nd House, Taurus, which stood for my possessions (my wallet). Here was more good testimony that I would recover my wallet. With the Moon at 15° Capricorn and Venus at 26° Libra, I could recover my wallet in 11 hours, days, or months (think of the increment that makes the most sense). The chart was cast at 6:49pm yesterday. My wallet was recovered 11am this morning. A little over 11 hours – but the number 11 was in there!

Where was my wallet? In the trusty possession of the religious woman who owns a popular torta stand I frequent. When I went to pay for yesterday’s torta, I left my wallet on the counter (Me = Mars in detriment + under the beams of the Sun). She saw it after I left, safeguarded it, and returned it to me today intact. Reunited and it feels so good!

Cheers to a dignified Saturn 🥂 .
​
Illustration by @mohyung

Have you seen FX’s Pose? It features New York’s ball scene and the LGBT subculture of the late 80’s and early 90’s. I started watching it last night and think it’s great manifestation of Mars in Libra. Mars is the principle of assertion, passion, and self-protection. He’s the archetype of the warrior, a survivor with the primal impulse to act, go after what he wants and defend if necessary. Mars rules Aries: the sign of “me”. In Libra, the sign of “us”, he has a harder time doing what comes natural: fighting, competing, asserting, and defending.

Back to Pose: In the first episode, we learn about Houses. Houses serve two roles: 1) As a surrogate family for LGBTQ individuals that have been rejected by their biological families and 2) as a team that competes in the balls. In the first role, we see the primal instinct (Mars) to connect (Libra); to not be alone, but protected as part of a family team. In the second, the balls are some serious competitions (Mars) that highlight glamour (Libra). Watching through this Mars in Libra lens, there’s a primal and competitive Martial energy that flows through the participants, yet it is corseted within the rules of aesthetics and glamour. To give good face, you Bring It, you conjure up your fierceness, but with beauty first. Mars in Libra.

The photograph to the left is of Grandfather Hector Xtravaganza, my ambassador for the Mars in Libra. He was an icon in the NYC ballroom scene. He was also on the forefront for social justice, his Mars in Libra advocating for HIV/AIDS and LGBTQ organizations. As Father of House Xtravaganza, he took care of younger members by advising, helping them out with bills, and mentoring them. He helped grow the ballroom scene immensely and in 2004, he took the honorary title of House Grandfather. He died in December of last year. A celebration of life was held March 9, 2019 where he was remembered and revered by many. Mayor Bill de Blasio declared the date as “Hector Xtravaganza Day.” I like to think that although traditional astrology considers Mars in Libra to be in its detriment, Grandfather gave face to his Mars spectacularly!

Photo by Brian Lantelme

Mercury takes us through the underworld for the next two months. This is the territory of guilt, shame, hidden complexes, resentment, repressed rage, and thorny bitterness. Here we find the pieces of ourselves we tourniquet in our attempt to put on a happy face and lead productive and healthy lives. But the shadow is powerful, influencing us from behind the curtain. As Carl Jung said: “Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.”

Mercury enters Scorpio the same day Pluto turns direct. I like to look at Pluto Retrograde as tiling the soil to reveal we’re we’ve buried our power. Where have we siphoned our energy to keep these tourniquets in place? Now as Pluto stations direct, evolutionary forces direct us to work with The Messenger (Mercury) in this primal, Scorpionic territory. We are offered the opportunity through conscious awareness to resurrect the decayed and rotten so we can deliberately compost the parts of us we earnestly want to sever from the plot. This might be festering resentments, private suffering, repressed rage from childhood, and crippling betrayals: it’s all here until we decide to actively transform it.

Mercury will turn retrograde on October 31st and eventually leave Scorpio on December 10th. This gives us the opportunity to work with him for two months on shadow work, composting, and transforming to free the energy that’s been carefully holding our complexes in place. Use this time wisely. ❤︎

Image by Konsta Punkka @​kpunkka