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OOB is when a planet ( or luminary ) moves far enough from the ecliptic ( the circle of orbit ), it begins to produce some very curious effects. Of all the planets, it is said the Moon is most dramatic when OOB. And, of all the astronomical notations basically ignored in modern astrological practice, an OOB Moon is one of the most astonishing in its repercussions.
OOB planets can go one of two ways: firstly, they can produce exceptional creativity exceeding the potential of expectations; secondly, they can be erratically unpredictable and go to extremes that can detrimentally affect others, including themselves. An OOB Moon is a luminary of emotions and instincts which will provoke intrigue of the unknown while transiting this house. We should guard against becoming too indistinct or far-fetched. We may feel somewhat disconnected, as though we are on the periphery of whatever is occurring around us. We may even feel separated from ourselves and experience an ungrounded sense of stability. Awareness that the Moon is OOB will help with this energy.
OOB planets and those who have them in their natal charts can be unpredictable; however, the energy does not necessarily manifest in a negative way. Some of the most gifted individuals have one or more OOB natal positions. Albert Einstein is just one example. Elvis Pressly and Judy Garland were also examples that showed positive aspects that excelled in acting and singing, and negative, leading them to early deaths from addiction.
It's important to know if we have any OOB planets, and in what sign/house they reside to avoid any negative tendencies that can easily suck us into lower-vibrational energy.
According to Stephen Forrester, Forrester Evolutionary Astrology:
"The Out of Bounds Moon is spontaneous, emancipated, liberated, released in its own recognizance, and utterly on its own. It has loudly proclaimed, 'You can take this job (. . . marriage, church, obligation, moral principle, town, duty . . .) and shove it.'
"The Moon has claimed its genius, its passion, and its right to be itself. No need to obfuscate, to be diplomatic, or to lie to anyone anymore—unless you feel like it. No more coprophagous grin. No need to worry about staying in anyone’s good graces. Out of Bounds, the Moon no longer plays the game. It rejects all rules that are not of its own making.
“'Free at last, free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are finally free at last!' said Martin Luther King, Jr. "
"The words stir the blood. But we need to let them stir the mind as well.
"Structure, discipline, and a world in which our actions have consequences—these are not purely negative things. Society and its values can have a steadying effect on us, even when we feel frustrated by them. The Out of Bounds Moon, like everything else in astrology, has an unpleasant, dangerous side as well as a divine purpose. Its dark side is sociopathic, even criminal—or merely selfish and insensitive to others. It can be cold, even inhuman.
"You may detect some of the underlying spirits of the planet Uranus and the sign Aquarius in these words. That is quite accurate. In my experience, an Out of Bounds Moon has distinctly Aquarian quality. We see the familiar Uranian “holy trinity” at work—the Genius, the Revolutionary, and the Criminal. All three of them stand outside the normal structure of society, applying leverage to it—and meeting resistance, condemnation, and consequences for it.
"As with Aquarian or Uranian influences, the Out of Bounds Moon often thrusts alienating circumstances upon a person from outside. This is of course the classic working of synchronicity—what we meet (or fail to face) in our inner world is encountered in the “random” realities of our outer lives.
"Inwardly, the Out of Bounds Moon often correlates with feelings of being an outsider, of not fitting in, of not having a place in this world. This can be painful—and it can also lead to an attitude of not giving a damn. Or to passivity. Or to resentment. And to radical forms of existential creativity."
“When a planet’s declination exceeds 23°28′ North or South, it is described as being Out of Bounds. There are no shades of gray here, nothing gradual or subtle. Right at that point, something clicks.
"OOB allows you to, as Stevie Nix so eloquently sang, to 'Go Your Own Way"' And when you look at Nix's natal chart, it becomes apparent why she lived a very eclectic life. Her Moon, Mercury, Venus, Uranus, and Pluto, are ALL out of bounds."
"When the Moon’s declination exceeds 23°28′ North or 23°28′ South, it has escaped the physical space dominated by the gravitational “boss” of the solar system, the Sun.
"Let the metaphors free-associate.
"The Moon is then, in other words, out of the King’s sight. No longer under Daddy’s thumb. We might say that has moved beyond the Pale. Gone out of control. Or gone wild. It has broken the rules. It has shattered the boundaries, broken the mold, and crossed the Rubicon. Bravely, or drunkenly, the Moon has said, 'Roll the dice'."
The importance of no rituals, decisions, or planning during the Void of Course ( v/c ) Moon.
I hope this has answered all the questions I received. If not, feel free to DM me. Blessed ritual.
VOID OF COURSE MOON: MISSING
The moon is a friend for the lonesome to talk to. —Carl Sandburg
All is not as it seems. This v/c Moon can be daunting; it may not be a good or appropriate time to answer your question. As it is now, the results may not be what you want.
What is a v/c Moon?
The moon travels through the entire Zodiac in twenty-seven and a half days. There is a moment when the moon makes its last major aspect before leaving one sign and entering the next. It’s as if the moon has gone to sleep. Her wisdom is being withheld until she moves into a new sign and the moon begins a new chapter or story.
The usual axiom for starting things on a v/c Moon is, “Nothing will come of the matter.”
Matters will not go as you planned; in fact, most of the time it will end up far worse than you planned. You have been caught blissfully unaware. You’ve missed something or you weren’t paying close enough attention. But you won’t be able to set the situation right at the current time.
Sit still and stay as you are. Take no action at the current time. Wait for the storm to pass over. It is time to be patient and allow matters to settle before beginning anew. Allow this matter to resolve on its own without your help, work, or interference.
Don’t bail anyone out or make loans currently because it is unlikely you will be repaid.
Medical results will probably not be accurate. If your question is about a job or career move, then it’s not the right one. If you apply for a job and get hired, it will not be long-lasting. It’s possible you will get hired and then a more suitable job will come along, and you will have to leave the first one.
After a long and costly effort, your matter in question may fail. People around you may start behaving like screwups. It could be that great passions are playing against you. Discipline is needed. It is not a time to act impulsively. Whatever you do as your routine will stay as it is. However, matters that are unplanned or spontaneous will tend to work out for you.
A v/c Moon can be used to your benefit, so keep this in mind. For instance, you can work on something you really don’t want. You can interact with persons you don’t really want to become a fixture in your life. Embarking on anything new or untried will tend to go wrong. In other words, if you agree to plans you don’t really want to come about during the v/c phase, then it will be very likely they will not come about.
However, meditation and any type of psychic or spiritual efforts will work out better during this v/c phase. It’s a good time to dream and even make plans; just do not act on them yet.
Also, do not plan a wedding! Keep in mind, the time is not yet ripe.
In Brief:
Weather cancellations; frustrations; delays; vagueness; hollow feelings; a sense of everything being “unreal”; emptiness; making mistakes and other bad decisions; promises not met; unfulfilled plans; the sleeping mind; not paying attention; false starts; matters remaining unresolved; a time to wait awhile and start over; a time to float or rest; serendipitous occurrences; a time to disconnect; things begun requiring adjustments later; inconclusive or wrong medical results; an unfavorable time to apply for a job, get married, or for nonroutine medical procedures.
Corresponding Tarot Card: Eight of Cups
Key Ideas: Silence; failed judgment; false readings; wasted effort; the wrong choice; missed opportunity; sleep; recovery.
Reference: Black Moon Astrology Cards
Every 4.5 years or so, we experience a Pallas return. I will be experiencing mine @ 11:58 AM EST this morning.
Pallas is the goddess of wisdom and self-defense in charge of defending herself and those in her care; thus, she is never the aggressor. Myth says she sprang fully formed and armed from the head of her father, the king of heaven. Her symbol is the wise owl.
She is also known as an artisan connected to weaving due to her love of fabric and skill with a needle and thread. She was known to create and inspire patterns of lasting beauty. This metaphor carries over into our life patterns and linked ideas.
Known as the warrior queen and the philosopher, she most resonates with the sector in our charts that relates to our philosophical take on the world, since we are all philosophers, even if we are not aware of it.
Whenever we deduct a theory involving how we desire to live our lives, we are exercising our philosophical nature. This is the influence of Pallas.
Whenever we stand our ground or strategize politics, or we're challenged by others over our beliefs or lifestyle choices, or for no particular reason (other than they are having a bad day and are lashing out), this is where Pallas appears to offer strategic wisdom that we can respond from rather than a defensive reaction.
Responding from a place of knowledge instead of fear lends an air of victory before the battle is over.
A trick many astrologers use is locating a difficult person's natal Pallas ( if possible ). This provides us a better understanding of who and what we are dealing with.
More importantly, however, is knowing where our OWN Pallas is ( sign and house ), to determine how we process wisdom and deal with conflict. The fact that Pallas is not naturally the aggressor or bully means those who are demonstrating those lower-vibrational energies are out of alignment.
Knowing the location of their Pallas provides insight that may be of assistance in guiding them back into alignment. Same for ourselves.
Pallas Return:
A Scorpion Pallas enables us to see deeply below surface level to the root of the issue. We have extreme powers of observation, which can be both a blessing and curse, especially when others seem naive to them.
If your Pallas is in Scorpio, you are alchemical with healing abilities that get right to the source of a challenge rather than treating the symptom of a disease or behavior. We love philosophical thought, healthy debate, and will use psychological modalities as an archaeological shovel.
Scorpio rules the reproductive organs; therefore, they may engage in sex therapy and/or cellular regeneration. We are artistic and particularly drawn to sacred geometrics such as mandalas, double entendre, and tantric practices along with the occult and ancient history.
With the Gods of War and the Underworld as our overlords, we are fearless in the face of danger and ruthless in battle, using considerable skill at strategy. Unsolved mysteries intrigue us, the more obscure the better.
Innate insight can provide the upper hand in any situation, and when relying on Pallas for strategic wisdom and guidance, we'll be able to respond instead of reacting out of fear to any circumstance that may arise.
I'll be focusing on patterns from the last 4.5 years in attempts to break any that no longer serve me. One of my planetary overlords ( Pluto ) is now in the Air sign of Aquarius, and the other ( Mars ) will enter Aquarius mid-February, not to mention an OOB Mercury who will also be in Aquarius, unique strategic business and personal ideas will be falling like shooting stars!
I just hope I can catch at least half!
Stay tuned! ☄😎
Frequent questions I receive: "Are we in the age of Aquarius", or "When did the Age of Aquarius begin?"
My answer is always: "There is no definitive answer." Here are the reasons ( which hopefully won't be too complicated to follow ):
The Age of Aquarius is an astrological age that occurs because of an occurrence called precession that alters the identity of the Pole Star over time. This lasts 25,800 years.
If you divide that number by the 12 constellations of the zodiac signs, it determines roughly 2,150 years for each one. During the spring ( or vernal ) equinox – when the Sun moves in front of a new zodiacal constellation, it is said to be the beginning of a new age.
The Age of Aquarius to begin when the vernal equinox point moves from the constellation Pisces to the constellation Aquarius. Here's where it gets tricky because various interpretations of calculations provide different answers.
Even though it's an astrological, viewing it from the point of astronomy provides valuable clues:
In the 20th century, the International Astronomical Union (or IAU) assumed the duty of officially naming and defining all things astronomical. The IAU created “official” constellation boundaries in 1930. So, astronomers would tend to mark the beginning of the Age of Aquarius, based upon IAU constellation boundaries.
But astrologers may or may not choose to recognize those boundaries.
Famed Belgian astronomer and mathematical wizard Jean Meeus is one who adheres to the IAU’s definitions. According to his computations, the sun at the March equinox passed from being in front of the constellation Aries to being in front of the constellation Pisces in 68 B.C. Looking ahead, again according to Meeus, the March equinox will cross over into the constellation Aquarius in 2597.
Once again, these are the astronomical dates, based on IAU constellation boundaries established in 1930. Which, frankly, I'm not too keen on because we astrologers like to divide the 12 astrological symbols into equal sections, while the IAU's defined constellations are different sizes.
Since there's no firm consensus among astrologers as to when the Age of Pisces began, it's virtually impossible to know when the Age of Aquarius began/begins.
From 'The Book of World Horoscopes':
Nicholas Campion suggests that approximated dates for entering the Age of Aquarius range from 1447 A.D. to 3597 A.D. Campion also reviewed published material on the subject from astrological sources.
He said that most writers claim the Age of Aquarius arrived in the 20th century (29 claims). The 24th century is in second place (12 claims). Campion, by the way, is director of the Sophia Centre and Course Director of the M.A. in Cultural Astronomy and Astrology at the University of Wales, Lampeter. You can view his credentials here:
https://www.astro.com/edu/ed_soph2_e.htm
Other astrologers say the Age of Aquarius actually began in 2012. That’s because they believe the star Regulus in the constellation Leo the Lion marked the ancient border between the constellations Leo and Cancer. This star moved to within 30 degrees of the September equinox point in 2012, meaning that Regulus left the sign Leo to enter the sign Virgo in that year. Presuming equal-sized constellations in antiquity, that places the border of the constellations Pisces and Aquarius at 150 degrees west of Regulus, or at the March equinox point. By this reckoning, the Age of Aquarius started in 2012.
So you can see that there’s firm reckoning by many for how to calculate the beginning of an age. But there is no agreement between those doing the calculations.
Here's a great article further demystifying it.
https://macroastro.wordpress.com/2016/03/18/an-age-old-mistake/
Illustration ( from the above article ):
Sun rising at the vernal equinox on the 20th March 2016 in Baghdad, Iraq (in deference to the Sumerian and Mesopotamian astronomer-astrologers who defined the zodiacal constellations thousands of years ago). The inclusion of the zodiacal constellation boundaries is for reference purposes.
The constellation of Aquarius sits well above the horizon and the Sun is located in one arm of the constellation of Pisces. Based on Hipparchus’ system, the above indicates the world is currently in the Age of Pisces.
The above illustration one hour before dawn on 20th March 2016 in Baghdad shows the constellation of Aquarius sitting just above the horizon with no stars visible in the constellation of Pisces.
HOWEVER:
In the second image from the above link, the constellation of Aquarius is currently the visible heliacal rising constellation. The constellation of Aquarius has been the visible heliacal rising constellation for centuries.
The conundrum is that, based on the Vernal Point located in the constellation of Pisces, we are supposedly in the Age of Pisces and will remain so for many centuries, while based on the visible heliacal rising of the constellation of Aquarius, we are in the Age of Aquarius and have been in the Age of Aquarius for centuries.
The latter assertion is substantiated by historians who claim the arrival of Modernity occurred about 500 years ago.
It also lists the Seven Most Popular Posts for Further Investigation:
The Age of Aquarius for Dummies
The Aquarian age did not begin in the 1960’s or ’70s
SCORPIO – the Sign of the Times …. Revisited – Part 1
Females, Women and Feminists in the Age of Aquarius
Generational Astrology – Introduction (Part 1)
Gemini’s Role in our Modern World (or Battle of the Brains)
Trump is Representative of the Age of Aquarius
Happy Reading and discerning!
Research references: International Astronomical Union, Earth and Sky, Astrodientist, Macroastro, various astrologers/astronomers.
There's an interesting essay written by one of my mentors, Steven Forrest, on Astrology and the Bible that some of you may be interested in.
I get asking A LOT whether a person can be an astrologer and Christian. I always tell them that it depends on your definition of "Christian", because believe me, there are many at odds with each other.
Astrology and the Bible
Let me begin responding to Luis by saying that religious objections to astrology are far from universal, even within the Judeo-Christian framework.
I’d also like to say that those Judeo-Christian traditions are what I will mostly be talking about here, although as we explore Old Testament issues, they overlap with Islam as well.
Generally speaking, the Asian religious traditions have been friendlier to astrology than the western ones.
Cutting to the chase, what we will be discovering as I explore this potential minefield isn't that the Bible is pro-astrology or anti-astrology, but rather that it is totally ambivalent about the subject. We will also address the issue that Luis sees so clearly – and something that most of the rest of us have experienced very directly too:
that mainstream religious people are often phobic about astrology and convinced of its Satanic origins.
So is it impossible to simultaneously be a Christian and a Gemini? That is the question.
By the way, in the Biblical quotes that follow, I’m using the King James version. It’s far from the most scholarly of the many Bible translations that exist, but it’s probably the one whose language has sunk deepest into the bones of English-speaking culture.
Continue reading:
https://www.forrestastrology.com/blogs/astrology/astrology-and-the-bible.
Israel, symbolizing persecution and destruction, reaches the anaretic degree, 29°, in Scorpio, while Pallas, Goddess of wisdom and warfare, at the 15th degree, 12th House.
These degrees in Scorpio represent the "Second Hemicycle: The Process of Collectivization", according to Dean Rudhyar, from his book, "An Astrological Mandala: "The Cycle of Transformations and it's 360 Symbolic Phrases, A reinterpretation of the Sabian Symbols, presenting them as a contemporary American I CHING".
Second Hemicycle: The Process of CollectivizationAct III: Group-Integration
Israel anaretic in Scorpio.
The 29th degree is the anaretic degree and last placement of the sign before a planet moves into the next sign. This marks the end of a cycle and is often considered the “degree of faith.” However, while this can feel like a degree of “giving up”, it’s actually the degree of mastery that is ready for the next chapter.
According to Rudhyar's interpretation: The Sabian symbol for the 29th degree in Scorpio is: AN INDIAN SQUAW PLEADING TO THE CHIEF FOR THE LIVES OF HER CHILDREN.
KEYNOTE: Love as a principle of redemption.
Here the soul is presented as a mother whose sons (i.e. her active energies) have become disruptive forces in the collective life of the tribe. She seeks to counteract the karma of their misdeeds through her love and implorations. The soul is responsive to the experience of unity (the spiritual king or chief) but the energies of human nature often follow their self-seeking, divisive tendencies.
This is the fourth symbol of the forty-eighth sequence. It presents us with the value of prayer. The principle of wholeness in man — the soul — acts to offset or attenuate the dictates of karma. In a religious sense, Mary, the Mother, is seen as the Mediatrix, in constant acts of INTERCESSION for the sake of waylaid individuals.
Pallas 15° Scorpio
Pallas, the goddess of wisdom and warfare, is never the aggressor but strategic defender. Reaching the midpoint of its transit through Scorpio represents the key issue of the sign face Scorpionic issues—even if it's your only Scorpio placement.
This degree is also where we discover a reason for living. If we have 15 degrees in a fixed sign (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, or Aquarius), this is called “The Avatar Degree.” The Avatar Degree means you’re the “go-to” person for your friends, family and colleagues. You make things happen with your bountiful luck and resourcefulness.
According to Rudhyar's interpretation: The Sabian symbol for the 15th degree in Scorpio is: "CHILDREN PLAYING AROUND FIVE MOUNDS OF SAND."
KEYNOTE: Early steps in the development of a mind seeking to be attuned to the higher level of human evolution.
This is a particularly cryptic symbol. It may be deciphered if one realizes that Man's essential destiny is to develop as a five-fold being, a "Pentagram" or five-pointed star. Number 5 symbolizes mind in its most creative and penetrating aspect, while number 4 refers to the life processes operating at present within the earth's biosphere.
Our Western civilization has realized only the lower level of this vibration 5; i.e. mind contaminated by compulsive instincts and emotional involvement.
Some individuals, however, are born with a special potential for development of the higher, creative mind, and in social circumstances favoring this development. In most cases, they are still "playing around" with their unusual capacity. They are in the kindergarten stage of this higher mind development.
In this final stage of the forty-fifth sequence of five symbols the transcendent possibilities of mental evolution, which require interpersonal communion in consciousness, are evoked. The free spirit of true scientific inquiry is only a foreshadowing of such a type of mind, which demands dedication to mankind as a whole.
What is seen here is FUTURE-ORIENTED GROWTH.
The 12th House is one of endings and subconscious. It shows sorrow, suffering, limitations, handicaps, secrets, seclusion, frustration, and behind-the-scenes action. It also indicates places of confinement, jails, hospitals, mental institutions, secret enemies, hidden dangers, self-undoing, and clandestine affairs. And most importantly, the spiritual debts, Karma, that are to be paid.
I just read an article that said Israel was willing to agree to a Palestinian controlled Gaza. Let's see what happens regarding the Israeli/Gaza conflict over the next few days. The 12th House also represents charity, sympathy, and public welfare.
Perhaps peace will prevail.
The fluctuation of moods we experience, and the various aspects planets make in a day are no coincidence. They're an energetic exchange affecting us on a cellular level. Innately we know we are connected to the grand cosmos despite how fear may prevent us from deeper exploration.
According to Old Moore's Almanac, experts believe that fluctuations in the earth’s gravitational field are responsible for these shifts in mood. This change in gravity can create disturbances throughout our nervous system, altering levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine and affecting our cognitive processing abilities.
Research has shown that solar activity can directly affect our levels of serotonin, an important neurotransmitter that regulates both mood and sleep patterns. Some studies have even found evidence that increased solar activity can lead to higher incidences of depression, especially in individuals who are sensitive to changes in their environment.
When it comes to our moods and emotions, there is no doubt that the planets can have a significant influence. Each planet is associated with specific feelings and personality traits, and these are often reflected in our everyday behavior. When it comes to our moods, the planets play a significant role. Whether we’re happy, sad, angry, jealous, or experiencing any other emotion, there seems to be some sort of connection between our emotions and the planets.
Becoming intimate with our natal chart and educating ourselves about planetary aspects leads to an awareness that grounds us in knowledge. When we KNOW why we are feeling a certain emotion, we are better able to navigate it without a fear that leads to actions or words of regret.
More on the Israel/Palestine
Back in October I wrote an essay about the astrological implications of the Israeli/Hamas conflict. I wrote when the asteroid Israel moved from Libra into Scorpio on October 26, conflict could escalate.
The asteroid Israel represents persecution, attacks, and homeland. Under Libra there were negotiations and attempts to communicate toward amicable resolutions to no avail. Scorpionic energy is polar opposite.
Deeply aware, penetrating, determined and passionate, Scorpio invited Israel into the shadowy depth of its psyche where it had the choice between a balanced insight laced with compassion and understanding; or a vengeful, overbearing, and often violent actions.
We all saw how it went.
But I've been keeping my eye on Pallas, the Goddess of Wisdom and Warfare, who entered Scorpio on November 19 @ 4:01 AM.
Pallas is the goddess of wisdom and self-defense. Her symbol is the wise owl, and she is in charge of defending herself and those important to her. She is never the aggressor, but she defends herself and those she loves.
She is in essence the warrior queen and philosopher. Anytime we come up with a reason or a theory as to why we want to live our lives a certain way, we are exercising our philosophical side. This is where Pallas comes in.
Pallas entering Scorpio is an opportunity to utilize strategic wisdom and feminine energy to facilitate change.
We use our wisdom when we need to, and if we have to do battle against someone or something, the wiser we are, the more likely we are of achieving success. The fact that Pallas does not take the part of the aggressor, or the bully should give us the encouraging knowledge that she can be trusted.
The God of War, Mars, left Scorpio for Sagittarius on November 24 @ 5:15 AM, five days after Pallas entered the sign. The moment Pallas entered Scorpio, negotiations between sides increased, and four days later, as Mars was on the anaretic degree of Scorpio preparing to transit into Sagittarius, a cease-fire agreement was reached, and hostages were exchanged. As of today, the IDF and Hamas confirmed that the truce was extended for a seventh day.
With Mars now in Sagittarius, and Pallas in Scorpio with Israel, we've seen and will continue to see a change in strategy from all out physical annihilation ( Mars ) to mental negotiation ( Pallas ). Next week, December 04, Venus, the Goddess of beauty and affection will enter Scorpio. With all this feminine energy balancing out Scorpio's intensity, headway can be made toward a lasting solution between Israel and Palestine. But they have to want to work toward that goal.
As a matter of fact, these two goddesses will perfect and conjunct @ 10°08' Scorpio on the 13th of December in the 2nd House. The emphasis of their energy: Affection/Sense of Value and Wisdom/Warfare will be amplified in the house of gain/loss, and personal liberty.
But before that, on December 10, there will be a conjunction between the Moon and Israel in Scorpio @4:45 PM ( EST ) in the 6th House. Thus, the energy of emotions/domestic urge and persecution/attacks will be emphasized. The Moon symbolizes what we need, emotion, intuition, and domesticity. It also represents the feminine principle. Israel represents attacks, be it the aggressor who attacks or defender who defends against attacks, and domestic homeland.
The sixth house represents duty and substance. Here work and health are closely related, I imagine even more so with military personnel engaged in this conflict, as it also represents all conditions affecting our health.
There's something being worked out here toward homeland, domesticity, and emotional peak. With Pallas and Venus entering their conjunction just three days later, combined with the feminine principle of the moon, the power of the divine feminine is truly going to be highlighted. Hopefully a miracle will occur to restore balance to the Middle east by mid-December.
We'll see, won't we? It's not up to us, Is it? With Israel in Scorpio vengeful, over-bearing, and often violent actions can occur if the power is uncontrolled.
Image: Pallas Athena by Lee
#inspiritualservice #astrology #astrologer #Israel #Venus #pallas #PallasAthene #pallasathena #Mars #Scorpio #Palestine
Many cultures, particularly the Native American, believe our hair symbolizes strength, identity, and power. Believing that our hair connects us to the spiritual realm, these cultures teach that hair allows us to receive guidance and messages from the divine; thus, disposing of it properly has been a vital component so as not to disrupt guidance or messages from the spiritual realm. It is believed that neglecting to dispose of our hair properly can signify a loss of guidance, protection, and prosperity.
According to Brianna Holt, hair tells a life story. Growing long hair is a custom for some Native tribes. For some tribes, long hair equates to strength. In others, it signifies power and virility. Long hair is also seen by some to be an act of rebellion against the colonized world and a representation of Indigenous pride.
In other cultures, hair is considered sacred and is not to be cut or removed unless for specific reasons, such as mourning or initiation ceremonies. When disposing of spiritual hair, it is essential to do so respectfully, either by burying it in the ground or the sea, or by burning it with intention and gratitude.
For those of us on the spiritual journey, proper disposal of hair is a key component in maintaining a strong spiritual connection and receiving the benefits of spiritual guidance. I collect my hair daily from my brush and store it in a small container until each Full Moon. Then I place it in my burn bowl around my wish paper with written intentions, loose sage, and herbs. Once burned I offer the ashes to the Full Moon and recite my intentions. It's always been my belief that any burnt offering's smoke rises to the heavens with our intentions.
But it doesn't have to be burned. It can be buried, donated to spiritual practitioners or institutions, or even placed in a river. Follow your intuition about what feels right to you.
Keeping in line with my Native American heritage, I keep my hair very long and only trim it quarterly on the New Cardinal Moons. However, there were times I would grow my hair waist length just to donate to institutions who make wigs for cancer patients. To be honest, donating didn't feel right to me, despite doing something that would help another. It was the cutting process, not the donation. The last time I donated was about 8-9 years ago. I decided then it would be my last time. Thus, burning feels right for me.
Many civilizations assign specific meaning to disposing of spiritual hair, such as releasing negativity or giving prayers to ancestors. Hindus bury their hair in holy places, Christians believe burning it symbolizes rebirth, and Buddhists offer their hair as a gift to the deities. The Chinese Taoist tradition considers cutting a person’s hair as symbolic completion of life cycles, and thus stores it with respect.
In Voodoo culture, long and lustrous hair represents vitality; hence they are removed during mourning periods or major life-changing events and offered to deities alongside gifts symbolizing aspects of life celebration. This practice connects worshipers with their ancestors’ spirits from whom they seek guidance.
It's even believed that you can keep your chakras clear and your energy flowing by avoiding spiritual blockages like bad haircuts and toxic people. It is believed by all cultures that to "flush" our hair or "dumpster" it causes natural imbalances to both nature and our self.
In whatever way you choose to dispose of your hair, let it bring peace and balance into your life the way it has mine. Try it by beginning now. Collect your hair daily from your brush and store it. Then during December's Full Cold Moon, offer it in whatever way you are led. Pay attention to how it makes you feel.
In my case, it's much warmer and definitely lighter.
Sources: https://www.insider.com/what-hair-signifies-in-native-american-culture-2022-11; The Spruce
#inspiritualservice #hair #hairdisposal #ritual #ceremony #burning
Mercury, Prince of Communication and Messenger of the gods is out-of-bounds ( OOB - beyond 23°27’ declination ), -23° S 26' 24", 07°SAG28, @ 1:08 AM EST, 4th House.
The Fourth House is the natural home of Cancer and one of security and endings.
Mercury is also associated with the physician and healing; thus, he carries the caduceus, a short-staff wand entwined by two serpents, sometimes surmounted by wings that is now the modern symbol for medicine. However, from a mythological standpoint, Mercury could also put people asleep or be a messenger of death.
OOB planets can go one of two ways: firstly, they can produce exceptional creativity exceeding the potential of expectations; secondly, they can be erratically unpredictable and go to extremes that can detrimentally affect others, including themselves.
Mercury goes OOB about twice a year. Those with OOB planets, to put it simply, like coloring outside the lines. That can be considered a creative genius or dangerous liability. Whether the declination is North or South is equally important. The North (N) is considered more outgoing whose actions affect the world, while the South (S) is more internalized and expressed through communication such as writing or speaking.
Dr. Jack Kevorkian, also known as "Doctor Death", was the infamous physician who passionately believed in a terminally ill person's right to euthanasia. He was certainly one of these people and had countless encounters with law enforcement because of his beliefs. With Kevorkian's Mercury is 25°Gemini39 N’ declination, we would expect to see this type of radical behavior in support of his unwavering opinions.
OOB planets and those who have them in their natal charts can be unpredictable; however, the energy does not necessarily manifest in a negative way. Some of the most gifted individuals have one or more OOB natal positions. Albert Einstein is just one example. Elvis Pressly and Judy Garland were also examples that showed positive aspects that excelled in acting and singing, and negative, leading them to early deaths from addiction.
It's important to know if we have any OOB planets, and in what sign/house they reside to avoid any negative tendencies that can easily suck us into lower-vibrational energy. Especially with this placement in the 12th House, the house of sorrow and self-undoing. When we recognize the shift we can pause and recalibrate our energy to a higher frequency and prevent a lot of heartache.
With Mercury OOB, we can expect flashes of genius and inspiration that may lead to exceptional writing or speeches. Being true to thyself is just as important as knowing thyself.
#inspiritualservice #astrology #astrologer #astrologypost #astrologynews #Mercury #planetary #energy
Mercury in Sagittarius Return @ 4:33 PM, 3rd House.
My Mercury return is this afternoon. If you have Mercury in Sagittarius, then you already have, or will experience your Mercury return at some point of its transit through the sign of the Archer.
But what is a Mercury return? It's when Mercury returns to the exact degree and house it occupied at the time of our birth.
First, let's learn about Mercury:
Science:
Mercury is considered the "Tiny Speedster" of our solar system. It's also the first planet from the Sun and the smallest. It is a terrestrial planet with a heavily cratered surface due to overlapping impact events. These features are well preserved since the planet has no geological activity and an extremely tenuous atmosphere called an exosphere. Despite being the smallest planet in the Solar System, Mercury is dense enough to have roughly the same surface gravity as Mars. Mercury has a dynamic magnetic field with a strength about 1% of that of Earth's and has no natural satellites.
Mythology:
The Romans adapted the myths and iconography of Mercury's Greek counterpart, Hermes, for Roman art and Latin literature. he was considered the god of financial gain, commerce, eloquence, messages, communication, travelers, boundaries, luck, trickery, merchants, and thieves. Known as the "Messenger of the Gods" and the "Prince of Communication", Mercury's tricks kept him in plenty of trouble with the gods; however, he was so favored among them they found it difficult not to forgive his antics.
Astrology:
In Sagittarius, Mercury is in his detriment. This means that it's opposite the planet it rules and will take on more of Sagittarius' coloration ( traits ) than its own. Here Mercury is forced to conform to rules and regulations.
Considered neuter, Mercury rules reason, ability to communicate, intellect, awareness, dexterity, rationalization, transmission, words, opinion and sensory perception. It's action is quick, uncertain, and at times, volatile. Deals with travel ( especially short trips ), brothers and sisters, children, clerking, speaking, writing, bookkeeping, secretaries, neighborhood activities, letters and mailings, means of transportation, trade, emotional capacity and technique.
Where you find Mercury in your chart shows how and where you communicate best.
3rd House:
This is the natural home of Gemini, ruled by Mercury ( Virgo is also ruled by Mercury in the 6th House ). This is a house of side x side relationships and awareness. This house reveals the local environment we live in, such as speaking and writing. It also indicates means of transportation, including short trips. It shows the ability of our mind to learning and to new ideas, our ability to relate to our environment, and our taken-for-granted skills. It indicates the conscious and objective portion of our mind and primary school teachings.
Mercury in the 3rd House
Because Mercury rules the third house, he is most comfortable here and the 6th House of Virgo. Both Mercury and the environments of the third house favor all forms expression as well as travel. Intellect and reasoning ability also dominates this home. However, because Mercury is in his Sagittarian detriment, he will assume more of Sagittarius' coloration than his.
Natal Mercury in Sagittarius
Independent is the keyword for this natal placement. We are sincere and have a great sense of dry humor. Impulsive, they often speak without considering the consequences. They have intuitive flashes of truth, but, due to an overabundance of interests, are apt to scatter our mental forces. Their mind does not need sharpening, only directing.
Generous, progressive and honest, they hate to deceive anyone. Because they are concerned with attitudes more than facts, they are interested in higher education, philosophy, religion, and politics. They relish intellectual status, tend to be a nonstop talker, and love travel of any kind.
If there are many difficult aspects to Mercury, they will have a tendency toward oral sermonizing or toward being overly pedantic in their own attitudes.
Pressing a bit further, my Mercury is out of bounds ( OOB ). Those whose Mercury is OOB do not communicate within the standards of dominant culture. they return texts or e-mails when they feel ready. OOB need extra time to process.
They aren't concerned with offending others with their statements because to them they are just being honest because they care enough about you to be honest. These people don't fake it. You know exactly how they feel, though you may have difficulty understanding them at times due to obscure diction.
Undeniable genius is associated with OOB Mercury, so they often make surprising statements or observations. They are smart enough to know what you expect from them in a dialogue, but this doesn’t mean they'll choose to play along. It depends on how much they care about you.
For all my Mercury in Sagittarius friends, if you'd like to know the exact day and time of your Sagittarius return, DM me for more information.
I wish you much love and success on your journey around the Sun!
Image: Hermes/Mercury by Jaheka
#inspiritualservice #Mercury #Mercuryreturn #Sagittarius #astrology #astrologer
My personal Venus return is tomorrow evening. If you have Venus in Virgo, then you already have, or will experience your Venus return at some point of Venus' transit through Virgo. But what is a Venus return? It's when Venus returns to the exact degree and house it occupied at the time of our birth.
First, let's learn about Venus:
Science:
Venus is the second planet from the Sun. It is a rocky planet with the densest atmosphere of all the rocky bodies in the Solar System, and the only one with a mass and size that is close to that of its orbital neighbor Earth. Orbiting inferiorly (inside of Earth's orbit), it appears in Earth's sky always close to the Sun, as either a "morning star" or an "evening star". While this is also true for Mercury, Venus appears much more prominently, since it is the third brightest object in Earth's sky after the Moon and the Sun, appearing brighter than any other star-like classical planet or any fixed star.
Mythology:
The Romans adapted the myths and iconography of Venus' Greek counterpart, Aphrodite, for Roman art and Latin literature. In the later classical tradition of the West, Venus became one of the most widely referenced deities of Greco-Roman mythology as the embodiment of love, affection, and beauty.
Astrology:
Venus is considered the planet of love; in early times it was called the lesser benefic. It rules are, culture aesthetics possessions, partners, beauty, charm, good taste, sentimentality, sweets and sugar, color, harmony, poetry, paintings, jewelry, singing, drama, and music. Venus' action is gentle and harmonious. Governs emotional contacts, tenderness, moral character, marriage and unions of all kinds. Also, sociability, disposition, luxuries, pleasure and appreciation. Venus is the planet of love and sensuality, not sex.
Where you find Venus in your chart reveals what you really enjoy.
12th House:
This is the natural home of Pisces ruled by Neptune. It's a house of endings and subconscious that reveals our unknown or hidden strengths and weaknesses. It shows sorrow, suffering, limitations, handicaps, secrets, seclusion, frustration, behind-the -scenes action. It indicates places of confinement, jails, hospitals, mental institutions, etc., restraint, inhibitions, exile, secret enemies, hidden dangers, self-undoing and clandestine affairs.
It reveals the things we hide from others. Research, background, subjective sustainment, inner consciousness, the subconscious mind, spiritual debts to be paid ( Karma ), but also charity, sympathy, and public welfare. It is often called the closet, or dustbin of the horoscope because it is here that we sweep away or hide problems which are too painful to face or difficulties that we refuse to acknowledge.
Venus in the 12th House
Venus in Virgo:
This transit portends relevant changes in our relationships and finances, and depends on its surrounding placements and most importantly, our understanding. The house is considered malefic because of its association with hospitalization, escapism, and incarceration; thus, it could represent discontent in love or finances. We may experience the need for a more private love life during this time. We may discover secrets, and, if the relationship has been weak, it may lead to separation.
On a more positive note, this transit indicates a craving for more depth in relationships involving spiritual meaning and understanding. Yet, there's a danger here of sacrificing ourselves and our resources for our partners, as well as the opportunity to let go of something material. This is the influence of Libra in Venus' 7th house home. Peace at any price is not the way to go.
We should take extra care of our mental and physical health during this time. If we begin to feel trapped in a relationship, honesty about our feelings is paramount. Don't shrink. This transit allows us to step into our power and express our true feelings rather than sacrificing for another's benefit. Also guard against how critical we are of others. Although Virgo's intentions are purely to offer improvement to others, it can come off as highly critical, damaging another's self-confidence.
Because this is a house of endings, relationships can end as a result of criticizing, judging, and clingy behavior. In addition to our tongue, guard our finances as well. Especially against scammers - after all, tis the season!
For all my Venus in Virgo friends, if you'd like to know the exact day and time of your Venus return, DM me for more information.
I wish you much love and success on your journey around the Sun!
Image: Venus Rising by Lisbeth Cheever-Gessaman
#inspiritualservice #Venus #VenusReturn #astrology #astrologer #12HOUSE
Conjunction: Allowable orb of 07° between celestial objects - Denotes emphasis.
Libra: Harmony and Balance. Peace-loving but Judicial.
11th House: Goals. Friends. Allies. Circumstances beyond our control.
• Pallas: 18°LIB11 ( Wisdom. Warfare. )
• South Node: 24°LIB52 ( Past. Old Patterns. Wounds. Habits. )
• Israel: 28°LIB37'
Above we have Pallas conjunct South Node in Libra (06°orb). Pallas represents wisdom and warcraft. The South Node represents old patterns and gifts we were born with brought from a previous life. This conjunction would emphasize the importance of evolution by positive alteration—change up what hasn't worked. There's an opportunity to utilize strategic wisdom and feminine energy to facilitate change.
Next, we have the South Node conjunct Israel in Libra (04°orb), emphasizing the importance of that aforementioned change. The importance of peace ( but not at any cost ). The importance of negotiations. Libra is all about balanced and amicable relationships; however, it also represents justice and the judicial process, which can cut like a knife at times.
All of the above is happening in the 11th House highlighting goals, friends/allies, and developing a new methodology to respond to circumstances beyond our control.
Scorpio: Intense Desire12th House: Limitations. Frustrations. Self-undoing. Hidden strength. Subconscious mind.
• Sun: 00SCO00 @ 12:21 PM, EDT ( 0° in astrology represents a breath of fresh air - everything is new and bright with possibility. )
• Mercury: 02SCO18 ( Communication. Reasoning ability. Negotiations. )
• Mars: 07SCO49 ( Action. Aggressive urge. )
• Sun in Scorpio conjunct Israel ( 3°orb ) and the South Node ( 7°orb ) in Libra. The Sun represents inner-self, power urge, and ego. We see Israel struggling for a secure identity. To be able to live in peace and safety.
The Sun and Israel conjunct Mercury in Scorpio. Mercury emphasizes reasoning abilities, negotiations, and settlements surrounding Israel's self-identity crisis.
The Sun conjunct Mars in Scorpio ( 7°orb ): Mars is dignified in Scorpio, and represents action, the aggressive urge, initiation and energy. Strife, war, weapons, wounds, and violence are within its realm. It is strategic and cunning. It is known as the God of War. This conjunction emphasizes defense, protection, and fuels self-preservation and survival.
Tuesday, 24th, Israel moves into the Anaratic degree ( 29° ) in Libra, representing a Karmic completion signifying the end of a cycle, and is known as the "degree of faith".
Thursday, 26th, Israel will move into Scorpio - changing the energy and dynamics of the situation from judicially balanced Libra into intense and cunning Scorpio.
The buildup of a stellium in Scorpio Thursday, in the 12th House, is going to be paramount to what's happening in the Middle east. Mars in Scorpio can be intensely explosive, especially with the Sun/Israel conjunction emphasizing inner self and ego; however, it can also demonstrate great courage and strength of restraint.
And a Lunar Eclipse is coming in right behind all of this energy - which means more intensity to the already present energy.
In addition to the above, Ceres, representing the harvest, the reaping of what we've sown, is also positioned in Scorpio: "[ . . . ] for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."
May it be peace.
Image: Pino Daeni
There's posts everywhere on the Israel conflict, but I needed to gather my thoughts and analyze a chart. Conflict, especially serious conflict such as war, is something I need to process emotionally before I can communicate it in any type of reasonable fashion. This is probably something I should do via video; however, I'm going to attempt to articulate this in layman's terms.
The attack on Israel began around 6:30 AM Saturday morning, Israeli time. Saturday is when Jews observe the Sabbath, and many don't leave their homes; therefore, most would've been in bed asleep after the previous night's ritual, especially with nowhere to be that morning. The fact that the terrorists chose this time to attack makes it more despicable to me.
Israel is 7 hours ahead of us, so I ran the chart @ 11:30 PM Friday evening, which would correlate to the exact time of the attack.
At the top left of the chart, you'll see the North Node, Eris. and Chiron circled. This forms a stellium in the fire sign Aries in the10th House. The allowable orb is 7° for a conjunction ( emphasizes energy ), and as you can see by the degrees, all three are within that allowable measurement. The 10th house is the natural home of Capricorn, ruled by Saturn, the teacher and Lord of Karma. This house is one of substance and honor, and indicates government, authority, and religion as an organization.
The North Node is our destiny, and the direction we strive toward in this life. Eris is the goddess of discord and strife. And Chiron is the wounded healer. There is such a significance in this alignment.
At the bottom right of the chart, you'll see the South Node, Mars, and the asteroid Israel circled in red. This forms a stellium in the air sign Libra in the 4th House. The allowable orb is 7° for a conjunction, and as you can see by the degrees, all three are within that allowable measurement. The 4th house is the natural home of Cancer, ruled by the Moon, representing our domestic nurturing urge and emotions. This house is one of security and endings, and indicates our home, heritage, and property ( real estate ). This is a house of endings: the closing years of life, the ending of all matters.
The South Node is what we've brought into this life - our heritage, ancestry, gifts, etc., and what we strive to break free from so we can evolve in this life. Mars is the god of war who rules Aries & Scorpio. And Israel represents persecution, attacks, and homeland. Now if that doesn't give you goosebumps, I don't know what will.
An opposition denotes polarity that needs to be reconciled before healing can take place. Chiron reveals this by his presence in the North Node/Eris stellium, where the goddess of discord and strife, Eris is representing while opposing the God of War, Mars, in a stellium with the South Node ( history ) and Israel.
Not only that - but an opposition is also forming between the Moon dignified in Cancer, and Pluto, god of the underworld and harbinger of destruction and rebirth in Capricorn, ruled by Saturn, the teacher and lord of karma. The energy of this opposition was growing stronger through the attack and perfected by 10:00 PM Saturday, Israeli time. With the Moon dignified in her own sign, emotions would've been off the chart globally in the aftermath of Plutonian destruction.
And if that wasn't enough, we've got another fire stellium in Leo between Black Moon Lilith, who, according to the Jews, is "a female demon of Jewish folklore, who tries to kill newborn children. In the Talmud she is the first wife of Adam, dispossessed by Eve" and Venus, goddess of affection, and Juno, goddess of commitment and relationships. Thus, it could be interpreted that Lilith seeks to divide families, relationships, and commitments - even those of ceasefire between countries. Her position in the middle is separating the two goddesses..
So we have two fire stelliums and one air. Air fuels fire. Astrology is so literal.
This has been bone-chilling for me, which is why I needed time to process before posting about. I possess Jewish heritage traced back to Latvia. Yet I don't resent Palestine, and I certainly don't fault them as a whole for the malicious actions of a militant group. I sympathize with their plight. What happened to them would be akin to Native Americans being granted the rights to take back their original lands and occupy our homes. Being of Native American descent, I wouldn't be able to resent that beyond those not being able to let the past go and move forward.
And that's a part of history we all need to learn is to let the past rest in peace or war will always prevail. Because in war there are no winners, only widows.
I am doing all I know to do to bring peace to Israel and Palestine by eliminating extremists and militants from their populations. I pray and practice the same for America and her extremist faction as well.
On July 12, @ 12:53 PM, the Moon’s Mean North Node will back into Aries while the South Node crosses into Libra at the same exact time until January 28, 2025. The Moon's True Nodes will ingress July 17th @ 3:59 PM. So what's the difference between Mean and True Nodes. It's really quite easy.
Before the wonderful world of computer calculations, the Mean Nodes were calculated by hand due to variations over a period of time. It's old school and many astrologers still adhere to the practice as a basic foundation of delineation. True Nodes are the actual exact spot, measurement, and location of the node at an exact moment in time calculated by a computer in a few seconds, and the tool many modern astrologers prefer.
So why even bother with the Mean Nodes at all when the computer can generate True Nodes?
In evolutionary astrology ( which is what I am studying ), the Moon's Nodes are considered the heart of the system. The South Node represents the karma we have brought with us not just from past lives but have accumulated during this life as well. We only have karma that is not ripe ( completed ) in this life with us into the next so that we may eventually resolve it.
The South Node provides ample time to deal with our ripe karma in this life, so long as our pride and/or obstinance don't interfere. This is where the nodes come into play, and why they are considered the heart of the system. The challenging news: When karma is ripe it's coming for us; the positive news: We are ready.
If the Universe brings us to it, it will bring us through it should we choose to do the work. The only thing that can stand in our way is, well, us.
The North Node, on the other hand, provides not only a powerful antidote to our South Node patterns but also outlines a detailed map of how to resolve our ripe karma. The only caveat is this: our old patterns of behavior rise naturally to situations while it takes serious effort to reach a resolution, aka the North Node.
No pain no gain, except mentally vs physically. Or should I say spiritually awakening vs sleepwalking? Regardless, we've had roughly 18 months to reconcile our Scorpionic-ripened karma, and now we are all on the cusp of karma changing her tune completely, individually, and collectively.
While each sign of the zodiac represents possibilities, it also represents a challenge of potential stumbling blocks for us to transform into steppingstones. One can view the changing of the nodes, or even the current position, as an opposition. It's essential to reconcile two polarities to achieve personal ( and collective ) balance.
Cardinal Libra represents harmonious cooperation; however, every coin has a backside: Peace-loving Libra will often pay way too high a price for peace. This price can include at the expense of our own voice: "I want to say something, but peace is more important."
Is it though?
This is where discernment is critical. We've all heard the saying, "Sometimes it's better to agree than be right." So, which is it? Agreeing for the sake of peace because it's more important? Or, releasing our own personal truth?
Libra is judicial but can lack discernment. It can also be indecisive and easily deterred. Rather than be pressed by the inner conflict designed to resolve our ripened karma ( repetitive patterns ), we will be tempted to forgo our own best interests for the sake of peace.
But I can guarantee you the peace we paid so high a price for will not reside within us peacefully. When that happens, we will know we sacrificed too much for the very thing we desired. Sometimes there's a second chance, but most often there's not, and we are left to witness the consequences. And no matter how much we say, "It wouldn't have mattered anyway." One thing is for certain, two for sure—we'll never know now.
Because you see, Justice and Peace only make a beautiful union when Truth is honored by both. And just as a painter, we must undergo study of ourselves before the canvas is made right.
Image: God Ares created with Midourney
Recap: On July 12, @ 12:53 PM, the Moon’s Mean North Node will back-peddle into Aries while the South Node crosses into Libra at the same exact time until January 28, 2025. The Moon's True Nodes will ingress July 17th @ 3:59 PM. So what's the difference between Mean and True Nodes. Read Part I below to answer that. Part II is going to dig a little deeper.
The Nodes in general are also known as the Head and Tail of the Dragon. You can compare it to a roller coaster: the head is focused and leads the way, while the tail is whipping you in every direction following the head. As ancient mythology dictates, the tail is equally as dangerous as the teeth on a dragon—oftentimes, more so. We pay such close attention to avoid being bitten that we get backslapped by the tail, namely the "Ripe Karma" discussed in yesterday's segment.
On December 22, 2021, the south node crossed into Scorpio, my sun sign. This meant that the shadow of the South Node would be crossing over my sun until it finally backtracks into Libra this month. The majority of Scorpios will breathe a sigh of relief at the passing of the storm cloud, but not me. Why? Because My natal NN is in Libra, which means my SN is in Aries.
I will be experiencing my reverse-nodal return ( more on nodal and reverse-nodal returns to come ) until January 2026! I am halfway there! Come January 2026, if I've done the work as I have the last 18 months, that sigh of relief is going to be well-earned.
Has it been difficult? Yes. I've experienced some pretty dark Scorpionic karma and witnessed it globally. I mean two months after the South Node moved into Scorpio, Putin invaded Ukraine. Even though the North Node entered Taurus simultaneously – peace, the eternal cure for war, seemed just too far away for certain global leaders to work toward. Maybe it was too much of a struggle—but it's a struggle that our lives depend on if we want to spiritually evolve as individuals and as a collective.
Collectively speaking, Scorpio is the sign of penetrating passion and awareness; the SN in Scorpio gave us an opportunity to face and heal our deepest wounds. The NN in Taurus represented a domesticated stability that encompasses loyalty offering us a chance to attain security and peace through facing our deepest Scorpionic secrets and fears involving abandonment and betrayal.
If we got the energy right and did the work, all's good. If we didn't, and we got the Scorpio energy all wrong, as Putin did, then our strategy needs to change with the changing of the Nodes this month. Beginning with Libra in the South.
The question becomes: How do we evolve from the SN to the NN during the next 18 months? The answer is twofold: firstly, learn what it is we need to evolve from; secondly, work that knowledge without giving up. If you give up, get back up and keep trying. We've got 18 months. We can do it. It doesn't matter if we just break one pattern holding us back during this time, we've evolved.
The NN in Aries is the realm of Mars, the pioneering God of War, activity, and action. However, the backside of its coin is also domineering, quick-tempered, and violent. Just as the tail has its positive side, the head of this dragon isn't without its own shadow aspect. It's important to learn and recognize all traits of Aries and Libra during this transit. Most importantly, it's equally important to learn to recognize the traits we are exhibiting.
It's okay to praise ourselves and feel proud when we've accomplished something; however, it's also vital that we also assume responsibility for our choices that display negative attributes and course correct. It's a package deal. We can recognize our behavior as lower-vibrational energy, but if we don't assume responsibility ( pride, shame, etc. ) we've only recognized the stumbling block. We can't transform it into a stepping stone without accepting responsibility.
Blaming others is a trap. Despite what they say or how they advise, no one holds a gun to our heads when we make personal choices regarding our own lives.
This evolutional opportunity isn’t about dominating others. Nor is it about hurting or excluding them; however, we will be accused of those very things because we're altering our boundaries to exclude certain behaviors, such as people-pleasing—something Libra is notorious for to keep the peace.
No, Aries represents strength, courage, and honor. It's there for our benefit and for the taking; how we use it is up to us. It’s about utilizing that strength and courage to stand up for your own truths or to defend those you love in an honorable and truthful manner.
"Bushido" is the way of the Warrior. It's a moral code among Samurai which dictates their values, behavior, attitude, and lifestyle. When a Samurai breaks bushido and demonstrates unethical acts, they are dishonored, which often leads to seppuku. This practice, also known as hara-kiri, is a method to regain their honor by taking their own life. Of course, for us, it entails owning our own behavior with a heartfelt admission, self-forgiveness, and genuine change.
This is how we should view Mars, the God of War, through during this nodal transit. That, and a shining knight on a white horse.
What?!
Enter Libran Karma, whose flipside of the coin avoids conflict at all costs and is easily deterred until indecisive about how they should act, what they should choose, or who they should believe. Enter the knight in shining armor, Aries, whose intention is to provide Libra with the strength and courage to stand up for their truth by speaking it first, then acting on it by refusing to be deterred.
What?!
There's not a woman ( or some men ) reading this who hasn't, at some point in her life, dreamed of a knight in shining armor riding a white horse and rescuing them from their own behavior. Oh, he could be described as a "Tall dark, and handsome stranger", or a myriad of other descriptions—it's the same concept.
"Ah! If I only had love!" ( personally I never cared about the color of the horse. )
Well, ladies ( and some gents ) here he comes. The question is, are we ready? Are we brave enough to accept his gifs? More importantly, are we willing to use them for our own benefit and that of the greater good?
Final note: We'll all experience this individually. Delve into your chart and KNOW where your NN, SN, Aries/Mars, Libra/Venus, and their respective houses are located. Those placements and their cycle through the zodiac signs over the next 18 months become our personal roadmap.
Yes, there is a part III coming up to help you with that.
Image: The Accolade, Edmund Blair Leighton, 1901
Recap: Today, July 12 @ 12:53 PM, the Moon’s Mean North Node will back-peddle into Aries while the South Node crosses into Libra at the same exact time until January 28, 2025. The Moon's True Nodes will ingress July 17th @ 3:59 PM.
So, what's the difference between Mean and True Nodes? Read Part I below to answer that. Part II dug deeper into the realm of Taurus and Scorpio and the potential those nodal placements presented, as well as the upcoming switch to Aries and Libra and what to expect. Part III evaluates a cyclic process of the nodal switch through the zodiac signs. Part IV will delve into nodal returns. Lastly, Part V will delve into reverse-nodal returns ( such as I will be experiencing ).
We will experience this energy individually; therefore, hopefully, you took my advice in Part II and delved into your chart to familiarize yourself with the placements of your NN, SN, Mars, Venus, and respective houses.
In the delineation of astrology, it's the collection of these individual experiences, recorded for centuries, that provide common themes or patterns of aspects that enable astrologers to develop perspectives that apply to the general collective as a whole. It's a painstaking process filled with the reward of knowledge that can be passed on to new generations.
Astrology is the most ancient language in the Universe.
As the ruler of Libra, Venus will be a key planet to watch in regard to ripened karma as she transits the signs and houses throughout the next 18 months. Conversely, Aries will be there to provide the clues, strength, and courage to move beyond each challenge and toward spiritual evolution.
Many misinterpret Venus, named after the Roman goddess, as only a planet of affection, love, and beauty; however, in Ancient Greece she was known as Pallas Athene, the Goddess of Wisdom and Warcraft; therefore, she also rules justice, law, and order. Just as with any other planet, she's a two-sided coin with both a light and shadow aspect. So, while Venus may be all about poetic love and aesthetic beauty, her ripened karma may not be all warm and fuzzy. On the contrary, she's out to balance the scales of justice from whatever imbalance we've sown.
The planet Venus takes about 224.5 days to orbit the sun, which means she spends about 18.7 days in each of the 12 signs, sans any retrograde. The planet is currently in her pre-shade period and will enter retrograde 12°Leo12', 9:33 PM, EDT, Saturday, July 22—five days after the true nodes switch signs—and 20 minutes before the Sun enters Leo. She will remain in Rx until September 03, 12°Leo12' @ 9:21 PM, EDT, and will leave her post-shade period Oct 07 @ 11:22 PM EDT.
It's a lot, I know; however, it's also pertinent information because the energy of a planet alters during each phase of its retrograde period. If we're going to be working with Venus, we need to become intimate with her energy so we can recognize whatever ripened karma is presenting itself to be reconciled. As Venus moves quickly through the signs, we need to be homed in on which sign she's transiting. And particularly the signs she visits twice during this 18-month nodal period.
A revisit means something wasn't reconciled during the first transit, and we're being given a second chance.
Below you can read the essence of each Venusian transit through the signs, and the Aries offerings that can assist us through the prosecution process of Libra's Karmic Courtroom.
• South mean node enters Libra in Leo on July 12. Don't obsess over your appearance: inner or outer. Aries offers you the strength to forgo vanity by trusting that you're beautiful as you are.
• Venus enters her Virgoan fall, October 8, 2023. Virgo strives for perfection but struggles with emotion; therefore, can come across as critical, nit-picky, and cold to others. Aries offers a pioneering alternative to present rational ideas without coming across as petty, self-centered, or detached.
• Venus dignified in Libra, November 8, 2023. Libra is known to pay too high a price to keep the peace. Aries provides Libra the courage to stand up for their own truth and defend those they love.
• Venus enters Scorpion detriment December 4, 2023. Scorpio often uses the intensity of physical or intellectual passion as a diversion from who they truly are. Aries provides the independent courage to remove the mask and exchange deep glances with others instead of redirecting their focus elsewhere.
• Venus enters Sagittarius, December 29, 2023. Free-loving and generous, Sagittarius enjoys making everyone feel the same, using procrastination to belay important choices or decisions. Aries provides Sagittarius with the courage to live and choose love in the moment it presents itself.
• Venus enters Capricorn, January 23, 2024. Capricorn often hides their insecurity behind a mask of hard work and serious perfectionism–Aries provides the confidence to make mistakes and stand naked in the truth without fear of abandonment.
• Venus enters Aquarius, February 16, 2024. Aquarius can be so independent they hide their true emotions behind a cool exterior. Aries promotes a kind and loving nature without an overwhelming sense of emotion or detachment.
• Venus exalted in Pisces, March 11, 2024. Pisces is the known escapist of the zodiac, particularly during any conflicts. They have a penchant for intuitively selecting the wrong kind of lover without balancing it with logic. Aries provides strength and intellectual insight to release what no longer serves.
• Venus enters her detriment in Aries, April 4, 2024. This is an explosive aspect and where Venus is most likely to hold their tongue for the sake of peace until their tongue bites back, verbally initiating a war. Aries is ruled by the God of War, Mars; however, also provides the courage to speak from the heart without the need for a sword and shield. The strongest warriors aren't those who have killed the most enemies. But won them over.
• Venus dignified in Taurus, April 29, 2024. Venus in Taurus is so kicked back that routine will cement long before the realization. Unpredictability should be added to the calendar on a regular basis to avoid stagnant creativity. The more exciting the better, and passionate Aries is the perfect supplier for ideas.
• Venus into Gemini, May 23, 2024. Ruled by Mercury, Gemini has the power to build or burn bridges with their words. This is especially true in the face of intellectual snobbery based on first impressions. Aries tempers that lofty air with enough passion to ground Gemini into looking behind the outer facade and deeper into others before passing judgment.
• Venus enters Cancer, June 16, 2024. Sensitive Cancer often misperceives suggestions or advice as a personal affront. Aries can provide the insight to stop taking things personally, and exhibit compassion that what others say is a reflection of them, and no one else.
I've said it before but will repeat it now: Awareness is a shield against ignorance. It allows us to scale the walls of an energetic maze and observe the energies from a higher perspective that makes sense. Especially from the standpoint of our own patterns and karmic returns.
When this is all over, may we each find ourselves liberated from the Venusian courtroom. May we leave it just how Lady Justice prefers: in peaceful balance. Peace be upon your journey.
Image: Graphic design created through Canva
Recap: July 12 @ 12:53 PM, the Moon’s Mean North Node back-peddled into Aries while the South Node crossed into Libra at the same exact time until January 28, 2025. The Moon's True Nodes will follow in the steps of the Mean Node and cross over Monday, July 17th @ 3:59 PM.
Part I explained the difference between Mean and True Nodes. Part II dug deeper into the realm of Taurus and Scorpio and the potential those nodal placements presented, as well as the upcoming switch to Aries and Libra and what to expect. Part III evaluates a cyclic process of the nodal switch through the zodiac signs. Part IV will delve into nodal returns. Lastly, Part V will delve into reverse-nodal returns ( such as I will be experiencing ).
So, just what ARE nodal returns?
If you've read the first three parts in this nodal series, you've learned that the North and South Nodes ( NN/SN ), also referred to as the head and tail of the dragon, symbolize a path of development and evolution. The SN represents our past lifetimes and reflects how we see the world through that historical lens. It represents our karma and the challenges that need to be reconciled in our lives. The NN represents our goal in each particular phase of our life. It's the counteroffer to the SN's conditioning which, if integrated into our lives, will reflect personal and spiritual growth.
The SN comes so easy it appears as a natural part of our nature. It's where fear is triggered, and our comfort zones are defined. Our choices determine whether or not we continue to face the same habitual patterns, or if we choose to break them in this lifetime. These triggers are very real and can manifest as physical conditions such as heightened fear and/or panic attacks which can lead to retreating into our shells rather than fighting through to overcome the issue.
After all, we're being beckoned to step out in faith into the unknown where uncertainty resides. Despite how energetically stagnant staying in the same position becomes, we seem to fear the undefined more. We are comfortable in our patterns because they are as familiar as comfort food that isn't necessarily healthy; however, feel comfortingly safe.
This pattern can be compared to our physicians warning us against certain foods because our cholesterol levels are high. Or smoking, drinking alcohol, drugs, or a myriad of dangerous lifestyle choices. Yet we persist in partaking in unhealthy habits because we detest or fear the change we must make—until our body shuts down as a major warning that we need to listen or else!
That's the beautiful thing about the Universe. Per our own innate desire, it will gently attempt to evict us from our complacency with caution lights along the way. Health reports. Sprained muscles. Fatigue. Mental burnout. All is good if we slow down while approaching the intersection to evaluate our chances. However, ignore these caution lights and we stand being t-boned in the middle of the intersection and will be forced to stop.
Throughout our lives, the lunar nodes engage in planetary aspects ( conjunctions, trines, etc. ) several times. It takes about 18.6 years for one cycle to complete from the time of our birth, and then subsequently every 18.6 years thereafter. Therefore, our nodal returns will occur at the following ages in our lives: 18.5, 37, 56, 74.5. Divide this number by half and you will be able to calculate the ages of your reverse nodal returns ( which we will discuss in Part V of this series ). For this article, we're going to focus on nodal returns only.
This period in our lives is typically one of inspiration and confidence in whatever we decide to partake in. We seem to flow barely unobstructed by the current of life. Whatever obstacles do present themselves appear minor, which enables us to retain hope that everything will work out while simultaneously evaluating an alternative route. Our natural gifts appear enhanced during this time, and there's a good chance they could transform into something personally satisfying or monetarily successful.
However, this is also where discernment is vital to distinguish the difference between a natural gift meant to blossom and a pattern of the SN that we're comfortable with. Just because we're naturally talented at something doesn't mean it's what we're supposed to do. It's obviously something we've already done or it wouldn't come so naturally. As a matter of fact, whatever does come naturally is a sign of the SN's influence.
The NN is the opposite and challenges us to take things further; it's an evolutionary process rather than staying in the same lane going the same direction. If a trigger or fear arises surrounding our comfort zones, you can guarantee it's the NN presenting its calling card.
While many pieces of the puzzle seem to form the big picture during this time, there are also surprises in the scenery that should intrigue us enough to desire to expand our horizons through investigation. These mysteries, whose outcome is disconcertingly unknown, might reveal a hidden valley of talent that we had no idea we were good at!
Whatever we discover during our nodal returns, we are guaranteed to have the guidance and support we need to further our expansion. These nuggets of support and encouragement will drop like a stone through the water to remind us of who we are or who we were told we could be when we were young. We should take advantage of this auspicious time to evaluate our hearts by asking: What is it that I truly desire to spend my time and energy on?
The answer to this will always require us to leave something behind. We will innately know what that something is when we weigh the balance to ascertain what has served us in our past but determine that it can no longer. The question then becomes, are we brave enough to release the familiar in order to grow toward our full potential?
That answer lies within each individual.
I wish you many blessings and much success on your nodal return. 🙏💙
Image: The Return by Thomas Cole
Recap: July 12 @ 12:53 PM, the Moon’s Mean North Node ( NN ) backpeddled into Aries while the South Node ( SN ) crossed into Libra at the same exact time until January 28, 2025. The Moon's True Nodes will follow in the steps of the Mean Node and cross over tomorrow, Monday, July 17th @ 3:59 PM.
Part I explained the difference between Mean and True Nodes. Part II dug deeper into the realm of Taurus and Scorpio and the potential those nodal placements presented, as well as the upcoming switch to Aries and Libra and what to expect. Part III evaluated a cyclic process of the nodal switch through the zodiac signs. Part IV delved into Nodal Returns ( NR ). Lastly, this part will take a look at RNRs, something I will be experiencing first-hand.
Our reverse nodal return occurs when the transiting SN aligns with our natal NN. For example, my NN is in Libra and the SN will move into Libra tomorrow. Conversely, my SN is in Aries, and the NN will move into Aries tomorrow.
This RNR will represent a significant point of karmic culmination and evolution in our life. As discussed in part IV of this series, nodal returns are focused on growth and new beginnings. RNRs are focused on the completion of karma and integration of the lessons we've learned. This is nothing to be afraid of. On the contrary, it provides us an opportunity to revisit the qualities of our SN patterns and transform them into something more positive.
Because the SN harbors the culmination of our past lives, it's something to be revered and recognized as the gatekeeper holding the keys to doors of our spirit's evolution. Think of the SN as a textbook that holds all the answers we seek to the questions we hold. It's a lesson of opposites and the powerful force of reconciliation. When two opposites come together for the greater good, we have created the most powerful force in the Universe: Love.
RNRs occur every 18.6 years; however, our first RNR occurs when we are only 9 or 10, then at ages 27-29, 46-47, 63-64, and so on. RNRs coincide with our first Saturn Return, which happens between the ages of 27-30 ( but not our second or third ).
Whenever there's polar opposite energy involved, the atmosphere can appear turbulent and unclear. After all, we have two opposites in need of reconciliation pulling against one another, creating quite the muddy waters or dusty landscape. We may even feel conflicted and second-guess ourselves about what we've learned up to this point, or how to even proceed.
Just a planetary retrograde provides an opportunity to slow down and evaluate everything within the current moment, so too does a RNR; therefore, it's important to remember that throughout this phase, which will last until January 2025, we must proceed slowly yet diligently, even taking a step backward to re-evaluate what we thought we knew or was working.
This may seem like falling back into the SN, something we've worked so hard to overcome, and to a degree it is. If we've lived this long, which many have not, it's a wonderful opportunity to evolve even more. When we view it from that perspective, the RNR is revealed as the true blessing it is: an opportunity to complete and integrate a karmic lesson in THIS lifetime! That spells spiritual evolution for the next.
The RNR is a time of light and dark integration; there are those two polar opposites again! Neither can exist without the other. When we delve into the light and shadow aspects of Libra and Aries to familiarize ourselves with those energies, we can then manipulate them in a positive manner to manifest our destiny.
Also, as I've previously written, Aries can be our Knight in Shining Armor through this period by providing us with courage and strength to withstand the storm without succumbing to fear or doubt. He doesn't have to be our enemy just because he's the polar opposite. On the contrary, even Aries' ruler, Mars, the God of War, will submit to the power of Love. And Love is what Venus, the ruler of Libra, is all about.
It's time to push slowly through this RNR into some serious spiritual growth through reconciliation and integration. If we're lucky enough to live to see another NR, we'll be more than ready to evolve into our destiny at a remarkable rate. We'll leap at the chance.
I wish you many blessings upon this transit and over the course of the next 18 months! Remember it's a blessing to have lived for this experience and can be compared to receiving a scholarship to the college of one's choice. It's not going to be easy, but it will be oh-so-worth it, and always what we wanted!
Image: Girl in Blue Holding a Rose, Pierre Bonnard
In Universal Love and Spiritual Service
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