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Happy New Year Friends!

Well, can we all agree that 2009 was a year of change?  I hope so!  More changes are coming, and they are all good, assuming that we let go of what we need to let go of.  There has been much in the media about tonight’s “blue” moon, which is the second full moon in any given month, but more importantly, tonight’s Full Moon is a Lunar Eclipse.  A Lunar Eclipse is like a Full Moon on steroids: its effects last up to 6 months or more.

The eclipse is happening at 10 degrees Cancer 15 minutes, which is the Scorpio decanate of Cancer.  Also, the South Node is in Cancer, so this eclipse is a South Nodal Eclipse.  South Nodal eclipses require us to release something, and Cancer represents our past, our subconsciousness, and early childhood.  There is the need to release something from our pasts to which we cling, like an anchor that keeps from breaking free from the bottom and rising to the surface.  Cancer is also concerned with security and family issues, and we can see that these two ideas reinforce each other.  Full Moons bring things to a head so that they can be released, and this Full Moon is showing us what we need to release in order to break free from the tyranny of our out-moded pasts in order to bring more stability and security into our lives.  All things change, and we are certainly not the young children we once were, but sometimes, we cling to the coping patterns that we established as young children, even if our circumstances have changed.  However, if we are still coping in the same manner, we might find that even though our circumstances have changed, our emotional security has not.  By now, we all should have a pretty good idea of what patterns we need to break.  This was the challenge of the Saturn/Uranus opposition over the past year or more: to identify what needs to go (Uranus) and what needs to stay (Saturn).

Scorpio is the co-ruler of this Eclipse, and Scorpio is know for its depth and its focus.  Mars and Pluto co-rule Scorpio, so they also co-rule this eclipse.  Pluto purifies by removing toxins, and as well as know, the removal of toxins can be difficult.  Pluto also pressurizes, so that the weak links can be identified, removed, and rebuilt better and stronger.  Pluto works from the depths, showing itself on the surface only after the most importantpurifications have taken place.  Mars is retrograde in Leo, creating the space to internalize our heart’s desire so that it can be molded into the new framework that Pluto is building.  With Pluto, all renewal is a function of removing the dross, so welcome this energy into your lives by removing all things which you no longer need.  A ritual closet cleaning or tooth brushing the corners of your living room would be a great way to pay homage to this energy.

Of course, Pluto is in Capricorn, so structure, order, and detail are required.  This is no time to go crazy and throw the baby out with the bath water.  Pluto is sitting with Venus and the Sun, all in opposition to the Moon (of course, the Sun-Moon opposition is what creates a Full Moon), and Mercury retrograde and the North Node are both in Capricorn, as well.  Capricorn is a serious sign which recognizes the need for structure.  However, Pluto also sees where some serious renovation is required.  The predominance of planets in Capricorn all opposing this Cancer Moon makes it clear that although release and change are necessary, there are some things worth saving, and we need a plan.  Mercury retrograde gives us the ability to re-think and re-organize so that as we give way to Pluto’s demand, we can also recognize where we are better off maintaining the status quo.  Pluto is fine with this, for he has no interest in purging that which is healthy.

Venus rules money, and we all know that money has been an issue this year.  How does money affect our emotional security?  If you are like me, having some makes you feel more secure.  Well, we cant have it if we spend it all of the time, and Venus in Capricorn is a miser, for sure!  In order to get interest, you have to have some capital to begin with.  Again, Venus sitting with Pluto and the Sun, with 2 other luminaries in Capricorn, are making it clear to us that less is more.  Self-restraint and long-term planning will bring much more lasting security that the instant gratification of our insecurities, which is what we normally do when we shop to feel better about ourselves.  Perhaps for this reason, Mercury and Mars are retrograde, demanding more introspection and analysis, rather than action.  Now is the time to plan rather than act, and even though the beginning of the year may feel “slow”because of these retrograde planets, the intent is for us to plan, to organize, and to re-group.  By the time action is necessary, and it will be, we will have a plan to put into action.

Today is the first day of the rest of our lives!  Be joyous and celebrate!  Renew yourselves by giving thanks for what you have and still need, and by thanking the past for its lessons and gifts.  Honor nature’s cycle of renewal and rebirth by releasing what needs to go so that there will be room for all of the bounty to come!

with love and many wishes for a New Year full of happiness!

m

MOORE TO CONSIDER ABOUT THIS WEEK’S ASTROLOGY

Happy Holidays Everyone!

The holidays are upon us and everyone is scurrying around like mad trying to get last minute preparations completed, but I would like to take some time to review the significance of the Winter Solstice which is happening, technically, at the very moment I am writing this missive for you.  The Winter Solstice marks the day when the Sun enters 0 degrees Capricorn in the Northern Hemisphere and we associate this with the first day of winter.  Capricorn is one of four cardinal signs.  Every time the Sun enters a cardinal sign we have a change of seasons: 0 Aries is Spring, 0 Cancer is Summer, and 0 Libra is Fall.  Cardinal points are points of activation: they signal a time when a new energy needs to express itself.  The Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year, a day with more darkness than light.  This is the time of year when we need to turn inward and tend to our own subconscious needs.  The longer days of summer are a time of enjoying the outdoors, vacations, and general external involvement, but the longer nights of the winter stimulate more introspection, review, and goal setting for the upcoming year.

The ruler of Capricorn is Saturn, who is currently in Libra.  Libra is the sign that deals with relationship, balance, and harmony.  Capricorn is concerned with structure, tradition, and authority.  From now until the Sun enters the next cardinal point of Aries in March 21, our mission as defined by the solstice is to cultivate balance and harmony with respect to the authority we recognize in our lives, the traditions we honor, and the structures or habits we have created over our lifetimes.  Relationships in general will be balanced, including our relationships with ourselves.

At the time of the Solstice, the Sun is conjunct Pluto.  Pluto is the planet of evolution.  Just as fish lost their gills so that they could move onto land, Pluto always requires that we let go something in order to grow.  The loss is necessary so that we can evolve to the next higher state of our development.  Growth cannot occur without change, and Pluto is the agent of that change.   Pluto pressurizes our experience, and as the pressure increases, the weak spots in our structures begin to fail, and we experience crisis.  Usually, this crisis requires that we let go of the weak area so that it can be rebuilt anew, stronger and more in tune with our needs.  With Saturn in Libra, this will be an especially good time to identify those weak spots, because Saturn, the builder, will balance out the weak area by building it back more strongly.  Once this has happened, we will feel great, like we have a new set of internal armor able to protect us from further assault.  Of course, identifying the weak areas wont be so fun, but this pain is necessary to make us aware of the need for growth.

The day before the Solstice, Mars went retrograde in the sign of Leo.  Mars represents the animal instincts: the need to for us to create action in order to satisfy ourselves.  Mars usually spends about two months in each sign, moving through its cycle with the Sun in roughly 2 years.  Mars entered Leo on October 17th of this year, went retrograde at 19 Leo on December 20th, and will turn direct at 0 Leo on March 10th, remaining in Leo until June 6th, 2010.  Whereas Mars usually only spends 8 weeks in a sign, he will spend 31 weeks in the sign of Leo!  This is certainly significant.  When a planet is retrograde, this gives us a chance to correct something that we have done poorly — or not at all — certainly not to the best of our ability.  When direct, Mars is a warrior, but when retrograde, Mars is a guardian.  Leo rules the heart, and as such is always concerned with vitality and that which makes us feel alive and vibrant.  With Mars retrograde, the challenge is to sit still and to protect the source of our connections with Life.  When Mars is retrograde, the time is not right to pursue or to challenge.  Sitting still and protecting what makes us feel vibrant and alive will allow us to reconnect with our Source so that, when the time is right, we can move forward again with renewed strength, vigor, and clarity about what is important to us and what is not.

Of course, the fact that Mars goes retrograde in Leo at the same time that we enter winter, the time of introspection and goal setting, is very convenient.  This past year has been one of great turmoil and upset for many, many people.  Even if not directly, we have all certainly been affected indirectly by the meltdown of the economy, the shift in the financial markets, the slump in the housing markets, the governmental reforms, and emotional meltdowns of many of our friends and loved ones.  Well, Pluto has been doing his pressure checks and the weak areas have been exposed.  We are all responsible for taking care of what needs to be taken care of.  With all of this change and upheaval, it makes sense that now would be a good time to regroup, to acknowledge our losses and our weaknesses, and to reconnect with the source of our happiness and to set new goals so that when the time is ripe for action, we can move forward and continue to evolve towards our higher selves.

For even more assistance with this review, Mercury will go retrograde on December 26th.  Mercury is the messenger, and when he is retrograde, the message is for us!  Mercury will turn retrograde at 21 Capricorn and turn direct again at 5 Capricorn on January 15th, 2010.  When Mercury is retrograde, we have a second chance to do something, to correct a mistake, to adopt a new perspective.  When Mercury is retrograde, it is never a good time to begin something new, to sign contracts, or to buy big ticket items because we do not have all of the information we need to make an informed decision.  Mercury retrograde is a time to re-do, re-think, re-organize, and re-connect.  It is rare that Mercury and Mars retrograde at the same time, but the message is CLEAR: do not push, do not be aggressive, do not start anything new.  All of this retrograde activity, happening at the time of the Solstice, is designed to give us time to reconnect with our heart and the things which nourish us when nothing else will.  If we are spending all of this time chasing rainbows or fighting dragons, we will miss our chance to reconnect with our inner Source, and when we return finally ready to rest and re-connect, we will have missed our chance.   As mentioned above, Mercury is ruled by Saturn in Libra for this retrograde, and our thoughts should be focused on redefining the authority of our lives, our understanding of what it means to be responsible, and nurturing harmony through the creation of balance in our relationships.

Now more than ever, it is important that we take the time we need in order to reconnect with the deep inner workings of our own psyches.  Change is upon us, surrounding us like an angry swell on the vast ocean.  Allowing our attention to wander could have grave consequences, being irresponsible will certainly create havoc.  If we are clear about who we are, what is important to us, and what we need to protect, then no amount of change can threaten our security, even if our external experience shifts, rocks, or rolls.

My wish for each and everyone of you, as well as for all beings everywhere, is that this time of introspection, protection, and reconnection will create more happiness and more growth in each individual experience, thereby creating a society of people more in touch with themselves and better to able to love everyone else.

With love

m

MOORE TO CONSIDER ABOUT THIS WEEK’S ASTROLOGY
Mark indicates the importance of so many things I’ve spent

Dear Friends,

I hope your holidays are merry and bright so far, and continue to be for the rest of the season.  As you know, time moves in cycles: a time to plant, a time to grow, a time to reap, etc.  Astrology is a study of those cycles.  Many cycles can happen concurrently: we have moon cycles (a month), sun cycles (a year), and combination cycles, like the current Saturn and Pluto cycle (38 years), the current Saturn and Uranus cycle (44 years), or the current Jupiter and Saturn cycle (20 years).

Each planet represents a sign, and each sign represents an archetype.  Archetypes are universal symbols of a certain type of energy or mode of expression.  An archetype is larger than life and pure.  As humans, we are a complex mixture of these twelve archetypes.  As the planets travel through the heavens, they share with us a message about how to express the archetypes each of us carry in our unique way.  These archetypes are symbolized by the planets and the signs through which they are moving, and these movements occur in cycles.  Understanding the cycles we are in and the expressions of the archetypes in the cycles can be a beacon for us.  If we understand the message of the cycle, then we can better direct or express our own personal archetype.

I have spoken at length about the larger cycles of Saturn with Pluto, Uranus, and to a lesser extent, Jupiter, over the past two years.  All of these cycles are riunning concurrently, along with the solar and lunar cycles, not to mention many others.  I emphasize Saturn in my column because the archetype represented by Saturn is FORM: structure, discipline, tradition, and authority.  Without these things, we would not be individuals, we would be one undifferentiated mass.  We need Saturn in order to have FORM: shape, direction, structure, authority.  Just as biblical tales refer to the chaos out of which God brought form, Saturn is the symbol we use for this archetype in the language of astrology.

Pluto represents transformation and purification; Uranus represents rebellion and change, and Jupiter represents expansion and optimism.  (I am simplifying here for ease of explanation.  All archetypes embody both positive and negative expressions of the energy.)  Each of these planets is at a unique point in its cycle with Saturn.  With Pluto, the cycle started at 27 Libra in November 1982.  Libra is the sign of harmony and beauty, relationships and balance.  This promise of this cycle is to transform our relationships and to bring balance and harmony into them.   However, with Pluto, nothing can be transformed without letting go of the impurities.  The “letting go” is the hard part, because sometimes we have to let go of things to which we are attached because they are preventing our evolution.  With Uranus, the cycle began in October 1988 at 27 Sagittarius.  This cycle promised to broaden our minds and our horizons through the inclusion of new and seemingly radical perspectives in the Saturn-ruled areas of our lives: authority, government, tradition, and all other structures.  The issue here is that the status quo never wants to relinquish power to the younger, more radical generation.  When the phase is full, as it has been for 2+ years now, there is a struggle, a tug of war between the old and the new.  Saturn always wins (we must maintain some sort of structure), but Uranian ideas are incorporated into the status quo, so that what once seemed radical (racial equality became law in the US the last time Saturn opposed Uranus) becomes common, and what was once common (allegedly, abstention from pre-marital sex) becomes old-fashioned and out-dated.  With Jupiter, Saturn began their current 20 year cycle at 22 Taurus in May 2000.  This cycle promised to bring structure to our expansion with regards to our stability, our finances, and our values.  The trick for this cycle was to learn that less is more.  Even when there is the possibility of having more, more isnt necessarily better.  Obviously, many of us missed that message, or we wouldnt be in the financial situation in which we find ourselves today.  However, perhaps through this trial, we are learning the lesson that less IS more and that things we can sustain long-term are worth the effort and perhaps even the sacrifice that might be necessary in order to sustain them.

These three cycles are the background for the current lunar cycle.  A lunar cycle starts at the New Moon, culminates at the Full Moon, and ends as the balsamic moon turns new again.  Each New Moon represents a time to plant a seed with respect to the archetype it represents.  On Wednesday, December 16th, we will have a New Moon at 24 degrees Sagittarius, which is conjunct the degree of the beginning of the current Saturn/Uranus cycle as well as the Galactic Center.  The Galactic Center is thought by some astrologers to be the second strongest point in a chart, because it represents the Sun of our Sun, or the source of all energy in our galaxy, our solar system, and our chart.  The beginning of the current Saturn/Uranus cycle promised to radically alter and expand the structure of tradition, government, and authority.  This New Moon is the lunation where this promise can finally begin to fulfill itself in our lives.  This is the time to make a commitment to allow the structures of our lives to change in such a way that growth and evolution can occur by integrating new perspectives and means of expression.  Even a small gesture can represent a much larger dedication to EVOLUTION.  Even I,  Saturn-ruled Capricorn rising, brought myself into the Age of Aquarius this week by upgrading my 5 year old cell phone to a new Droid.  Not such a big deal seemingly, but on a deeper level, I opened myself up to a new way of life and a new way of connecting with it.  I’ve only had the phone for less than a week, but let me tell you, it has definitely revolutionized my life, or at least it feels that way now… Uranus at his best!  What are our personal feelings on authority, structure, government, tradition, and parenting (all aspects of the Saturn archetype) and how can we incorporate a new perspective in order to facilitate evolution in these areas?  What do we need to let go of in order for this process to move forward? The proximity of this New Moon to these two points in the zodiac creates a super charged New Moon that brings much promise, but just like the biblical edict tells us: Saturn helps those who help themselves.

There is much more to this New Moon, but I cannot begin to share it all here without writing a 5000 word column!  If would like to hear or know more, I am always available for personal consultations.  For this holiday season, I am offering a special rate of $120 per 75 min session!  That’s a 20% discount from my regular pricing.  I make a great gift, too, so please consider giving me to someone very special!  Email me directly at markspringle@gmail.com for more information or to schedule.

Happy Holidaze!

with love

m

MOORE TO CONSIDER ABOUT THIS WEEK’S ASTROLOGY

Always fun and informative!   Mark and Lori lead a a discussion of the new moon energies and how to make the most of them!  For an extra $5, Mark and Lori will review your chart and explain the ways in which you can direct this energy in your life to help you to achieve your goals.  Please email birth day, time, and place to markspringle@gmail.com .    Cocktails available!

Dear Friends,

How did we survive the Gemini Full Moon on Wed, December 2?  Gemini is the mutable air sign, concerned with communication and the acquisition of information.  A Full Moon shows how we are doing in a particular area of our lives - it gives us a progress report on our current state of affairs.  I noticed that many people were complaining about their Facebook pages not working and cell phones and computers lost or broken, etc.  The ruler of Gemini is Mercury and the ruler of the Sun in Sagittarius (which was opposite the Moon) is Jupiter.  Mercury was square to Uranus that day, and Uranus always brings surprises: its up to us and the manner in which we process the surprise to determine whether or not the surprise is welcome.   Jupiter was conjunct Chiron and Neptune, a triple conjunction in Aquarius which has been in place since last January and that is slowly fading.  Also, Jupiter was opposed by Mars in Leo.  Mars is in his shadow and moving very slowly right now, so this is also a configuration that will last for several more weeks.  Jupiter sitting with Chiron and Neptune is creating a window where we can either heal ourselves or make our wounds deeper.  With this configuration operating, we have, over the past year, either figured out how to take better care of ourselves, or we have made a string of poor decisions which has dug our holes even deeper.  Either way, the opposition to Mars makes us want to break free from the wound and escape its pull.  Well, the best way to work with an opposition is to reconcile the elements of each polarity.  By allowing the healing to happen (which means facing the issues head on), we can create a better platform upon which to follow our dreams (Mars in Leo).

Imagine that the triple conjunction in Aquarius is an incubator providing a certain set of constant values, maintaining a certain fixed, that therefore artificial, atmosphere in which we are facing other challenges simultaneously.  The conditions of this atmosphere are ripe for healing, but we must also face the additional challenges of our development if we are going to grow and be truly well.  The situation reminds me of John Travolta’s early movie “The Boy in the Plastic Bubble.” Just because we are insulated - or isolated - from reality doesn’t mean we aren’t affected by it and that we do not affect it.  Whether or not we face the remaining challenges will determine how successful the healing is.  The bubble only equals the playing field, but it does not guarantee success.

For the upcoming week, Mars will continue his slow march through Leo.  Mars will form a trioctile (135 degree) aspect with Pluto and Mercury mid-week, requiring humor and the understanding that we are all human and that we all make mistakes, while also acknowledging that we all have the tendency to take ourselves too seriously.  This is not a suggestion that we shouldnt be serious, but rather a reminder that a healthy perspective includes a bit of humor and insight.  Mercury conjuncting Pluto will bring the opportunity for new perspectives, but a sextile from the North Node will also require accepting responsibility for creating that perspective.  No free lunches this week, or for any time soon to come.

In addition to Mars, Saturn will also be presenting his own challenges to both Mercury and Pluto through a square aspect.  Saturn is in Libra through April 2010, bringing a third quarter square to his relation with Pluto.  Once again, this phase is all about taking responsibility for bringing balance and harmony into our lives.  This cycle started in November 1982 at 27 Libra.  It is important to realize that the situations in which we find ourselves are part of a larger story.  If we can uncover the actual beginning of the story, then we have much more understanding of the cycle and we can make better choices as we navigate through the maze.

Lately, I have been asked repeatedly to share some optimism with folks.  Well, optimism and pessimism are two sides of the same coin.  Is the glass half full or half empty?  Either way, its the same glass with the same amount of water.  Mercury conjuncting Pluto while simultaneously squared by Saturn will give everyone the opportunity to take responsibility for creating their own optimism.  This is good news!  Nothing is “happening” to us that we cannot direct.  However, if we choose not to direct ourselves, then we will be directed.  How optimistic is that?  We are captains of our own ships, and if we want to sail from Miami to Panama, we can do it the short way or the long way: its up to us to chart the course.

The seeds of change have been growing for quite some time since Saturn in Virgo started opposing Uranus in Pisces back on election Day, November 4 2008.  We have one more definitive opposition in these signs on April 26, 2010 before these planets move on to oppose each other in the cardinal signs of Libra and Aries on July 26, 2010 for the last time this cycle.  This final opposition will be the beginning of a new phase for everyone!  Between now and then, it is up to each of us to create our lives, our experience, and our selves in the manner which most reflects who we are, the talents and dreams we have, and the tools which we have been given or developed.  Remember Herbie from Rudolf?  He wasnt an elf, he was a dentist.  He knew what his talents were and he had the tools for success, he simply had to find the proper place to use them.

By the end of December, Mars and Mercury will be retrograde, we will have a significant Sagittarius New Moon on December 16th near the Galactic Center just before the Winter Solstice, and New Years Eve will bring a significant lunar eclipse that will end the year with quite a BANG!  There hasnt been such a strong lineup of energy in the skies since I started this column over a year ago.   Now is the time to create growth in our lives, without a doubt.  But growth requires change, so let’s let go of what doesn’t serve us anymore, no matter how attached we are to it.  Smokers are attached to cigarettes, but that doesnt make them good for us.

Please join me for the Zodiac Lounge Sagittarius New Moon cocktails and discussion group on Wednesday December 16 at 7:30p at the Standard Hotel on Miami Beach’s famous Venetian Causeway.  I will be posting details soon, or you can email me at markspringle@gmail.com !

Love to all and to all a good night!

m

MOORE TO CONSIDER ABOUT THIS WEEK’S ASTROLOGY