Seeing Stars with Mark 9 - 15 January 2010 Solar Eclipse 25 Capricorn
Dear Friends,
I am always interested in the way cycles play out. Astrology is the study of cycles: astrologers study the cycles of the planets and the cycles of human development. There is a correlation between the two, without doubt. We can understand the development of human cycles more easily with the aide of planetary cycles because the planetary cycles are mathematical, and therefore we can anticipate them. Once we know what to look for, it becomes easy to see it.
A good example of this would be the Neptune, Chiron, and Jupiter triple conjunction in Aquarius over the past year. Aquarius rules the Internet, as well as networking, and we have seen an unprecedented increase in the use of and reliance upon social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter over this past year. Of course, Chiron can be the wound or the healing of a wound, so all that glitters is not gold. For some, the reliance upon social networking sites may actually increase feelings of isolation and loneliness because the Internet is no substitute for real face to face interaction. On the other hand, I am sure there are withdrawn people who have become more open and more connected from using these tools, as well. Twice this past week from different sources, I have heard Sartre quoted as saying, “Freedom is what you do with what has been given to you.” Yes, this is the basis for astrology, as I practice it. Astrology is a better tool when used descriptively, rather than predicatively. We all have a certain astrological DNA with which we are born, but we can certainly overcome the “negative” aspects through our own use of our own gifts, and we all have them. This is the message of the movie “Precious,” as well as the example that many high profile people present. Obama, Oprah, Reese Witherspoon, and a host of others have had very difficult beginnings in life and made it to the top. Of course, there are plenty of people who had superior DNA who have ended up at the bottom of the heap, too. Our intentions, along with the choices we make, direct our happiness.
The year began with a Lunar Eclipse at 10 Cancer, describing the need to release the past. The immediate past has been dominated by not only the triple conjunction in Aquarius, but the Saturn and Uranus opposition. Saturn represents the structure we need to support our growth, and Uranus represents the need to innovate. Of course, Pluto is in Capricorn, which is ruled by Saturn, and Pluto makes deeps changes that result in evolutionary progress. This past year has been a time when the need for stability and structure has been competing with the need for upgrades to the system. Well, we are near the end of this phase. Beginning the New Year with the Lunar Eclipse in Cancer signaled that now is the appropriate time to release the past, both recent and distant. How can we move forward and encourage growth when we are stuck in the past, clinging to what no longer exists.
On January 15, we will have a North Nodal Solar Eclipse at 25 Capricorn. North Nodal eclipses look to the future and mark a time when we need to focus on what is in front of us. For the two week period between these eclipses, both Mars and Mercury are retrograde. Retrograde planets give us time to work out the math of our lives. They give us a second chance to learn a lesson or to do some inner work so that we can move forward successfully in the outer world once the planets are direct. The Lunar Eclipse asked for a release of the past, the retrograde planets give us time to “do the math” on that request, and then the Solar Eclipse comes to usher in the future, free from the drag of a past that doesn’t serve us any more. It is so poetic to me, and so powerful. By now, we all know what we need to do, the question is: Will we do it? This is why I started the column with that quote from Sartre. We are free to make powerful changes for ourselves, but will we? This is the “rub” to which Shakespeare refers in “Hamlet.” Lucky for us, Saturn will be retrograde.
Capricorn is ruled by Saturn, so we look to Saturn for a message about how to proceed bravely into this new world unfettered by the dross of the past. On Wednesday, January 13, just 2 days before the Eclipse, Saturn will station retrograde. Saturn is the schoolmaster, often stern, but when he is retrograde, he is more like a patient tutor. He knows we will need more time to get secure with the new foundation we are supposed to be laying for ourselves. Too much freedom all at once can be terrifying, so Saturn is allowing us time complete the releasing process while simultaneously integrating the new structure on a deeper level before requiring more hard work from us once Saturn re-enters Libra with a square to Uranus in Aries on July 26.
Also sitting with the Eclipse is Venus. Venus rules beauty, balance, money, and relationships. Venus is the receptive, open principle of love, whereas Mars is the assertive, selfish principle. Mars is retrograde in Leo through March 10th, working on deeper interior levels to activate the heart and to make sure that what we release and what we create during this period is real and true for us. If it is not, then we haven’t learned the lesson of Saturn in Virgo and the drama of the past two and one half years will have been wasted. Since Mars is retrograde, he is taking a backseat to Venus, which allows the principles of love and beauty to direct the transformation into the future. This is great news! The only person we are fighting is our Self! Once we can learn to honor our needs and desires free from the past and with an eye to a bright future, we can begin to experience the abundance of the universe.
While Saturn is retrograde, he will opposes Uranus in Pisces once more on April 26th to finish stocking up our tools boxes and to finish off whatever loose ends are still nagging us from the past. By the time he approaches the cardinal opposition on July 26, we will be ready to begin with the new, second phase of the Saturn-Uranus cycle for the next 22 or so years, living happier, more fulfilled lives and teaching what we have learned along the way.
Solar Eclipses are New Moons with a longer shelf life. This New Moon sets the tone for the entire year. This is a year of new beginnings whose success will be based upon our ability to break out of the old patterns of the past which have kept us emotionally chained to situations which, in reality, ended long ago. The times, they are a changin‘, and so must we. No need to feel guilty about or weighed down by the past. Release it all and allow the seed that is pulsing with life deep inside of you to put out roots and grow. Life is for living.
with love
m
