[The Mercury Hour was a place where people wrote their views in letter form, and it was published quarterly for probably over 25 years--- up until the editor, Edith Custer's, death. Now we have the same thing in forums online, but this is how we did it before the internet. There were many gems in it, and this was one that I took to heart and used, and still do, in my professional practise. I ran across this recently while cleaning and feel it is worthy of another viewing. The late T. Patrick Davis (the T. stands for Thelma) was first and foremost a researcher, and we all still have great respect for all the hard unpaid work she did for the love of Astrology and accuracy.]
From “The Mercury Hour”
By T. Patrick Davis October 1996
Trying to rid my home office of black holes swallowing up stuff, never to be seen again, I came across an experiment I conducted years ago on SOLAR RETURNS. You published the result on p. 36 of the October 1979, 23rd edition of Mercury Hour. A copy is enclosed.
The original account does not dwell on it, but the experiment was carefully conducted. I was a neutral observer whose primary interest was merely in learning what methods worked best. The astrologer was experienced and volunteered out of personal curiosity. Methods were being tested, not the astrologer.
So many new astrology students have entered the scene since then that I was wondering what you would think about reprinting it? The astrological “system” set up to educate students demands the student waste so much time “reinventing the wheel.” Perhaps this will be of some aid along the way.
Reprint from 10/79
SOLAR RETURN EXPERIMENT
The lure of my new computer’s keys promising quickly calculated solar and lunar returns finally generated an interest in this facet of astrology. But the contradictory advice found on whether to use the longitude and latitude of the birthplace or the location of the person at the time of the return was confusing. As a result, I set up an experiment to see if the problem could be resolved according to the advice given me by someone who has specialized in this field. At the present time, this advisor wishes to remain anonymous.
A number of people were selected who had moved a considerable distance from their birthplace so that the solar returns would be quite different in appearance. Solar return charts were then constructed for the place of birth and then the location at the time of the return. Each chart had full details written on it of the significant events for that year—but the information on whether it was for the birthplace or the new location was left off.
The specialist in solar returns, who had been taught to use the new location and had never tested using the birthplace, then studied and compared each set of charts. The chart felt to reflect the circumstances of that year was chosen. IN EVERY CASE, the chart for the birthplace was selected over the new location! The specialist was dumbfounded and quite perturbed at the discovery. My only interest was in trying to discover which one to use to begin my study of solar returns. With the convenience of computers now in so many more people’s possession, perhaps others can replicate this study, report their results, and clear this matter up once and for all.
Friday, April 6, 2012
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Retrogrades…those ending and those beginning
Retro-gradation of planets is a mystery that astrologers often ponder. I am a little dismayed at how often we blame retrograde planets for anything that goes wrong while they are in that state, but through many years of observation, it does appear that they have some kind of influence—mostly giving us time to reflect, review and change direction in our lives, if necessary.
We just had Mercury retrograde in the early degrees of Aries and late Pisces. Through mid-March it conjoined Uranus—perhaps contributing to restless sleep for some people and hasty decisions by others. And tomorrow it goes direct at 23 degrees Pisces at 6:07 am EDT. That doesn’t mean that all its dire meanings are lifted. There is the “shadow” that some consider, which is the time it takes Mercury to get back to the point where it started to retrograde, in this case, 6:49 Aries, which will happen on April 23rd. This is a time of review, and if one insists on using it to push ahead (using it as it was not intended) then most of the time, events get confused or snarled-up and you are forced to stop and unsnarl them. That forces review anyway.
The best way to use Astrology is like a clock. When it’s time to pay attention to various things, you will know ahead of time what they are. Wherever early Aries and late Pisces is placed in your chart, this was a time to pay attention to those things…i.e. get rid of what isn’t working, re-check work that has been done, prepare, but not initiate, plans for the future. Mine is in the 11th house, so I have been looking at long range goals, planning a couple projects, and nurturing friendships—even looking into joining groups. Where is it in your chart?
At the same time this year, Mars is also retrograde in Virgo. It has been in Virgo since November 11th 2011 and will remain there until July 4th this year. Every two years Mars remains in one sign for many months and can be a real irritant for those signs. This time since it’s in Virgo, it’s also affecting Pisces, Sagittarius and Gemini by challenging aspect (90 degrees or 180 degrees away). That means that when Mars in its journey gets close to, or in difficult aspect to, a planet you have in those signs, you will feel it stimulated in some way. Usually, it is an irritant, but if your Mars is well-placed, it can be a surge of energy you could put to good use.
When Mars got far enough away from the Sun (actually vice versa), it turned retrograde (January 24th) and will remain so until April 14th. When you are unaware of the energy, you can act hastily without forethought and regret it later. Again, it is a time of review, not a good time to start anything new.
Soon, on April 10th, Pluto will begin to retrograde. It will begin at 9 degrees Capricorn, and although it is not as personal in its effects as the planets closer to us, it will be felt very keenly by people born at the very end of December/beginning of January, end of March/early April, end of June/beginning of July, and end of September/beginning of October. Many other people may have planets at 9 of a cardinal sign (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn), but those dates above are for people who have the Sun near that degree. Tremendous forces are at work for these people to help them clean out of their lives all things that are not working for them, or to revise whatever has become habitual so that life can proceed on a better level. It’s as though a pressure cooker lid is blowing off, and they have had enough of whatever they have been repressing. It may be an intense process while it’s happening, but the result can be liberating later. Pluto will go direct on September 18th.
Meanwhile, Saturn has been retrograde at the very end of Libra since February 7th. It will go direct at 22-23 Libra on June 25 and finally enter Scorpio on October 5th. Anyone with planets between 22 to 29 Libra, or those degrees of other cardinal signs listed above, are probably not satisfied with the aspect of their life where they are located. Things will start moving in a better direction after late June.
We just had Mercury retrograde in the early degrees of Aries and late Pisces. Through mid-March it conjoined Uranus—perhaps contributing to restless sleep for some people and hasty decisions by others. And tomorrow it goes direct at 23 degrees Pisces at 6:07 am EDT. That doesn’t mean that all its dire meanings are lifted. There is the “shadow” that some consider, which is the time it takes Mercury to get back to the point where it started to retrograde, in this case, 6:49 Aries, which will happen on April 23rd. This is a time of review, and if one insists on using it to push ahead (using it as it was not intended) then most of the time, events get confused or snarled-up and you are forced to stop and unsnarl them. That forces review anyway.
The best way to use Astrology is like a clock. When it’s time to pay attention to various things, you will know ahead of time what they are. Wherever early Aries and late Pisces is placed in your chart, this was a time to pay attention to those things…i.e. get rid of what isn’t working, re-check work that has been done, prepare, but not initiate, plans for the future. Mine is in the 11th house, so I have been looking at long range goals, planning a couple projects, and nurturing friendships—even looking into joining groups. Where is it in your chart?
At the same time this year, Mars is also retrograde in Virgo. It has been in Virgo since November 11th 2011 and will remain there until July 4th this year. Every two years Mars remains in one sign for many months and can be a real irritant for those signs. This time since it’s in Virgo, it’s also affecting Pisces, Sagittarius and Gemini by challenging aspect (90 degrees or 180 degrees away). That means that when Mars in its journey gets close to, or in difficult aspect to, a planet you have in those signs, you will feel it stimulated in some way. Usually, it is an irritant, but if your Mars is well-placed, it can be a surge of energy you could put to good use.
When Mars got far enough away from the Sun (actually vice versa), it turned retrograde (January 24th) and will remain so until April 14th. When you are unaware of the energy, you can act hastily without forethought and regret it later. Again, it is a time of review, not a good time to start anything new.
Soon, on April 10th, Pluto will begin to retrograde. It will begin at 9 degrees Capricorn, and although it is not as personal in its effects as the planets closer to us, it will be felt very keenly by people born at the very end of December/beginning of January, end of March/early April, end of June/beginning of July, and end of September/beginning of October. Many other people may have planets at 9 of a cardinal sign (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn), but those dates above are for people who have the Sun near that degree. Tremendous forces are at work for these people to help them clean out of their lives all things that are not working for them, or to revise whatever has become habitual so that life can proceed on a better level. It’s as though a pressure cooker lid is blowing off, and they have had enough of whatever they have been repressing. It may be an intense process while it’s happening, but the result can be liberating later. Pluto will go direct on September 18th.
Meanwhile, Saturn has been retrograde at the very end of Libra since February 7th. It will go direct at 22-23 Libra on June 25 and finally enter Scorpio on October 5th. Anyone with planets between 22 to 29 Libra, or those degrees of other cardinal signs listed above, are probably not satisfied with the aspect of their life where they are located. Things will start moving in a better direction after late June.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Virgo-Pisces
This polarity is the service/sacrifice duo. In extreme expression Virgo can be hyper-critical and Pisces hyper-gullible, but we seldom see the extremes expressed entirely since all people have many variables in their charts. Virgo equates to the sixth house, so planets in that house will have Virgo energy overlaid; Pisces is associated with the twelfth house, and any planets there will take on a Piscean flavor.
Virgo has an innate drive to perfection and has a hard time overlooking what is “flawed.” Since this is impartial, people with an abundance of this expression will turn it inward, as well, so we also see a great deal of self-flagellation, too. It, along with Capricorn, is a classic low self-esteem sign. Virgo energy is very aware of its own short-comings. The urge to be useful is strong. There is no compunction about being in a serving role, so even if in a power position, one with strong Virgo traits will feel their role is to serve others in a useful way. One of the most outstanding personality traits is precision. People with an over-abundance of Virgo energy will be literal thinkers—expecting you to say what you mean precisely and mean exactly what you say. Order and discipline are innate to most Virgo people—if not in their handling of the material world, certainly in their mental processes. Many are found in the medical field where they excel. They make excellent accountants and are great in any profession that demands attention to detail and analysis.
Pisces, being opposite, can be too non-critical. Pisces does not recognize boundaries sometimes and often can be dreamy and seem “out of it” much of the time. In positive expression it is associated with spiritual activity, so we see many mystics and religious people with strong Piscean energy. Sometimes very chameleon-like, the lack of boundaries can produce good actors, or negatively, excellent liars or con-artists. On a positive level, it can produce a Mother Theresa type. The evolutionary intent of Pisces is to recognize that we are all one, and therefore, that lack-of-boundary trait can produce the highest kind of spiritual oneness of which we are capable. Pisceans above all others are able to “walk in your shoes” in their imaginations and be the most compassionate of all the signs.
Both of these signs want to serve humanity. But the difference between them, archetypically, and as expressed in the houses, is that Virgo and the sixth house sees service as a vocation and sets out to do it as a job—hence, the sixth house representing our jobs or work—but, Pisces (theoretically) sees service as a spiritual, sacrificial duty without pay because we are one and “there, but for the grace of God, go I.” Twelfth house is “behind the scenes” and Piscean heroism is often secret, known only to the principals involved.
As in all the polarities, you will often see the signs exchange traits...i.e. Pisceans seeming to be too critical and Virgo acting very Piscean. This is a common occurence and might be an over-compensation mechanism or they can have planets in both signs.
Virgo has an innate drive to perfection and has a hard time overlooking what is “flawed.” Since this is impartial, people with an abundance of this expression will turn it inward, as well, so we also see a great deal of self-flagellation, too. It, along with Capricorn, is a classic low self-esteem sign. Virgo energy is very aware of its own short-comings. The urge to be useful is strong. There is no compunction about being in a serving role, so even if in a power position, one with strong Virgo traits will feel their role is to serve others in a useful way. One of the most outstanding personality traits is precision. People with an over-abundance of Virgo energy will be literal thinkers—expecting you to say what you mean precisely and mean exactly what you say. Order and discipline are innate to most Virgo people—if not in their handling of the material world, certainly in their mental processes. Many are found in the medical field where they excel. They make excellent accountants and are great in any profession that demands attention to detail and analysis.
Pisces, being opposite, can be too non-critical. Pisces does not recognize boundaries sometimes and often can be dreamy and seem “out of it” much of the time. In positive expression it is associated with spiritual activity, so we see many mystics and religious people with strong Piscean energy. Sometimes very chameleon-like, the lack of boundaries can produce good actors, or negatively, excellent liars or con-artists. On a positive level, it can produce a Mother Theresa type. The evolutionary intent of Pisces is to recognize that we are all one, and therefore, that lack-of-boundary trait can produce the highest kind of spiritual oneness of which we are capable. Pisceans above all others are able to “walk in your shoes” in their imaginations and be the most compassionate of all the signs.
Both of these signs want to serve humanity. But the difference between them, archetypically, and as expressed in the houses, is that Virgo and the sixth house sees service as a vocation and sets out to do it as a job—hence, the sixth house representing our jobs or work—but, Pisces (theoretically) sees service as a spiritual, sacrificial duty without pay because we are one and “there, but for the grace of God, go I.” Twelfth house is “behind the scenes” and Piscean heroism is often secret, known only to the principals involved.
As in all the polarities, you will often see the signs exchange traits...i.e. Pisceans seeming to be too critical and Virgo acting very Piscean. This is a common occurence and might be an over-compensation mechanism or they can have planets in both signs.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Whitney Houston
The world is stunned and shocked by Ms. Houston’s sudden death. A lot has been written about it, and I suppose every astrologer noticed that transiting Pluto was square her Mars, which can produce a great deal of tension leading to possibly relieving it through medication. Also progressed Saturn was retrograding very close to opposing her natal Sun—a bit of depression there, but she was born with that aspect, so it wouldn’t have had a major impact. However, with Neptune forming a T-square with it, a signature of self-doubt and escapism is part of her character.
What is really interesting is what we discover when looking at midpoints. She had several midpoints at zero degrees in mutable signs, and Neptune, which just entered Pisces (a mutable sign) this month, triggered those. I’m quoting from Ebertin’s book, “A Combination of Stellar Influences.” First, the Mercury/Saturn midpoint at zero Sagittarius was being squared by Neptune:
“A state of depression, distrust, emotional inhibitions…..plans without any prospect of realization.”
Also in that same place she had the Saturn/Pluto midpoint squared by Neptune:
“..danger through water, poison or gas— shattered nerves.”
And additionally in that same degree she had the Neptune/MC midpoint. It was being triggered by Neptune, itself, so there is no combination including it; however, the meaning of the midpoint, which was part of her basic character, is:
“Aimlessness and lack of purpose in life, a lack of self-confidence” and “Depressive psychoses, mental disturbance….”
Additionally, she had a midpoint “tree” of Mars=Uranus/Neptune, which Pluto was triggering with its transit. That one means:
“…the abandonment of resistance, the necessity to give in, great losses, calamities, catastrophes.”
There is a great deal more, but Cosmobiology (which this is) is very detailed, and it would take a long article to examine all of it.
Her chart shows a person who was a perfectionist and had a great need to be successful just to justify her being here and drawing breath. In recent years, with her voice deteriorating, it is not surprising that she was questioning her future. She thought deeply about things in great detail and was very hard on herself, feeling an all-pervading guilt about things she probably never did. It was probably guilt about not being “perfect.” With Pisces rising and Neptune involved in her self- esteem issues, tension would become so acute, it would not be surprising that she would seek relief through some kind of mind-altering drug. She really had a difficult life, despite appearances.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
The Leo/Aquarius Polarity
Many people don’t realize that the twelve signs of the zodiac are really six sets of polarities and the two signs opposite each other have a great deal in common. It could be said they are two sides of the same coin. I’m going to go through each set over the next few weeks and give you a good understanding of this principle in hopes that it can help you understand others better. Since it is February and Aquarius is influencing us right now, I’ll start with that one.
You can have a heavy influence from ANY sign if you have it rising or your Moon sign, or even if you have planets occupying the houses associated with them—in this case, the fifth house for Leo and the eleventh for Aquarius. Therefore, these may apply to you even if your Sun sign is not one of them. I have witnessed over the last 40 plus years, that many people who don’t have anything in a sign will still greatly exhibit traits of that sign just because they have several planets (or a very strong planet) in the house associated with it. The same applies to having a lot of midpoints fall in a specific sign. Astrology is very complicated!
In extreme brief, the first six signs are personal: i.e. Aries: Myself, my body. Taurus: My possessions and income. Gemini: My mind, knowledge and thoughts. Cancer: My home and family. Leo: My creations and ego expression. Virgo: My work and service, as in a job or personal skills.
The second six signs are more about fitting into society. i.e. Libra: Partnership and co-operation, one-on-one. Scorpio: Joint ownership (investment, taxes, insurance)—and usually control over it all. Sagittarius: The group’s mind—laws, rules of games, higher education (which is what others have discovered earlier, passed on us). Capricorn: Career, home away from home and support of the family in society. Aquarius: Appreciation for creativity and freedom of expression of all. Pisces: Service extended freely without concern for reward (collectively, we are one—what I do for YOU, I do for myself).
The entire zodiac unfolds from the very personal (Aries) to the absolute impersonal (Pisces). In theory, it’s like an evolutionary path back to the Father. We find perfection in selfLESSness. But, we’re all in various stages of growth and understanding, and our charts show a mixture of many facets of this principle.
The opposite sign from Aquarius (i.e. six months away) is Leo. Leo and Aquarius are fixed signs, meaning that they don’t change readily. Once on a specific path, they pretty much will stick to it. They are dependable. This pair forms the axis of ego. Some teachers say it is “love given (Leo) and love received (Aquarius).” I think, however, that it is more about self-expression (Leo) and appreciation of the right to that expression for everyone (Aquarius). My teacher used to say that Leo cares so much about what others think (vulnerable ego), they are constantly aware of how they’re coming across—hence, having to be respectable (to whomever matters to them) and well-turned-out. Some who are ignored too much (or think so) can be the worst of drama queens. More than any other sign, they cannot do “humble” very well. The need deep down inside is to feel special and unique. There is a need to leave a legacy, whether it is children or works of art or literature—or a great body of work of any kind. It is considered the royal sign.
But a king or queen is not one of the masses, and Leo usually will not feel ordinary. There is a little bit of distance although s/he will be wonderfully warm and friendly, it’s very hard to get really close. They are discovering they have special gifts and are quite eager to express them. Many celebrities have a heavy Leo influence. They love applause and attention. But, you cannot bask in applause if you are part of the audience—hence needing to be a little bit apart.
Aquarius generally doesn’t have a problem with insecurity. Just as Leo wants to appear
special, Aquarius deep down already feels unique. S/he doesn’t need a lot of applause and will work hard to assure that we ALL are free to express our talents and abilities. S/he is part of the masses, but feels that each one is special. That is why Aquarius has the courage to be outrageously different. Leo is searching for individuation and is personal about it, but Aquarius knows s/he is an individual and wants everyone to realize they are “special,” too. He feels he has a right to do what he wants—i.e. that he is an individual within society and not apart from it. Think of Leo as the artist and Aquarius as the gallery owner who gives the public a chance to applaud Leo’s creativity. They are in it together but with a different role to play. Leo wants to be free to express himself, but Aquarius feels we are ALL creative and expressive and should be allowed to shine, each in his own way. Abraham Lincoln was an Aquarius, and I believe this belief in each individual having something to contribute was the impetus behind his attitude toward slavery.
On another level, Leo is love and romance between individuals (and this produces children, which is why the fifth house is also children). Aquarius is friendships, organizations, communes, or group activity of any kind. It’s “love” but on a broader, more inclusive scale. Leo is Eros and Aquarius is Agape.
I know there are many who will feel this doesn’t fit them. Remember these are archetypes, and your personal chart, which is unique to you, will have many indications besides the Sun sign. The ascendant, which changes signs about every two hours, is probably going to define your personality more than anything else unless there is something else that overwhelms it. Without doing your chart, I would have no idea if that is the case, so I would have no answer for you if you just say it doesn’t fit you. Please take this for its intent and that is to familiarize you with the six pairs of signs so you will have a more coherent understanding of their philosophical message about our evolution
You can have a heavy influence from ANY sign if you have it rising or your Moon sign, or even if you have planets occupying the houses associated with them—in this case, the fifth house for Leo and the eleventh for Aquarius. Therefore, these may apply to you even if your Sun sign is not one of them. I have witnessed over the last 40 plus years, that many people who don’t have anything in a sign will still greatly exhibit traits of that sign just because they have several planets (or a very strong planet) in the house associated with it. The same applies to having a lot of midpoints fall in a specific sign. Astrology is very complicated!
In extreme brief, the first six signs are personal: i.e. Aries: Myself, my body. Taurus: My possessions and income. Gemini: My mind, knowledge and thoughts. Cancer: My home and family. Leo: My creations and ego expression. Virgo: My work and service, as in a job or personal skills.
The second six signs are more about fitting into society. i.e. Libra: Partnership and co-operation, one-on-one. Scorpio: Joint ownership (investment, taxes, insurance)—and usually control over it all. Sagittarius: The group’s mind—laws, rules of games, higher education (which is what others have discovered earlier, passed on us). Capricorn: Career, home away from home and support of the family in society. Aquarius: Appreciation for creativity and freedom of expression of all. Pisces: Service extended freely without concern for reward (collectively, we are one—what I do for YOU, I do for myself).
The entire zodiac unfolds from the very personal (Aries) to the absolute impersonal (Pisces). In theory, it’s like an evolutionary path back to the Father. We find perfection in selfLESSness. But, we’re all in various stages of growth and understanding, and our charts show a mixture of many facets of this principle.
The opposite sign from Aquarius (i.e. six months away) is Leo. Leo and Aquarius are fixed signs, meaning that they don’t change readily. Once on a specific path, they pretty much will stick to it. They are dependable. This pair forms the axis of ego. Some teachers say it is “love given (Leo) and love received (Aquarius).” I think, however, that it is more about self-expression (Leo) and appreciation of the right to that expression for everyone (Aquarius). My teacher used to say that Leo cares so much about what others think (vulnerable ego), they are constantly aware of how they’re coming across—hence, having to be respectable (to whomever matters to them) and well-turned-out. Some who are ignored too much (or think so) can be the worst of drama queens. More than any other sign, they cannot do “humble” very well. The need deep down inside is to feel special and unique. There is a need to leave a legacy, whether it is children or works of art or literature—or a great body of work of any kind. It is considered the royal sign.
But a king or queen is not one of the masses, and Leo usually will not feel ordinary. There is a little bit of distance although s/he will be wonderfully warm and friendly, it’s very hard to get really close. They are discovering they have special gifts and are quite eager to express them. Many celebrities have a heavy Leo influence. They love applause and attention. But, you cannot bask in applause if you are part of the audience—hence needing to be a little bit apart.
Aquarius generally doesn’t have a problem with insecurity. Just as Leo wants to appear
special, Aquarius deep down already feels unique. S/he doesn’t need a lot of applause and will work hard to assure that we ALL are free to express our talents and abilities. S/he is part of the masses, but feels that each one is special. That is why Aquarius has the courage to be outrageously different. Leo is searching for individuation and is personal about it, but Aquarius knows s/he is an individual and wants everyone to realize they are “special,” too. He feels he has a right to do what he wants—i.e. that he is an individual within society and not apart from it. Think of Leo as the artist and Aquarius as the gallery owner who gives the public a chance to applaud Leo’s creativity. They are in it together but with a different role to play. Leo wants to be free to express himself, but Aquarius feels we are ALL creative and expressive and should be allowed to shine, each in his own way. Abraham Lincoln was an Aquarius, and I believe this belief in each individual having something to contribute was the impetus behind his attitude toward slavery.
On another level, Leo is love and romance between individuals (and this produces children, which is why the fifth house is also children). Aquarius is friendships, organizations, communes, or group activity of any kind. It’s “love” but on a broader, more inclusive scale. Leo is Eros and Aquarius is Agape.
I know there are many who will feel this doesn’t fit them. Remember these are archetypes, and your personal chart, which is unique to you, will have many indications besides the Sun sign. The ascendant, which changes signs about every two hours, is probably going to define your personality more than anything else unless there is something else that overwhelms it. Without doing your chart, I would have no idea if that is the case, so I would have no answer for you if you just say it doesn’t fit you. Please take this for its intent and that is to familiarize you with the six pairs of signs so you will have a more coherent understanding of their philosophical message about our evolution
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Neptune enters Pisces February 3rd
The mysterious blue planet, Neptune, will enter its ruling sign, Pisces, in a couple days. It did dip its toe into Piscean waters last year for a test to see how the swimming was from April ‘til August, but it was only a test. Now the twelfth sign will have his (or is it “her”?) company for another thirteen years. Pisces doesn’t have this guest often; the last time was from around 1847 to 1861-62. We learn from history, and we can get a hint of what to expect, but times were different then, and we have other planets in different places now along with it, which colors the picture somewhat.
Neptune represents anything which is not solid or clearly discernable—mysticism, deception, redemption, artistic expression, spirit, smoke, gases, water, visionaries, compassion, corruption, pollution—you get the picture. Pisces is kinda like that, too—which is why Neptune rules that sign. So we sort of have a double whammy here. In a chart, if Neptune is connected to other planets positively, then we have a positive expression of its energy, but if it’s not in harmony with other energies, we get conflict, and therefore, negative results.
It seems in Neptune’s travels, that collective attitudes are subtly changed-- colored by Neptune’s innate core energy—or vice versa. For instance, when it was in Capricorn (1984-1998) corporate and governmental corruption and deception was a temptation. Capricorn represents corporations, government and power. The United States has Neptune in the ninth house, which is legislation, as well as religion (not spirituality, but organized religion). That time was the rise of fundamentalist religions getting too involved in government, religious-based warfare—or oil-based—also Neptune, and giant corporations like Monsanto deceiving us about genetically modified food, which is now a HUGE issue. Other corporations, like those of the Koch brothers, did their own manipulating.
From 1998 until now, Neptune has been in Aquarius. This sign is noted for its detachment emotionally and for fierce individuality, and so we have had a collective outcry that we are not our brothers’ keeper, and we have been looking for ways to shed emotional reaction to those less fortunate. This, of course, does not affect everyone, but collectively the masses would seem to be headed in that direction. Each sign is a reaction to the one before it, so during this time there was also an awakening to the corruption of the preceding fourteen years, and so the fierce individualism of Aquarius also noticed the infringement on individual rights, as well, as witnessed by the treatment of organic farmers by Monsanto.
Neptune is also melding or blending of anything. Immigration is one such blending. Back in the mid nineteenth century when Neptune was last visiting Pisces, we were concerned about immigration from Europe and did not trust the Irish and the Catholics. Now, it’s the Muslims and Spanish-speaking people we do not trust. These are “strangers” attempting to meld into our society, and in Neptune fashion, we have irrational suspicions.
In those years just before the Civil War, slavery was an issue, too. We are now just beginning to recognize that exploitation of children and the very poor worldwide in the sex trade is another kind of slavery. We are seeing books appearing to awaken us—like the trilogy beginning with “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.” In the next fourteen years, we will do something about that.
I believe we will see much more compassion for the less fortunate as Neptune sojourns in Pisces. There might be some areas where it can be increased deception and fraud, but Neptune is not in negative aspect too much, so we’ll probably see the better side of it. For instance, it will trine the USA’s Cancer planets for most of the fourteen years. That can bring in increased recognition of how badly the American people have been deceived over the last twenty-eight years.
And last, Neptune in the USA’s birth chart is negatively aspected to Mars. We usually don’t use Neptune in its highest form. It will eventually activate that square, which has been involved one way or another every time we have a war. It is also the signature of a corrupt government. As long as this chart exists, we’ll have a propensity to this. It would be especially tempting when Neptune, itself, is activating it. That will be 2021-22, and I’d expect to see the very worst of that configuration manifesting. We would need to be particularly vigilant.
Neptune represents anything which is not solid or clearly discernable—mysticism, deception, redemption, artistic expression, spirit, smoke, gases, water, visionaries, compassion, corruption, pollution—you get the picture. Pisces is kinda like that, too—which is why Neptune rules that sign. So we sort of have a double whammy here. In a chart, if Neptune is connected to other planets positively, then we have a positive expression of its energy, but if it’s not in harmony with other energies, we get conflict, and therefore, negative results.
It seems in Neptune’s travels, that collective attitudes are subtly changed-- colored by Neptune’s innate core energy—or vice versa. For instance, when it was in Capricorn (1984-1998) corporate and governmental corruption and deception was a temptation. Capricorn represents corporations, government and power. The United States has Neptune in the ninth house, which is legislation, as well as religion (not spirituality, but organized religion). That time was the rise of fundamentalist religions getting too involved in government, religious-based warfare—or oil-based—also Neptune, and giant corporations like Monsanto deceiving us about genetically modified food, which is now a HUGE issue. Other corporations, like those of the Koch brothers, did their own manipulating.
From 1998 until now, Neptune has been in Aquarius. This sign is noted for its detachment emotionally and for fierce individuality, and so we have had a collective outcry that we are not our brothers’ keeper, and we have been looking for ways to shed emotional reaction to those less fortunate. This, of course, does not affect everyone, but collectively the masses would seem to be headed in that direction. Each sign is a reaction to the one before it, so during this time there was also an awakening to the corruption of the preceding fourteen years, and so the fierce individualism of Aquarius also noticed the infringement on individual rights, as well, as witnessed by the treatment of organic farmers by Monsanto.
Neptune is also melding or blending of anything. Immigration is one such blending. Back in the mid nineteenth century when Neptune was last visiting Pisces, we were concerned about immigration from Europe and did not trust the Irish and the Catholics. Now, it’s the Muslims and Spanish-speaking people we do not trust. These are “strangers” attempting to meld into our society, and in Neptune fashion, we have irrational suspicions.
In those years just before the Civil War, slavery was an issue, too. We are now just beginning to recognize that exploitation of children and the very poor worldwide in the sex trade is another kind of slavery. We are seeing books appearing to awaken us—like the trilogy beginning with “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.” In the next fourteen years, we will do something about that.
I believe we will see much more compassion for the less fortunate as Neptune sojourns in Pisces. There might be some areas where it can be increased deception and fraud, but Neptune is not in negative aspect too much, so we’ll probably see the better side of it. For instance, it will trine the USA’s Cancer planets for most of the fourteen years. That can bring in increased recognition of how badly the American people have been deceived over the last twenty-eight years.
And last, Neptune in the USA’s birth chart is negatively aspected to Mars. We usually don’t use Neptune in its highest form. It will eventually activate that square, which has been involved one way or another every time we have a war. It is also the signature of a corrupt government. As long as this chart exists, we’ll have a propensity to this. It would be especially tempting when Neptune, itself, is activating it. That will be 2021-22, and I’d expect to see the very worst of that configuration manifesting. We would need to be particularly vigilant.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Obama Signs Defense Bill
New Year’s Eve evening President Obama signed the controversial defense bill that he had previously threatened to veto. The main problem is that it pretty much ends our rights as we’ve known them. Most Americans probably have no idea what has just happened. Now the Executive branch has unprecedented power, including being able to arrest, prosecute and imprison American citizens without due process. All they have to do is suspect you are a “terrorist.” It has been announced by members of congress that among things that indicate that you are suspect includes having more than seven days’ worth of food in your house! Another is paying with cash! Have you noticed large signs on highways encouraging you to phone a number if your neighbors are doing anything suspicious? All you need to be arrested without cause is a vengeful neighbor who wants to cause you pain. All of this is like an Orwellian nightmare.
Although Obama added a written statement that he had “serious reservations” and would not actually use those powers, it passes on to all subsequent presidents who may have no reservations at all. This power lasts until the “War on Terror” is over. As Jon Stewart said, however, that is subjective. WHAT indicates that it’s over? Does “Terror” surrender? This could be perpetual unless something is done to change it.
When I heard of this betrayal, I looked at Obama’s chart to see what was going on that day. Transiting Neptune was exactly, to the minute, square his MC! This is blatant deception revealed, and/or he is totally without a clue what he has just done. This isn’t the first time for that aspect since he’s been in office, but it is the last before it goes into Pisces on February 3rd. The backlash on him for this very treasonous decision will start in about three or four months…or at that time he will be dealing with very serious issues and it will fill the rest of his term. Right now a pattern is forming (and actually has already been active), and it will be triggered often this year. Secondary progressed Mars and Mercury are occupying 25 and 26 degrees Libra. They are marching steadily toward a square with his natal Saturn-Jupiter conjunction at 25 Capricorn and 0 Aquarius. The progressed Mercury already was partile to squaring Saturn less than a year ago. I mentioned it in a previous blog about his chart. Besides this, progressed Ascendant is approaching an opposition to this pattern. Transiting Saturn will be back and forth over this pattern in 2012 in April, and again from August through early October. The progressed Ascendant will oppose the progressed Mars exactly sometime in late August/early September—a dangerous period for him in dealing with rage from others. Around August 17-20 Mars will also trigger the progressed pattern described above which could activate it early.
I think this bill signing will fuel the occupy movement even more and cause a backlash that Obama never dreamed his “sheeple” would be capable of doing. Let’s see what happens in April.
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