Tomorrow...

History unfolds in accordance with a series of cycles involving the outer planets. These cycles unfold like this: First there is a conjunction of the two planets. Then the faster one moves ahead of the slower planet and eventually forms a 90 degree angle when it gets one quarter of a circle beyond it. We call that the “waxing square” much like we call the first quarter of the lunar cycle the waxing quarter Moon. That is a time of adjustment to the promise of the conjunction. Then there is an opposition of the two where full awareness of what the cycle is all about dawns on us. Then the waning square when the planet (or Moon) is 90 degrees from coming back to a conjunction. We have a chance to finally heal whatever the conjunction told us was on the agenda. The longest of these cycles is Neptune and Pluto, which is roughly about 500 years in duration. Great religious-spiritual evolution is shown with those two. But also there is great change in society because of a pivotal event. The last conjunction was in the mid-1890s. It was in Gemini, and we had germination of the Gemini-like inventions of the automobile and airplane, the radio, etc. It was a boom time in easier movement and communication. The last time they conjoined before that was around 1400, just after Guttenberg was born (circa 1398). The printing press was operational by around 1450. That conjunction was also in Gemini, which rules language, communication, etc. and changed society forever. One of the most important of these outer planetary cycles is Uranus and Pluto. Because Pluto has an elliptical orbit, their cycle is anywhere from about 114 to 124 years in length. The current waxing square of Uranus and Pluto is the second stage of a long cycle that started in the sixties when they conjoined—actually 1966. At that time, there were demonstrations and assassinations, the Vietnam War protests, etc. We are now at a time of "correction" and reminding ourselves of the things we were concerned about then. In this cycle, the "turning points" (squares and oppositions) are always predicated on the original conjunction. There will be two more corrections. The opposition in 2045 and then the waning square a similar number of years after that. During these corrections, history has told us that there will be rebellion leading to great change. We are already seeing it in the “occupy” movement. When this was getting in range, we had the BP oil disaster and the Japanese tsunami crisis among other things, like the Arab Spring last year. Uranus is called the “great awakener” and Pluto is “total annihilation and rebirth.” Many writers, including myself, mention the ‘30s as the last time we had a Pluto/Uranus square. But, the square in the '30s was a waning square from the last cycle—roughly starting in 1849-50—so this one is different, not only because they are in different signs, but are about different issues in history, although the manifestation of destruction to clear the way for renewal will seem similar. Back then the conjunction was in Aries. Aries is war and egocentric, dictatorial energy and that was the last throes of the last cycle. Just because the cycle ended, doesn't mean we learned our lesson. The one this time starting in the '60s was in Virgo, and I believe it is all about agriculture and the food supply, which is Virgo’s domain. At this first quarter, we are just awakening about Monsanto et al. Another factor about this is Pluto in Capricorn. Wherever Pluto is, there is a "destruction and re-birthing" of whatever is associated with that sign. Capricorn rules Big Business, corporations, the “father” figure, discipline—and not always the kind sort. It rules control, and with Pluto, it is total control. The last time it was there the Puritans (after they had felt so oppressed they had left England) were then further so oppressed in the New World—taxation without representation—they formed an independent country. The United States chart has Pluto in Capricorn. Now it is here again for the first time since then, and the oppression is getting unbearable under corporations and "authority" of all kinds, including banks. It will not leave Capricorn until 2024, and it will take that long to effect change. No cycle stands alone. There were three other cycles that began in 1989 when three of the outer planets conjoined in Capricorn--right about the time Monsanto and other New World Order people began their plots in earnest. Saturn, Uranus and Neptune all came together in Capricorn. Each one has cycles of different durations, but are no less players in this drama. Tomorrow, June 24th, in the wee hours EDT, (8:15 GMT) the first of seven exact square aspects will begin between Uranus and Pluto. Don’t expect a major event tomorrow, although it’s not out of the question. It is the portal of an unfolding of extreme events that will last until nearly 2016, if not into that year. The dates when the Sun (June 29-30), Moon (June 27 and weekly thereafter) or Mars (July 16-20 the soonest) trigger this square will bring the events. It will be triggered by these and other planets on a regular basis thereafter. The good part is that the evils we are enduring will no longer be tolerated and many brave souls will resist being controlled by the conglomerates, and when it is over, we’ll be in a new paradigm with the next rebellion, if needed, scheduled around 2045. You can find some excellent essays about this at www.billherbst.com Look in his archives and read those around 2006-2009. He has some wonderful insights about this.

Past Life

I was reminded recently about an exercise I did around 1970. I had just read Max Long’s book, Secret Science at Work, and learned a method of contacting the subconscious mind. I used a pendulum, which can be a ring you wear often, or any over-one-ounce object, suspended on a string. I now have an amethyst on a chain which can be purchased in just about any new age store. I wanted to find out my previous life birthday. The idea is to ask the subconscious to move the suspended object in assigned directions. For me, I asked it to swing vertically for “yes,” horizontally for “no” and in a circle for “I don’t know.” It took half a day to do the training. Your “subby,” as Isabel Hickey called it, might be quicker. Then I asked about the century, then the decade, year, month, day, etc. I found out I was born on November 7, 1871 somewhere in England with 20 degrees Libra rising. I’ll probably never know my birth town. However, I didn’t have an 1871 ephemeris or a computer, so I ordered one just for that year from the Rosicrucians. Here is the chart with my current one around it. The odds of so many contacts being just about on the money…only minutes apart…is uncanny. It appears I improved slightly with Venus, ruler of both charts, being in exaltation now instead of its ruler. But other than that, it looks like I’m pretty much the same. You might want to try this exercise. I think it’s a valuable tool for guidance in your evolution.

Taurus/Scorpio

This is the polarity of values and profundity. Sometimes called the “money” polarity, they relate to the second house (Taurus), which is income and personal values, and the eighth (Scorpio) which is outgo of money and other peoples’ values, but also funds held jointly with others…like insurance, taxes, inheritances, partner’s income, and debt. A good way to remember it is the eighth is about money in which others have an interest. Any planets in those houses will behave somewhat as though they are in the signs related to them. It is also the sexual polarity. Taurus, an earth sign, represents fertility—mother earth. It comes in the spring when the ground is ready for sowing seed and growing crops. Scorpio moves beyond that and must have “meaning” in a relationship. It is looking for total union with another wherein the couple is more than the sum of each partner. Although known as the sexiest of signs, it is really quite capable of celibacy until a relationship with depth and meaning comes along. The only thing is, Scorpio reasons, “if we are ‘one,’ then I am you and you are me, ergo, I can tell you what to do.” Scorpio consumes and controls. Taurus The first thing you think about Taurus is the Bull. It was a wise person who mentioned that it’s not the raging bull it represents, but rather “Ferdinand” lazing around in the field smelling flowers. Taurus is more like that. If you watch this short cartoon on YouTube, you will see a wonderful allegory of what Taurus is like: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGTVRbpAuRo However, as the saying goes, “Beware the anger of a patient man.” Taurus, wanting to avoid a confrontation, will hint quietly if something is displeasing (and most people ignore it), but suddenly—and Taurus, himself, doesn’t even know when—he will explode or remove himself from the situation if exploding is not wise. This is true if it’s the ascendant or Moon in Taurus, as well. Taurus appreciates the senses (especially scent) and is very physical. Taken to extremes, it can be the laziest of all the signs, but also perhaps the most patient. The essential goal of Taurus is to find value and meaning in life, plus peace and security. A little sensual pleasure thrown in, too, is welcome. Both Taurus and Libra are Venus-ruled signs, and both are non-confrontational. However, there is a difference. The Libran Venus is more interested in relationships and being accepted in society. So those heavily influenced by that sign will strive to get along with everyone more than anything else. Taurus, on the other hand, is placid but set in a pattern of his or her own choosing. It’s not that they are trying to be accepted when they don’t argue; it’s that they know they are not going to change their minds, so why argue about it? You’ll hear things like, “I see what you mean.” or “If I were in your place, I’d do that too.” or “I hear you.” You’ll notice there wasn’t an agreement there if they don’t really agree—just acquiescence to your point of view. You can’t discuss Taurus without mentioning money and food. They represent security to the Taurus, so when those things are stored away safely, they can relax and be the artistic, pleasant people they are. Most of the time, Taurus (or Taurus rising or Moon) has a melodious voice, thick or wavy hair and smooth skin and are usually attractive, although tending gracefully toward the stout side. Think of the bull—thick neck, strong shoulders—especially if it’s the rising sign. Scorpio The opposite of Taurus is Scorpio, and it is definitely “opposite.” With Taurus, you don’t necessarily find extremely strong passionate convictions—money in the bank, peace, valued work, and good food will do. But Scorpio is intensely passionate about everything. You will find the intensely positive preacher, like Billy Graham, or the intensely negative vindictiveness of Charles Manson. Very seldom is there a middle ground. Scorpio is intensely loyal to friends, but you wouldn’t want one for an enemy. Usually, they “get even” in triplicate for what they perceive to be a grievance, and since it is a water sign and very emotional, the grievance doesn’t have to be intended toward them or even real. All is in perception. My teacher used to say that Scorpio’s main problem is in not knowing where their “flight area” ends and another’s begins, so usually they are unconsciously controlling. She used the example of a mother-in-law who didn’t like her daughter-in-law’s kitchen curtains, so “surprised” her by hanging up some of her own choosing as a gift. It is the ultimate in controlling behavior to make changes in someone else’s home without their permission. Most of the time, sadly, they really believe they are doing you a favor. One way to control people is to act as if one is sharing inside information with someone, but in reality, is drawing information FROM them. Scorpios are secretive and do not reveal private information, like how much money they make or have saved, for instance. But many can be talkative and friendly, so before you know it, you are spilling your guts, so to speak. I’d think carefully before revealing anything to or confiding in a Scorpio. On the other hand, they make great detectives and lawyers. All of this will apply to Scorpio rising and Scorpio Moon, as well as a tenanted eighth house. The positive types will be controlling too, but it will be “for your own good”—like saving your soul for you. Many evangelists are influenced by this sign. They are good people, with hearts in the right place, but have so much passion about whatever the issue is, they “forget where their flight area ends.” Scorpio and Taurus are fixed signs. And fixed water (Scorpio) is ice. Scorpio is a cool customer and can appear impassive and emotionless while seething inside. What you see is not necessarily what you get.

Venus Retrogrades Today

There is a great deal of buzz about the retrograde of Venus starting today and lasting until June 27th. I think it is interesting that it is stationing at 23:59 Gemini and is conjoining the USA’s Mars square Neptune aspect, which is holding a conjunction of solar arc Pluto to the Neptune. When it stations to go direct in late June, it will do so at 7:29 Gemini—very close to the USA’s Uranus. Since transiting Uranus will square transiting Pluto (finally) for the first partile aspect out of a total of seven on June 24th, I think we can expect some surprises. I know you are all probably tired of hearing all the “harbingers of doom” who have been forecasting this coming period of time, but it pays to be prepared. This coming square of Uranus and Pluto (which occurred during the Great Depression) will be perfecting less than one degree from energizing the Sun/Jupiter midpoint of the USA chart. The Sun in the 8th house would have a great deal to do with debt and foreign countries (it rules the 9th) and Jupiter has to do with justice and the country, itself, since it rules the first house. The worst thing about the USA chart (in my opinion) is the Mars/Neptune square. It simply means “corrupt government,” since it occupies the ninth (legislature) and the seventh (justice). All by itself it means an excess of deceptive behavior. Look to the houses (mentioned above) to determine where it would be active. Pluto by solar arc is now just past squaring the USA Mars (brutally suppressed information to the public) and will conjoin Neptune in roughly seven months. Pluto is “death and rebirth.” It also exposes the nasty underbelly of disgusting things. Exposure is already in progress and, in fact, one month ago it was activating the midpoint of this configuration. Pluto’s transit shows it is time to transform this energy in our chart. However, it will always be there unless we “rebirth” our country with a new chart. Iceland did this recently when it fired the entire government and rewrote the constitution. Hopefully, we’ll recognize the need to do the same.

Aries-Libra Polarity

If we look at the Zodiac as a progression of the soul from a feeling of being a totally separate entity evolving to feeling or “knowing” that we are all one (Pisces), then the start of that journey is Aries. Libra is the halfway point where we begin to be concerned about our “significant other.” This is the polarity of relationships. Aries is “I or me” and Libra is “you.” (Remember that people are ALL combinations of many signs, and it is impossible to find a pure example of any one archetype.)

Commonly, Aries is described as selfish or self-centered. That is a perception based on observation, perhaps, but is not entirely accurate. Many Aries people have important planets in nearby Pisces or Taurus and can be as compassionate as any other person—if not more so. Aries is “self-referencing” and self-reliant. By that I mean they measure everything by their own experiences or imagined experiences by seeing themselves in someone else’s circumstances. For instance, upon seeing a strange hair-do for the first time, their immediate thought is “How would I look in that?” In this way, Aries is a breath of fresh air because the first thought is not to criticize, but to imagine him or herself in the same condition. But, this self-referencing also makes it hard to see another’s viewpoint if they cannot put themselves in their experience.

Aries is the child of the zodiac and often retains an innocent attitude throughout life mainly because it is a sign that lives in the moment. They are neither innately deceptive nor vindictive (although there can be other things in a specific chart that provides those traits), but there can be temper tantrums due to frustrations of the moment. Aries people forget about the past rather quickly and don’t spend a lot of time worrying about the future, much like a child does. For that reason, they are often admired for being able to start all over again any number of times without dwelling on failures. Also, they are self-starters and prefer to do things by themselves without relying on others at all. More than any other sign, this one is more likely to be a sole proprietor, if self-employed, and often remains single without any discomfort or regret. They see themselves as completely separate from others and feel the right to be who they are without any interference. They would probably leave a marriage in which the partner tried to control them, since the primary need of these people is self-expression on their own terms. That is why it is easy for them to be pioneers (another key word of the sign) which can often be a lonely role.

Libra is the extreme opposite. This is the partnership sign. My teacher said once that Librans don’t leave a relationship until they have found a new one to replace it. The need to belong with a partner is so strong that Librans often actually look to others for their identity. The need is not only to connect to one other, but also to belong in society. It is the most uniformed of all the signs… “I’m wearing a Navy uniform, so I BELONG to that service and my identity is a sailor.” For this reason, also, Librans have a very hard time making a decision, since they do not want to make a mistake and therefore be “alone” or to offend. The Achilles Heel in this is the problem with wanting to fit in so badly, that conformity can take over. Having to have the “right” fashions, house, car, etc. can become all-consuming.

This is the halfway point of the zodiac where the soul’s attention goes from self to others. From Aries through Virgo, the soul is building a self… [my body/self (Aries), my possessions (Taurus), my thoughts (Gemini), my family/clan (Cancer), my creations/talents (Leo), my work/skills (Virgo)] but from now on, the soul is noticing that there are others out there not of our clan (actually others of the larger “one” we are part of). When we come to Libra, we feel uncomfortable if we do not have an “other” to complete us. But we are usually born into this sign unskilled at union with another, so we do what we believe we have to do in order to be acceptable. Usually, what happens is we lose ourselves in trying so hard to please the “other.” This, however, is also the sign of compromise and negotiation. What happens when we cannot do that? War. Libra is also the war sign as well as peace. It is simply getting along with others one-on-one without either one losing their individuality, either. That's why its symbol is the scales of justice.

This brings me to another cliché that drives me nuts. When I get students taking my correspondence course, they come conditioned by other things they’ve read, and often in exams I give, they’ll use those bits of knowledge to answer my questions, not remembering where they got that information. One is to refer to Librans as “seeking balance.” This is from the symbology of the scales. That is the most simplistic of all interpretations and I usually ask the student what that means. The scales symbolize justice, fairness, or in other words, the ability to retain one’s SELF while also relating fairly with another person. The scale symbol is not a meaning in itself.

By extension, Libra rules lawyers and diplomats. All are related to the idea that we are evolving to oneness with each other, and along the way we learn little-by-little how to do that without losing our own identity along the way.

Experiment on Solar Returns

[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.

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.