Author: Amelia Shea

Jupiter and Expansion

“Jupiter’s craving is to constantly expand the parameters of life beyond the familiar.” Caroline W. Casey

I have a friend – also an astrologer – who once told me that during certain planetary transits “agents of the planet” appear. By this he meant people who embody the energy of the transit or people who bring us information relevant to it.

Under the current Jupiter/Sun sextile I was in touch with a client who seems very Jupiterian. She started an antique shop which has expanded considerably over the years. She looks as if she has a lot of pleasure and optimism (both qualities of Jupiter) in her life as well as a mix of gypsy blood and horse- trader expertise.

We were in touch because she wanted to promote her new online store. She said with assurance, “we are going to launch it in September and the business will keep growing and growing.” This is Jupiter’s expansive realm.

It reminded me that when approaching endeavors, pragmatics, good strategies and planning all have their place but optimism and an expansive orientation are a very valuable component in creating a rewarding outcome.

 

Jupiter and the Sun

“Once in a blue moon there’s a thing called happiness- It happens when you’re in a natural state of grace.” Van Morrison, Once in a Blue Moon

 

Jupiter, the planet associated with benevloence, abundance and religious teachings is a strong influence in the sky now.

This morning as I paused to watch the electric blue dragonflies glitter as they danced and spun above the water at the Beaver Pond a white pickup truck came down the road and stopped in front of me. The driver was smiling and asked in a conspiratorial tone, “Is this a good place to drop off a turtle?” I nodded my head yes and he jumped out of the pickup.

“I picked him up a minute ago,” he said, retrieving the small painted turtle from the back of his truck. “He was in the middle of the road and I was afraid someone would hit him. ”

He gently placed the turtle on the hill by the water’s edge where it made its way slowly through the way grass.

“Well that’s my good deed for the day,” he said smiling as he drove off.

Good deeds are associated with Jupiter – the application of spiritual teachings. So much of the news we hear these days is about strife and conflict and the inability to resolve problems. It is good to remember the benevolence of Jupiter – that many small deeds like this – too numerous to count- are also enacted every day by individuals who receive no credit or recognition for them. But these small deeds very much contribute to a more thoughtful, more connected, more generous world.

August ’12 Astrology

“Through application comes awareness.” Edgar Cayce.

August 1 the Moon is waxes full at 10 degrees of Aquarius opposing the Sun in Leo. The sign of Leo governs royalty and the sign of Aquarius governs humanity. This is the polarity which we see echoed in many of the issues of our time as we move towards a more Aquarian time.

The sign of Aquarius also governs groups and associations we choose to align with – friends and coworkers who share kindred values and help us to actualize our work in the world more fully. This influence provides a good time to re- examine where we collaborate in order to function more effectively.

August 8 EDT Mercury turns direct at 1 degree of Leo. Heed any messages that come within few days before and after the day of the station – particularly those that have a surprising or innovative quality to them. Mercury/Uranus aspects are known for flashes of insight and breakthroughs are possible with lightning speed under this influence.

Venus will move into the sign of Cancer on the 9th and will form a harmonious trine to Neptune. Take advantage of this energy which is in play through mid month to expand imagination and dreams. It also bodes well for romance.

As we approach mid month the aspects becoming more challenging as Venus enters the Pluto/Uranus square. This can be a time when fears around scarcity can arise and present challenges we may have thought were resolved – challenges related to self esteem, relationship issues and finances. Feelings run deep. Proactively it is a time that offers another layer of healing around these issues as well as an opportunity to attain more clarity and develop courage and insight. Pluto/Venus aspects are related to developing a deeper understanding of life and the meaning of love in the world – often through a process that involves loss.

This can also bring “love at first sight” experiences – best entered into with these influences with caution and awareness.

The Sun moves into Virgo on the 23rd. The upcoming month will provide an opportunity to integrate a new levels of awareness more fully.

Mars moves into Scorpio on 8/23 – Mars is the god of action and loves to act impulsively. It is best all month long to avoid rushing as well as impulsive speech and behavior.

Quote from Divine Sparks by Karen Speerstra

Full Moon in Aquarius

“Every great work, every big accomplishment, has been brought into manifestation through holding to the vision and often, just before the big achievement, comes apparent failure and discouragement.” Florence Scovel Shin

There are two full moons in August – the first of which is Wednesday 8/1 at 10 degrees of Aquarius. One of the Sabian symbols associated with this Full Moon is “During a silent hour a man receives a new inspiration which may change his life.”  Uranus is trining the Sun in fire – this bodes well for higher plane thinking – heed out of the box thinking and ideas which point in an innovative direction. This aspect helps build courage and self esteem when moving in an authentic direction.

Venus is in a favorable aspect to Saturn during this Full Moon reminding us of the importance of maintaining a commitment to our vision despite transient appearances. If there are setbacks use them as learning tools. This aspect is good for solidifying finances and reminds us that serious work and planning bode better for long term results than worry.

Mercury Stations Retrograde

“New ways of thinking about familiar things can release new energies and make all manner of things possible.” Charles Handy

Mercury stations retrograde at 12 degrees of Leo on July 14th at 10:16 PM EDT and does not resume direct motion again until Aug 8.

Mercury retrograde periods provide excellent timing to pause and reflect on our perspectives.  Often there is a need to expand the habitual way we think about things to allow for different kinds of possibilities, opportunities and outcomes. These three weeks are excellent for moving in that direction- revisit, review and revise your perspectives if necessary.

Retrograde Mercury can have a trickster nature to it also so be sure to leave more time for traveling, be more vigilant about the erratic nature of other people’s driving, avoid rushing and double check any communications that seem to have gone awry rather than assuming that something intentional has occurred.

Uranus and Mercury Station Retrograde

“One is always surprised by awareness for everything is always new.” Peter Balin

Uranus will station retrograde Friday 7/13 at 5:49 am EDT and Mercury will station retrograde Saturday the 14th at 10:16 pm. For the next several days higher octave, visionary aspects are in play. So often what limits our ability to evolve in the outer world has to do with a limited perspective originating in our inner world. Pay attention to information that comes about your perceptual lens – the framework of assumptions, deeply held views and perceptions – that no longer serves you and inhibits your ability to move forward in an authentic, evolved way. Information leading to evolutionary leaps can abound under these aspects – sometimes coming to us in surprising, symbolic ways.

Jupiter Conjuncts Ceres

“Every bush is a Burning Bush and the world is crowded with God.” CS Lewis

The Sabian symbol for today’s Jupiter Ceres conjunction in Gemini is “A well with bucket and rope under the shade of majestic trees.” This image speaks of a place of solace and peace – close to a source of inspiration. Reconciling duality is still very much on the table as Venus continues her trek through Gemini and under this influence it bodes well to try to recapture and re- integrate inspired parts of ourselves which may have been pushed aside in the process of adapting to the “rules of the road.” It can be a time of breakthroughs which lead to emotional and spiritual renewal.

Sabian symbol reference from Dane Rudhyar, quote from Lynda Hill’s Divine Sparks 

July ’12 Astrology

“Life wants us to be who we are – not someone else’s vision of who we might be.” Boots Hart

July’s Full Moon falls at 12 degrees of Capricorn on Tuesday July 3 at 2:52 pm EDT. This Moon offers the opportunity to develop a more heightened awareness about transforming outlived emotional patterning of the past. Perspective and how we frame experience is key in the process. Emotions can run high at this time.

Neptune and Chiron together in the sky now indicate that information about healing and evolution will be available through dreams, intuitions and inspiration.

It is wise to tend to any repairs – especially those related to travel and communication (cars, computers, phones etc) – before the 14th. If contracts and agreements need to be finalized it is best to complete these before the 14th or after August 8 to avoid the need to revisit or revise at some future date.

If it is necessary to finalize contracts during this Mercury retrograde period do review them more carefully than usual.

At the end of the first week of July the influence of the upcoming retrograde stations of Uranus and Mercury will be in effect. It is wise to provide extra time for relaxation and to process events as there can be surprising twists and turns when this planetary pair is together in the sky. It is an erratic duo in nature and it is best to enter this time frame (through the end of the month) remaining flexible and open as often unexpected things occur and plans can change on short notice.

As with all Mercury retrograde periods, this one is best used for review. It is also a fertile time for breakthroughs. Be innovative when seeking solutions.

From the 7th through the end of the month leave extra time for traveling and anticipate delays. Be more vigilant when driving and avoid rushing as accidents can occur under this influence due to impulsive behavior.

On July 13 Uranus stations retrograde at 8 degrees of Aries and on the 14th Mercury stations retrograde at 12 degrees of Leo.

July 17 Mars in Libra will enter the Pluto/ Uranus square and form a grand cross with the Moon. This influence brings justice and fairness in relationship to the forefront. How we advocate for what we need in relationship, how others respond and power balances/ imbalances are on the table. This applies to all kinds of relationships. Pay attention to where old behavior patterns have outlived their purpose and create a more evolved model for the future.

Late July holds more harmonious aspects.

 

Venus, Uranus and Love at First Sight

“Listen, are you breathing just a little and calling it a life?” Mary Oliver

Venus the planet of love and desire will be aspecting Uranus – the planet of surprising events- through mid July. Love at first sight experiences often occur under this aspect. Its mysterious, highly charged electrical energy  can break up  outdated ideas about love and relationships and help us move in a more expansive, innovative direction. Relationships born under this aspect often have an erratic or unconventional nature to them and freedom is key.

Under this  influence it also bodes well to look for innovative solutions to  issues related to love, relationship and finances.

Venus Stations Direct

Venus stations direct today at 7 degrees of Gemini. One of the Sabian symbols associated with this degree is “An old fashioned well with the purest and coldest of waters.” Hidden springs, woodland wells and urban fountains have throughout time been thought of as magical places to make wishes. There is something magical indeed about a place where water bubbles up from deep inside the earth. Symbolically it can represent spiritual or emotional rebirth – a place of innocence and good intentions. As Venus stations we get an opportunity to hit the reset button as far as our values – personal and collective- are concerned- in order to come from a place of increased authenticity about what really matters to us personally and as residents of a small planet.

“If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water.” Loren Eisley