Amelia’s Blog

“One must choose in all things a mean, just and good. Error and confusion dwell in the extremes.” Pythagoras

“Only by being balanced ourselves can we hope to bring balance to the world.” Anodea Judith

It’s another very busy week in the starry heavens. The week starts off with a harmonious aspect between Jupiter and Neptune – a beneficial combination  for accessing higher levels of inspiration and guidance. When these two are together it bodes well for spiritual growth and evolution as well as artistic and creative work. It is a good time to turn down the volume and tune into a higher vibration.

Mercury, the god of communication, travel and commerce, stations retrograde on Tuesday at 9:05 PM EDT at 11 degrees of Scorpio. The retrograde period will last through Nov. 3. It’s best during this time frame to take care with communications and to leave extra time when traveling. It’s wise to back up info in advance of the station.

The retrograde period presents a time in a natural cycle  to rethink, review and reconsider matters related to the house in your chart which it is transiting.  Mercury will travel retrograde through  November 3 when it will station direct at 23 degrees of Libra – putting the focus on reviewing our interactions with others.

What is notable about this Mercury retrograde is that it is stationing opposite Uranus – the planet of the unexpected. This opposition has been in effect for awhile now- although strengthened by the station- and will continue through late November. This duo – Mercury and Uranus –  can contribute to erratic communications, surprising revelations and unexpected events. It’s wise to nurture the nervous system under this influence.

Mars is retrograde now and the god of action does not like to experience delays or obstruction. This can create a sense of frustration and anger – likely on the rise this week. It is a powerful duo for getting things done and the best use of this energy is to tackle projects that require strength and determination. The Mars retrograde period will end November 13.

We are living in times of great change on the planet – and times of intensity.  This is in part related to the heavy weights of the zodiac – Pluto, Saturn and Jupiter traveling together in the late degrees of Capricorn. Saturn and Jupiter will leave this configuration around the time of the Winter Solstice and enter the sign of Aquarius – ushering in a more optimistic time. In the duration it bodes well to look at any unfinished business around issues related to Capricorn – how you build a strong foundation for your aspirations and how you commit to perseverance and persistence in the process.

It’s wise this week to make some space for quiet time –   a walk in the woods, listening to a favorite piece of music or  reading a favorite book.

Patience and equilibrium will go a long way.

The New Moon is Friday .

One of the Sabian symbols for this time is ,”A woman reading tea leaves.”

Sabian symbol from Lynda Hill

“There are decades where nothing seems to happen and then there are weeks when decades seem to happen. We’re in a year when decades seem to be happening in weeks.” Hadley Fitgerald

“When evening shadows fall
Man it seems so long
When evening shadows fall
I’m waiting for the dawn.” Van Morrison

Mercury , the trickster god is now transiting in opposition to the planet of the unexpected, Uranus, bringing along sometimes sudden and surprising  events and communications. This duo will be with us for awhile as Mercury is preparing to station retrograde on October 13 at 11 degrees of Scorpio opposite Uranus at 9 Taurus.

The Mercury retrograde period will last through November 3 when it will station direct at 25 degrees of Libra. November 3 is the day of the presidential election in the US and this is the second time in recent history when Mercury stationed on election day – the other on the day of the Bush/Gore election.

Mars is making a challenging alignment to Pluto this week indicating a good time to tackle projects as there is lots of energy , drive and determination which can be harnessed.

This alignment is seen often in the charts of professional athletes and it can be competitive and aggressive. There can be more irritability and impatience with this aspect- especially now with the Mercury/ Uranus opposition when nerves can be to be  frayed and tempers on edge.

It’s wise to plan for some  restorative downtime.

I attended an astrology conference on global events this past weekend  in which Hadley Fitgerald, an astrologer and psychotherapist, spoke about the “ghost light.” The ghost light is a small light left on,  on the stage in theaters after performances – when the theater is  empty and dark, awaiting the return of the actors, set designers and others who make it come  to life. The ghost light, she explained  represents hope – the light shining in the darkness. it’s a  good symbol , she explained, for keeping our  inner fires alight as we make our way through these transformational times.

One of the Sabian symbols for this time is,”A Red Cross nurse with warm sympathy.”

Sabian symbol from Lynda Hill

 

 

“You are not the oil, you are not the air- merely the point of combustion, the flash point where light is born.” Dag Hammarskjold

“The longing for light is the longing for consciousness. ” Carl Jung

The Moon waxes Full Thursday at 5:50 PM EDT. At this time the Moon will be conjunct Chiron – the asteroid of the Wounded Healer. Chiron is associated with the ongoing journey of wounding and healing throughout life which leads to increased wholeness.  Venus is conjunct Vesta now which bodes well for bringing light and evolution  to outdated beliefs related to family and the past.

Mercury is opposing Uranus  now adding volatility and the likelihood of surprising revelations. Best to make time for extra downtime.

Retrograde Mars continues to square Saturn and Pluto indicating a time when built up frustrations are likely to be seeking an outlet.

The asteroid Vesta was named for the Vestal Virgins of ancient Rome who kept the sacred fires alight.  They presided over all governmental events.

It bodes well now to keep the inner fires of inspiration burning bright and to keep a vision of bright, sustainable future for the planet.

One of the Sabian symbols for this time is, “A teacher gives new symbolic forms to traditional images.”

Sabian symbol from Lynda Hill

“Rules are at best signposts, not hitching posts.”William Sloane Coffin

Saturn, the planet of structure, rules, discipline and responsibility stations direct Tuesday September 29 in the wee hours at 1:11 AM EDT.  It bodes well for the next few days -under this influence- to heed any information that surfaces about how you assume responsibility and execute plans for what you are trying to create in your life.  Are there any blind spots? Are there ways this process could be improved?

Saturn will be squaring Mars at the time of the station and throughout much of the Fall  indicating that there can be snafus and delays in moving forward. It bodes well to make a plan to handle any frustration that arises and use the time of any delays to reconsider or review projects to see if any adjustments or  improvements that can be made.

Basically it’s wise under this influence to slow down – avoid rushing and avoid making impulsive decisions. It can be very helpful to be aware of what area of your life this transit is impacting – shown by the houses in your astrology chart.

Mercury will be transiting opposite the planet of the unexpected, Uranus indicating there can be surprising news and revelations. It’s wise with this influence to  provide extra downtime and nurture the nervous system.

The Full Moon is Thursday at 5:05 Pm EDT  at  9 degrees of Libra. One of the Sabian symbols for this time is, “Through imagination, a lost opportunity is regained.”

Sabian symbol from Lynda Hill.

“We live in a time when the greatest form of courage is to act as if our lives made a difference.” William Sullivan

The  Autumn Equinox is Thursday September 22 at 9:31 AM EDT. This marks the time when all the inhabitants of our small planet experience an equal amount of day and night. The Equinox also marks the time of the Sun’s ingress into Libra – the sign of equilibrium and duality.

The time around the Equinox bodes well for looking back at events of the last season and charting your course for the upcoming one.

Following soon after the Equinox comes the Feast of Michelmas – an ancient Celtic festival – which celebrates one of the quarter days of the year. These festivals in general are meant to bring us more closely in touch with the magic of the seasons, the rhythms of the earth and the earth’s connection to the cosmos.

Michelmas celebrates the passage of the earth through the late summer meteor showers and the time when the northern hemisphere begins to tilt away from the sun.

In many Michelmas celebrations a play is performed about how the lowly peasant George slays a dragon. George was able to face great odds and persevere with great courage due to the help and guidance of the Archangel, Michael.

The celebration of Michaelmas is a reminder to cultivate courage for the sometimes daunting tasks we all face. And to rekindle the inner fire as we move towards the darkness of the season.

“There is no such thing as a problem without a gift for you in its hands.” Richard Bach

“We cannot solve problems at the level on which they were created.” Albert Einstein

Today I was listening to a podcast in which a  neuroscientist discussed  his  personal and professional experiences with meditation and mystical awareness. He said his studies found there’s a certain group of people who sit down  for the first time and  listen to a how-to- meditate download and after trying it, realize that what they thought was the problem was not the problem.

What he meant  by this is that often when people encounter obstacles, they frame them in a certain way that may not be entirely accurate, making the solution harder to access. This is applies to both problems that occur in the present or ones that are long standing.

This kind of realization – that the problem is not the problem – comes from the expansion of consciousness- a broadening and deepening of the realm of thought and perception. This upcoming week as Mercury forms a dynamic aspect to Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto, this kind of experience is supported and it is a good time to expand your lens of perception.

Tarot and astrology readings can offer illuminating perceptions and solutions in this realm as well. It is surprising to me in my work doing readings how innovative solutions often arise from the symbols – altering the perception of the problem and redefining the journey forward.

One of the Sabian symbols for this transit is, “A child giving birds a drink at a fountain.”

 

“Magic happens when you don’t give up, even when you want to. The universe always falls in love with a stubborn heart.” J.M.  Storm

The Moon waxes new Thursday September 17 at 25 degrees of Virgo. This ushers in a Moon cycle which is mercurial in nature. It is a good time to get organized  and dynamic about plans and intentions for moving forward.

It is also a good time, if necessary, to make commitments to improve your health and adapt your daily routine to support your overall health and well being.

Mars continues  his retrograde trek in the fiery sign of Aries. This transit can sometimes result in frustration and delay. If delays occur  use the time to consider if beneficial adjustments or tweaks can be made. Strengthen your resolve if necessary.

One of the Sabian symbols for this time is,”A boy with a censer serves near the priest at the altar.”

Sabian symbol from Lynda Hill

“Under a sky the color of pea soup
she is looking at her work growing away there
actively, thickly like grapevines or pole beans
as things grow in the real world, slowly enough.
If you tend them properly,if you mulch, if you water..
then the plants flourish, but at their own internal clock.
Connections are made slowly, sometimes they grow underground.
You cannot always tell by looking what is happening.” Marge Piercy

“In earlier times and cultures there were two words for power, mana and taboo: the power which creates and the power which destroys; the power which is benign and the power which is malign. Odd that we have retained the word for dangerous power, taboo, and have lost the mana.” Madeleine L’Engel

Patience is key with the upcoming retrograde of Mars  which is this Wednesday September 9 at 6:22 PM EDT. The retrograde period will last through November 13. This is one of the most notable transits of the  year and is about the appropriate use of power. A lot can be accomplished under this influence as it can give drive, ambition and energy to clear sighted endeavors as long as you are willing to be patient. It’s wise to anticipate delays along the way.

It is a good time frame to look at how you implement your power to move towards your aspirations. Anger and irritation can be on the rise during this time period and it’s wise to keep your focus on what is within your control.

This week the Sun in earthy Virgo will be making a favorable alignment with Jupiter and Pluto. This influence bodes well for working on the pragmatic side of projects and on projects that require organizing. It’s also a good time for repairs and renovations.

One of the Sabian symbols for this time is,”The music of the spheres.”

Sabian symbol from Lynda Hill

 

“Intuition connects us to the larger dance of creation and through the agency of synchronicity, keeps us all in touch with each other. Uranus is that electrical current we experience when, just as we are thinking of somebody, the phone rings and that very person is on the line, or when we are in need of a sign and open a book to a passage that provides just the guidance we seek.” Caroline W.Casey

“All spiritual growth requires walking the quiet path of patience.” Rilke

The Moon waxes full at 20 degrees of Pisces on Wednesday at 1:22 AM EDT. At this time the Moon will be making a  favorable alignment with Uranus – indicating a time when intuition is strong. The Moon will also be making a harmonious alignment with Jupiter – the planet of good luck, expansion and wisdom.

It’s a very good time to be open to intuitive guidance and innovative ways of thinking. It also is a time to appreciate and enjoy the good fortune in your life now. The aspects the Full Moon makes are what some people would call,”lucky stars.”

During the week Mercury will be aligning  harmoniously with Saturn and Pluto  providing a good time to see more deeply into areas in need of change and reformation in our lives- areas where old attitudes no longer work and are preventing growth.  It’s a good time to let go of old grievances.

Patience will be key this week  as Mars is slowing down to station retrograde and making challenging aspects to Saturn and Pluto. Mars will be retrograde September 9 through November 13. Mars is in Aries – his own sign – and when in forward motion speaks of action, desire, courage and movement. But when retrograde Mars can feel angry, impatient and frustrated. It’s wise to note that things may take more time, there may be more delays and things may become more heated under this influence.

The Mars retrograde is one of the most important transits of the year. Look to your chart to see where this is occurring and what this means for your life. Or call for a mini reading about it. I have discounted rates now for the Mars Retrograde Readings – $45 for half an hour, $75 an hour.

One of the Sabian symbols for this time is,”A table set for an evening meal.”

Sabian symbol from Lynda Hill

 

“Earth that gives to us this food,
Sun that makes it ripe and good,
Dearest Earth and dearest Sun,
We’ll not forget what you have done.”   Waldorf grace

“It’s a small planet, but so very beautiful.” The Green Devotional 

“Earth signs understand patience and strategy, and Virgo is a master analyst. Virgo savors the fulfillment of work completed, which is reached by shutting out the noise, and homing-in on practical achievement in the now.” Victoria Emory

Everyday,  at the end of the day I walk to a hill behind my house where there is a community garden. Two of the plots there are flower gardens – carefully and skillfully tended with brilliantly colorful nasturtiums, zinnias and snapdragons. It is a time at the end of the day that I get to share with butterflies, birds and a baby hawk learning to fly – whistling joyfully on his newly found wings  high up in the sky.

We are moving into a season governed by the Earth element as the Sun enters the sign of Virgo tomorrow  – joining Mercury – making this a particularly good time to visit and  appreciate special places in the natural world.

The Seven of Pentacles in Waite’s Tarot deck depicts a gardener, leaning on her hoe, looking down wistfully at a bush in her garden.  This image is a reminder of the natural cycles of time and that often we wish that things would happen more quickly than they do.

But Virgo is a mental sign that is good with planning and strategy and it wise to take this kind of patient approach now.

It also bodes now  to use and direct energy wisely  as Mars applies to a challenging aspect to Saturn. Mars is about action and Saturn is a planet of restriction. Best to avoid overwork and create a reasonable time line for reaching goals. Watch for impatience. Irritability also can be on the rise. This aspect will be in influence through mid October due to the retrograde period of Mars. And it will be in influence in mid December as Mars transits back in direct motion.

Mercury is moving into a harmonious aspect with Uranus – so watch for innovative and out of the box ideas and solutions. This influence  will prevail through the 29th.

One of the Sabian symbols for this time is,”A woman sprinkling long rows of flowers.”

Sabian symbol from Lynda Hill