Amelia’s Blog

“He said that her words had broken the spell of a magician, who had doomed him to wear the form of  beast. The enchantment could only be broken when a maiden loved him in spite of his ugliness.” Amy Ehrlich 

“Living in balance is living in a state of grace, of delicacy, of gentleness. Only by being balanced within ourselves can we hope to bring balance to the world.” Anodea Judith

This week may feel a little spell-like as Neptune – the planet of dreams and illusions is strong in the sky – slowing down to station retrograde on Tuesday. Neptune rules fog and is currently conjunct Mars – the planet of energy and drive.  This can add more confusion to the mix along with the current retrograde Mercury. It can be  hard to see what exactly is going on. Best to use extra discrimination with any decisions that need to be made this week.

Venus will station this week also on Thursday. The planet of love and beauty will station direct. If there are any new intentions you have about love, abundance, beauty, pleasure and money, Thursday would be a good day to set or reaffirm them.

Friday Mars will square the Lunar Nodes indicating impatience and irritability can be on the rise this week.

Strong personal boundaries will be helpful this week as well as keeping emotions in check. The pull of addictions may be stronger.

It is a good week for creative projects and a spiritual endeavors

One of the Sabian symbols for this time is,”An old fashioned well with the purest and coldest of waters.”

Sabian symbol from Lynda Hill

“We draw upon Mars for courage, dynamism, passion and kinship with life.” Caroline W. Casey

The end of this month Mars, the planet of clear goals, autonomy, energy, will and drive will move into his own feisty sign of Aries on the 27th. This will open a good time frame for organization and work projects. It can be a time of renewed and increased energy and determination.

Mars will have a six month foray  in this sign due to the retrograde period which last from September 9 through November 13. This time frame will provide fertile timing to reassess how you actualize your aspirations through the use of personal power.

With clarity, commitment and perseverance a lot can be accomplished throughout this time.

One of the Sabian symbols for this time is,”A woman has risen out of the ocean, a seal is embracing her.”

Sabian symbol from Lynda hill

” A fireplace is an archetypal image of home, comfort and security. Experiencing fire, water, earth or air intimately can add new vitality and meaning to our places… In the end all that really matters is that we approach wherever we live with full attention and an open heart.” Thomas Bender

“There are a thousand ways to go home again.” Rumi

It’s a busy week in the starry heavens as  Mercury slows down and prepares to station retrograde. It’s wise to heighten awareness about any intuitions or information that surfaces between today and the time of the station – June 18 –  as there can be a culmination of information at this time.

Mercury will station at 14 degrees of Cancer – the sign ruled by the Moon. The symbol of this mysterious sign is the crab who carries her home on her back and can retreat to it when needed. This time period bodes well for revisiting matters related to home, family, security and stability.  It’s a good time to look at the level of personal boundaries and whether improvements can be made in that area.

Mercury will transit retrograde through  July 12 when the Trickster God will station direct at 5 degrees of Cancer.

It’s often important for the sign of Cancer to have a comfortable and secure home to retreat to in challenging times. It’s wise during this time period to create extra down time to get in touch with what makes you feel grounded and secure in the midst of our rapidly changing times.

At the time of the retrograde, Mercury will make a favorable aspect to the Mars/Neptune conjunction in Pisces. This combination is associated with the spiritual warrior or the right use of power in terms of how we think, how we communicate and how we resolve differences.

Pallas Athene, the goddess who brought the knowledge of conflict resolution to the gods and goddesses, is strong in the sky now as well – aligned with Pluto and Jupiter.  This is pointing the way to resolve differences as we move away from the old patriarchal paradigm of “power over.”

The Summer Solstice – when the Sun enters the sign of Cancer is on Saturday and the second of three eclipses is on Sunday at 0 degrees of Cancer. This is a New Moon Solar Eclipse and a powerful time to set or reset intentions as it falls in such close proximity to the Solstice.

One of the Sabian symbols for this time is,” On a ship sailors lower an old flag and raise a new one.”

Sabian symbol from Lynda Hill

“Between what is said
and not meant
And meant and not said
Most of love is lost.” Kahlil Gibran

“We must use time creatively, in the knowledge that the time is always ripe to do right.” Martin Luther King Jr.

It’s best to approach this week with patience and restraint  as there are some testy aspects in the sky.

Venus, the planet of love and abundance,  will be making a challenging aspect to Mars, the planet of action, desire  and conflict. Venus is retrograde now and making difficult aspects to both Pluto, the planet of the underworld and Neptune, the planet of dreams and illusions.

These influences portend a confusing time. In dealings with others it may be harder than usual to understand the other person’s perspective. It’s wise to keep communications very clear as misunderstandings may more easily occur.  Practicing balance and equilibrium will be helpful as emotional tides are likely to run high.

This week’s  Lunar Eclipse at 15  Sagittarius  is on Friday. The Moon will square Mars at that time and oppose Venus. This can put a strain on relationships and result in impatience and impulsiveness.

It’s will be helpful all week to practice patience, balance and tolerance.

One of the Sabian symbols for this time is, “the first mockingbird of spring sings from the tree top.”

Sabian symbol from Lynda Hill

“And all the obstacles along the way
May feel so tremendous
There are guides and spirits all along the way
Who will befriend us.” Van Morrison

“Everything we do counts.There is really no such thing as a small act of service or goodness.” Caroline Myss

Today when I  was driving  home from the grocery store,  I got  a flat tire.  I pulled  the off the highway and on to a back road.

I was going to call AAA to come change the tire and then remembered that the mute button was stuck on my cell phone and it was impossible for anyone I called to hear me. I debated going to a house nearby or to my friend’s house up the road but it’s really not a time to be dropping in on people.

I was contemplating how best to proceed. A few cars drove past  but then when a motorcycle was approaching I waved my arms wildly. It took him awhile to slow the bike down but then he turned around and coming towards me smiling said,”Do you need help?”

I explained my predicament and he held out his cell phone, “Here you can use mine.” I called AAA and made arrangements. And thanked him.

” Do you need anything else? Are you okay here?” he asked,” Do you feel safe?” I did feel safe being a short distance from  a friend’s house.

“Thank you SO much,”  I called after him as he returned to his bike.

He turned and smiled at me and said, “That’s what it’s all about , isn’t it? Helping other people? ”

This is very much the spirit of Neptune in Pisces where it is now  – being of service to others. People born under the watery  sign of Pisces often find their fulfillment in life through serving others or doing work that contributes to making the world a kinder place.

 

“The world is so full of homes in which I have lived for a day, a month, a year or much longer. One night in a room with a leaping fire may mean more to me than many months in a room without a fireplace, a room in which my life has been paced less excitedly. ” Margaret Mead

“Nothing is itself without everything else.” Thomas Berry

Mercury will leave the airy sign of Gemini and enter the watery sign of Cancer today. The sign of Cancer is ruled by the Moon and governs  mothering, nurturing and the home. The crab, the symbol of Cancer, carries her home on her back. When threatened the crab can retreat into her shell.

Mercury will transit up to 14 degrees of Cancer to its retrograde station on June 18. The retrograde period will last through July 12 when Mercury will resume forward motion at 5 degrees of Cancer and will stay in this sign until early August.

This provides an excellent time frame to think about matters having to do with home and family as well as how we nurture and care for ourselves and each other. It’s a good time for entertaining ideas about how to make  your home a more comfortable and nurturing place.

The sign of Cancer also rules home in a larger sense – our planet, our communities, our neighborhoods. So this summer presents a good opportunity to think about how we would like to improve things in these realms.

We are moving into eclipse season with the first of three – a Lunar Eclipse at 15 degrees of  Sagittarius on June 5.

One of the Sabian symbols for this time is,”A very old man facing a vast dark space to the northeast.”

Sabian symbol from Lynda Hill

“There is magic in the unknowing. There is magic in being that seed that is waiting to sprout. It is how all creation begins and the New Moon is a time to honor and tune in to those creative powers.” Tanaaz

“If my heart could do my thinking
And my head begin to feel
I would look upon the world as new
And know what’s truly real.”Van Morrison

The Moon waxes new Friday at 1:39 PM EDT at 2 degrees of Gemini. This provides good timing to set new intentions or reaffirm ones that are yet to be manifest.

Last night I was listening to a lecture by Caroline Myss, delivered from her living room. She paused for a minute to explain the noise in the background  and explained that a number of nurses, doctors and other health care workers live  in her apartment complex and that every night when they return home, many of her neighbors go out on their porches and applaud them.

As the Moon in Gemini moves up to a conjunction with Venus and Mercury over for the next couple of days, it provides very  good timing  for expressions of appreciation and friendship to people in your life.

It’s a good time to balance the energies of head and heart if needed.

One of the Sabian symbols for this time is,”In a museum, a large archaic volume reveals a traditional wisdom.”

Sabian symbols from Lynda Hill

“Why did you do all this for me?” Wilbur asked.”I didn’t deserve it. I’ve never done anything for you.”
“You have been my friend,”replied Charlotte. “I wove my webs for you because I liked you.” Charlotte’s Web

“Nobody sees a flower-really- it is so small- we haven’t time- and to see takes time. Like to have a friend takes time.” Georgia O’Keefe

The Sun moves out of the earthy sign of Taurus and into the airy sign of Gemini on Wednesday joining Venus, Mercury, Vesta and the North Node. Gemini is a very sociable sign, likes to be out and about, communicating with others and sharing thoughts and information.

Throughout the week Venus is Gemini will be squaring Neptune in Pisces. The sign of Gemini is known for logical and linear thinking  while the sign of Pisces is known for it’s intuition and other -worldliness. It’s wise to use caution and discernment in matters of the heart this week. Also with financial affairs.

Thursday the Sun will semisextile the North Node. Do watch for any guidance or intuition that surfaces at this time that leads to a vision of a  more expansive future.

The New Moon is Friday at 1:39 PM EDT at 2 degrees of Gemini.  Retrograde Saturn will be making a favorable aspect to the Sun and Moon at this time which will add more clarity as well as  the ability to think more responsibly and pragmatically. This is a friendship Moon and  good time to be in touch with friends and to enjoy sharing thoughts and feelings.

One of the Sabian symbols for this time is,”Holly and Mistletoe  bring the seasonal spirit to a home.”

Sabian symbol from Lynda Hill

 

 

 

“In order for conflict to be productive, rather than destructive, communication must be fostered and vindictiveness minimized. A successful couple or enterprise is not one that never experiences conflict, but one that is skilled in resolving the conflicts that inevitably arise in any meaningful relationship.” Philip Carr

“To love is not a state; it is a direction.” Simone Weil

Venus stations retrograde on May 13  at 21 degrees of  Gemini. The retrograde period will last through June 25 when it will station direct at 5 degrees of Gemini.

Venus will station forming a challenging aspect to Neptune  – an aspect that indicates the need to overcome things. This planetary duo is known for its rose colored glasses quality and when it comes to romantic relationships and financial management, it’s wise to use extra discernment.

Traditionally in astrology , it is not advisable to start a romantic relationship under this influence. But it provides a fertile time to rethink , revisit and re-evaluate matters of love. It’s a good time to review relationship dynamics, habitual pitfalls and aspirations.

It’s a good time to consider love as a spiritual force in the world.

Venus also rules abundance and it’s wise  to review financial goals and aspirations as well as habits that tend to weaken or undermine intentions.

Three planets station in close proximity this week – Saturn, now  recently retrograde, Venus and Jupiter on May 14. It’s a busy time in the starry heavens.

One of the Sabian symbols for this time is,”Three fledglings in a nest high up in a tree.”

Sabian symbol from Lynda Hill

“And then the time came when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” Anais Nin

I read a story recently about a young woman who was dying of cancer and had a very short time to live. She contacted Ram Dass, the spiritual leader who had brought more  knowledge and understanding  of eastern spirituality to the western world. She had not personally met Ram Dass but was familiar with his work. When she reached him she asked him to accompany her through this passage of her life.

Ram Dass  agreed and spent many long hours at her bedside. They became very close friends. When she finally crossed over, someone asked him,”Didn’t it break your heart?”

He replied, “It broke my heart open.”

There are many stories of people who respond to crisis and loss by growing in a direction that enables them to be more open, more loving, more helpful towards others.

We are living in a time with the Saturn /Pluto influence where many people are experiencing loss in varying degrees and some, serious  crisis.

There are a myriad of ways people respond this kind of situation which has woven its way through history and human experience in different ways and forms.

In my small New England town, the first week of the shut down,  the Women’s Club distributed grocery  lists to every household  which residents could fill out and return to them. Their volunteers would then do the weekly shopping for any household and deliver the groceries to them – enabling more people and -vulnerable people – to stay home.

The Waldorf boarding school in town which is high on a hill and surrounded by fields, grows much of their food in a number of greenhouses and gardens. They recently announced that they would be putting in another garden to grow food for the food pantry which has seen increased demand.

As we enter the Age of Aquarius, a time of increased cooperation and collaboration, new and vibrant systems will continue to be created to enable people  to act more as a community – both locally and globally – to solve problems. You hear a lot these days that.”We are all in this together.” We’re moving into a time time when we will realize we have a lot in common as a global community and that when acting like one, a lot can be accomplished.