Amelia’s Blog

“What seas, what shores, what grey rocks and what islands
What water lapping the bow
And scent of pine and wood thrush singing through the fog
What images return,
Oh my daughter.” TS Eliot

“The soul thinks in images.” Aristotle

The Moon waxes full on Saturday in the wee hours  EDT. At this time the Moon will be conjunct Neptune, the planet of dreams, visions, illusions and delusions. In mythology Neptune was the god of the ocean who created calm seas and stirred up turbulent ones. When Neptune is strong in the sky it can be a more moody, dreamy time when telling fact from fiction is not always easy.

It is a time now the veils between the worlds are thin. This planetary combination indicates a good time to look beyond  any  unproductive habits having to do with a sense of powerlessness and write a new script for the future. Providing for some down time will be helpful.

Ancestral influences that block progress can be seen more clearly now and provide breakthroughs about how to proceed with more clarity going forward.

It’s wise to keep moderation in mind.

One of the Sabian symbols for this time is, “A materializing medium giving a seance.”

“The past is both a comfort and a warning.” Stewart Brand

“Earth and heaven are in us.” Ghandi

This week we are still in the midst of the illusory territory of the inner planets – Mars, Mercury, Venus and the Sun – forming an opposition to Neptune. The opposition is occurring on the Virgo/Pisces axis. The sign of Virgo governs health and daily routines and the need for order. The sign of Pisces governs spirituality and the infinite nature of things-  where order and process can take on an ethereal quality. This opposition is still widely squaring Jupiter , the planet of expansion, which can bring an additional element of cloudiness to the mix.

It’s a good week in general to look at the interweaving of your spiritual aspirations and your every day routines and see if a better balance can be struck.  And keep your feet planted firmly on the ground.

It can be a week – as many people experienced last week – that can feel as if needed information is clouded, hidden or takes a longer time to ascertain.

Pallas in Scorpio is opposing Uranus indicating that sudden insights and revelations may occur this week. It’s wise to be open to any information of this nature.

Mars in Virgo will form a favorable alignment to the Lunar Nodes indicating a good time to see if there is information about the past which needs to be re-framed or updated. There is a more of an opportunity now to review  the past and see things- thoughts , attitudes, beliefs –  that might be blocking forward movement and would be better let go of. It also  bodes well for looking over what has been helpful in the past in getting you where you have wanted to go.  This kind of process will help see the path forward more clearly.

Mars will be squaring Jupiter this week indicating it’s wise to watch for overdoing and overspending. This is the alignment associated with overshooting the mark. A good week to keep moderation in mind.

As the week progresses the inner planets in Virgo will move up to a harmonious alignment to Pluto, indicating a good time to get to the bottom of things. Again the theme of the past is involved due to the presence of the South Node. This can provide a good time to see ancestral and familial influences more clearly and decide which ones are helpful and positive and which would be best let go of.

The Moon waxes full Saturday at 21 degrees of Pisces conjunct Neptune. This is a good time for meditation, artistic work  and spiritual growth. Watch for the pull of addiction.

Full Moons are also a good time to be in touch with your higher aspirations for the future of our small planet.

One of the Sabian symbols for this time is,”A general accepting defeat gracefully.”

Sabian symbol from Lynda Hill

“Slippin’ away, what can I say,
Won’t you stay inside me month of May
And hold on to me golden day,
Slippin’ away.

Sunshine on my wall to keep my mind
On the things I’m sayin’
Footsteps in the hall
To tell me I’ve been this way before.” James Taylor

“The act of perception is always open-ended and unfinished.”David Abram

Mars, the war god in astrology is strong in the sky this week. There is a story astrologers tell sometimes about this feisty figure; that Mars in his exuberance and enthusiasm for engaging in conflict suited up and was all ready to go when he realized he didn’t know where battle was. There is a bit of that type of energy about this week as Mars in Virgo aspects a number of planets.

Mars is now conjunct the Sun and Mercury  and Venus in Virgo, which can contribute to a more restless and impatient time in which self assertion and aggression can come come to the forefront. It’s best this week to tackle projects that require energy and discernment and keep moderation in mind.

All of these planets are aspecting the Jupiter/Neptune square which will be exact for the third and final time this month. This duo is associated with dreams and visions that create a sense of exuberance but do not have enough of a stable foundation in reality to count on. Thus there can be a sense of heightened idealism which can result in considerable disappointment. It can be difficult to see the reality of things with this aspect in full force and things may fall apart more easily. Again, holding to the path of moderation and ensuring a solid foundation for plans and initiatives bodes well under this influence.

This stellium of planets in Virgo will be making a favorable alignment to Saturn which can provide a very stable, no -nonsense  anchor at times like these.

The asteroid Pallas Athene recently entered the sign of Scorpio. This  goddess was always depicted with an owl on her shoulder. Owls can see in the darkness and she carried the owl as a reminder to look more deeply into what was not obvious in the light of day,  to look for  what she was not seeing.

Pallas brought the knowledge of diplomacy and mediation to the gods and goddesses. She was known for her expertise in strategy. When conflict arose she would use her many skills to bring about a peaceful resolution. But when these tools were implemented to no positive end, she was invincible in battle.

Pallas in Scorpio speaks of the kind of perception that goes to the core of situations and is able to grasp the essential meaning. It is like someone in the intelligence service who gathers all the available information so that action may be taken eventually in an accurate and  comprehensive way. It is like the therapist or psychic that can get right to the root of the problem.

It is wise now to take that approach rather than acting out of irritability or impulsiveness. Best to look for what you might not be seeing in situations.

One of the Sabian symbols for this time is,”A broken bottle and spilled perfume.”

Sabian symbol from Lynda Hill

“Thinking is the talking of soul with itself. All thoughts begin in wonder.” Plato

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

The Moon waxes new Friday T 6 degrees of Virgo at 6:37 AM EDT. The Moon will align with  a number of planets in Virgo which are making a favorable and powerful alignment with Uranus, the planet of innovation and unexpected events. Venus and Mars, the planets of attraction are together at this time as well as Venus and Juno. This indicates an ease in  moving along on your desired life path as well as with your commitments – both personal and professional. There is  help from the universe (perhaps in unexpected ways) given one caveat; you must be specific and willing to follow through. What bodes well for success under this alignment is more like rolling out a detailed plan or design than casting your fate to the winds.

Do focus on the details and be clear about your intentions. Then the wind is at your back.

It’s best to avoid overthinking and get active if you are feeling nervous.

One of the Sabian symbols for this time is, “Two guardian angels bringing protection.”

Sabian symbol from Lynda Hil

“One must, in writing poetry, be dealing always with living thought, the living mind-stuff of the universe.” Kathleen Raine

“To think is to create.” Alan Cohen

This week as we head into Friday’s New Moon in Virgo , is an excellent time to recalibrate  and to let new perceptions surface.

One of the Sabian symbols for this time is,””Two heads looking out and beyond the shadows.”

“To serve others is to give of oneself with no personal gain or reward. The energy of service is the only remedy for the problems of darkness and barriers to our evolution. Service is the only energy that can generate enough continued light and fire to combat the darkness.” Mary E. Carreiro

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

Starting this week and into next,  we have quite a lineup of planets in Virgo – Mars is now in Virgo and will be joined by the Sun, the Moon, Mercury, and Venus as well as the asteroid of commitment, Juno.  They will be joining one of the four fixed stars of Persia, Regulus.  The fixed stars do not change signs often and it is a very significant astrological event when they do.

Regulus is the sign of royalty and often found in the charts of kings. It is also associated with leaders or powerful public figures that reach great heights but then bring about their own downfall through the misuse of power.

Regulus left the sign of Leo in 2012. Entering the sign of Virgo at that time  was signalling in a sense,  the birth of a new era – a  major shift in the evolutionary direction of  the planet over time.  In the sign of  Leo, it spoke of  leadership  or governing with  a sense of birthright or entitlement. Now in Virgo, a sign less associated with personal pride and individuality and more focused on healing, oneness with nature and service, it symbolizes the rebirth of the Feminine (in men and women) which has been taking place on the planet – despite considerable push back from the old guard.

It’s wise at this time to look to the house or houses in your chart which are being activated by the placements in Virgo. It is good to focus on these areas of life  and to bring discernment and discrimination to any decisions that need to be  made in these realms.

In general it is a good time to  take action on any plans or intentions related to improving your health. It’s wise to look at your daily routine and  assess if any  adjustments to your schedule  are needed so that it better  supports and builds your strength and vitality.  There may be a need for more down time, for example, or a better way to organize your life to minimize stress.

It’s a good time to tackle projects which involve organization, discrimination and discernment.

And it’s a good time to think about service. There seems to be some confusion about what service actually means. I like this quote from Marion Wright Edelman who wrote,”Service is the rent we pay to be living. It is the very purpose of life and not something you do in your spare time.”

One of the Sabian symbols for this time is,”Two guardian angels bringing protection.”

“We want our lives to catch fire and burn blue, not smolder.” Gregg Levoy

“Transformation comes from looking deeply within, to a state that exists before fear and isolation arise, the state in which we are inviolably whole.” Sharon Satzberg

There were two planetary stations over the weekend – Uranus stationed retrograde and Jupiter stationed direct. Jupiter will start to move forward now ushering in a very good time to envision how you would like to expand your life. It’s a good time for exploring new ideas, for learning, teaching and traveling in order to expand your horizons.  Jupiter stationed at 14 degrees of Sagittarius and will remain in this sign until early December when it will enter the sign of Capricorn.

The Sun moves up to a conjunction to Venus t this week and  at that time will form a challenging aspect to Pluto, Saturn and the South Node.  This influence can bring up  issues having to do with a lack of love, a lack of self love and concerns about abundance. With Pluto and Saturn involved these issues can have an ancestral aspect to them – issues that family members have struggled with throughout the generations. It’s an opportunity for a deeper level of understanding about them, should they arise, as well as an opportunity to let go of old patterns that may be holding you back.

This planetary configuration is also about the use of power -personally, with others and in the world in general. This Full Moon speaks of the re-emergence of the Feminine (in both men and women) and the effort to move the world in a more evolved. holistic direction. And the push back rising up in opposition.

The Moon waxes full on Thursday at 22 degrees of Aquarius at 8:29 AM EDT. The influence of Vesta is strong at this time, squaring the Sun, Venus,and the Moon.

Vesta is named for the Vestals or Vestal Virgins of ancient Rome. The Romans worshiped Vesta as the keeper of home and hearth as well as  the keeper of the sacred flame- the fire that would not go out. The  name Vesta  is derived from ancient Sanskrit and means “shining.”

The Vestals were also the keepers of occult teachings known only to them. They were present at every important government function in ancient Rome. They were regarded  as important keepers of ethics and wisdom, without whom Rome would fall.

One of the Sabian symbols for this time is,”A white dove flying straight and fearlessly over troubled waters.”

Sabian symbol from Lynda Hill

“Wrong was easy; gravity helped it.
Right is difficult and long.
In choosing what is difficult
we are free, the mind too
making its little flight
out from the shadow into the clear
in time between work and sleep.” Wendell Berry

“The healing
that is ours and nature’s will come
if we are willing, if we are patient,
if we know the way, if we will do the work.” Wendell Berry

This is a good week to keep balance and equilibrium in mind. Both Venus and  Sun are  moving up to a fiery trine to Jupiter. This indicates an increase in optimism and expansion. But at the same time both Venus and the Sun will be making a challenging aspect to Saturn indicating a need for adjustment. It’s wise to assume that any endeavors initiated this week will be tested and to make sure that any plans have solid foundations and are well thought out before proceeding. Keeping a healthy balance between optimism and pragmatism bodes well.

It’s wise to raise awareness about any information which surfaces this week  related to your life path as the Sun aspects the North Node of fate and destiny. There can be significant insights now about direction and how to proceed.

Both Jupiter and Uranus are  strong influence throughout the week as they prepare to station on Saturday the 11th – Jupiter stationing direct and Uranus stationing retrograde. The Jupiter station can expand vision and optimism and projects that have been stuck can start to move forward with this influence.

Uranus in Taurus is associated with the re-emergence of the Feminine (in both men and women) on the planet and is bringing along a shake up of the old order including values and institutions rooted in patriarchal thinking. It’s a good time to release outdated thoughts and feelings that are holding you back.

One of the Sabian symbols for this week is, A bridge being built across a high narrow gorge.”

Sabian symbol from Lynda Hill

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

“The universe is evolving towards an ever greater destiny and we are the means of this global transformation.” Pir Vialyat Khan

Mercury is slowing down now to end the retrograde period on Wednesday near midnight EDT. Mercury stations are associated with a culmination of information, so it’s wise for a few days before or a few days after the station to take note of any information like this that surfaces. Mercury will station at 23 Cancer – opposing Pluto. Previously hidden information about the past may surface due to this influence.

Venus, the planet of love and personal values, is now in the fiery sign of Leo. Mars is also in the sign of Leo and this indicates that the powers of action (Mars) and the powers of attraction (Venus) are combining forces. This bodes well attracting what you want into your life. There are influences throughout the week that also support  imagination and intuition and manifesting what you want in your life. As they say,”The goddess is alive and magic is afoot.”

It is likely to be a  week of unexpected twists and turns of events as the Sun , Venus and the Moon on the New Moon, all square the planet of the unexpected, Uranus.  It bodes well to make an extra effort to stay grounded as this alignment  is also correlated with increased tension, nervousness and impulsive behavior.

Mars will make a challenging aspect to Neptune this week – indicating a good time for creative and spiritual work, but a time when it’s wise to have strong personal boundaries in place and to exercise extra discernment as this duo can lead to confusion and sometimes, disillusioning experiences.

The New Moon is Wednesday at 11:12 PM at 8 degrees of Leo. Venus, the planet of love and values is conjunct the New Moon and Mars.  Juno, the asteroid of marriage and commitment is nearby in the sign of Leo. This alignment ushers in a time that is  about relationships, romance and partnerships of all kinds. It’s a very good time to be working on issues of self esteem, self love and love for others.

One of the Sabian symbols for the New Moon is,”Glass blowers shape beautiful forms with their controlled breathing.”

Sabian symbol from Lynda Hill