Category: Musings

Venus and Neptune in Pisces

Let me keep my distance, always, from those
who think they have the answers.
Let me keep company, always, with those who say
“Look!” and laugh in astonishment, and bow their heads. Mary Oliver

The other day I was waiting in line at the health food store when the cashier asked the woman in front of me if she had her rewards card.

” I am sure I have it here somewhere – just wait a minute,” she said as she nervously dug deeper and deeper into the recesses of her bag.

After a moment the cashier said, “Wait, I think I have found your account in our records.”

She continued to struggle and then finally putting her hand on it said rather wistfully ,”Here it is. Isn’t it always the way- you have to surrender first – it’s that way with everything.”

Venus is conjunct Neptune in Pisces now and Neptune is the planet of surrender. It is also that planet which governs addiction. Very often what stands in the way of moving forward is the unconscious repetition of thought and behavior patterns which have been shown over time to be non productive. This is expressed clearly in the quote about addiction – continuing with a pattern that doesn’t work and expecting a different outcome.

As Venus transits in this area (through 2/5) it bodes well to make a list of what it not working in your life now and what customary thought and behavior patterns need to be surrendered to make room for new opportunities to appear.

These two planets in Pisces also concern faith, inspiration, redemption and surrendering to higher powers for a higher vision.

Amelia Shea specializes in issues of family, relationship and transition as well as life path and career.She can be reached at 603 654 1043, amelia.shea@comcast.net Her readings start at $30 and can be done by phone, email and in person. Quote from Mary Oliver’s book Evidence

December 2011 Astrology

 “A rock pile ceases to be a rock pile the moment a person contemplates it, bearing within him the image of a cathedral.” Antoine de Saint Exupery

Astrological influences indicate that ideas can take root and move in into manifestation quickly these days so it bodes well to keep thoughts proactive and positive.

There is significant planetary activity in December indicating that the month is likely to hold more twists and turns than we normally anticipate. To minimize turbulence flexibility is key. Much is in flux and it is better to regard the passage through the month as an open ended education than a time of fixed ideas and expectations. Heed well the lessons learned this December because they can be valuable in the long term.

Make an extra effort to ensure communications are clear. Through mid month Mercury will be retrograde in Sagittarius and Mars will be retrograde in Virgo. When situations or communications go awry misunderstandings can arise more suddenly than usual and lead to criticism or conflict. It is best to regard situations like this as a riddle and ascertain where the loose strands lie, rather than taking a dogmatic or self righteous approach.

In early December Venus will move up to a conjunction with Pluto. Concerns about love, relationship, scarcity, finances and security can surface with more power than usual. It bodes well to avoid extremes in thinking or action under these influences and to keep balance and moderation in mind.

 There is a Lunar Eclipse on Dec. 10 at 18 degrees of Gemini. Many options or ideas may present themselves all month long and it will be easy to get distracted and feel impatient.  It bodes well to make an extra effort to concentrate and put off any important decisions until after Mercury stations direct on the 14th.

 Uranus stations direct on the same day as the eclipse at 0 Aries- a powerful point in astrology for new beginnings. It is a good time to heed breakthroughs, and ideas that open doors into a more expansive future.

 Mercury will station direct on Dec 14th   clearing the way for improved communication and travel. It bodes well to revisit any adjustments in plans, concepts and ideas that occurred over the retrograde period (since late November.) and put them into action after the station.

Jupiter stations direct on Dec. 25 – boding well for celebrations – just watch for excess.

 The Sun conjuncts Pluto on the 29th – making late December a very good time to process inner and outer changes which have transpired during 2011.

 

November Astrology

“It is time we put our energy into fruitfully re-growing the Garden instead of fruitlessly scrapping over the scraps.” Swami Beyondananda

 We are living in transformative times personally and collectively. We can see the big changes around us and in the world.  For much of November Neptune’s influence is very strong. This provides very good timing to stay in touch with our highest aspirations for ourselves and the planet while keeping moderation in mind and in practice in our daily lives.

 The planet Neptune is often strong in the charts of visionaries, artists and mystics making this month a very good one for spiritual and creative work. As Neptune transits the late degrees of Aquarius the time is right for collaboration.  In collaborative projects it is best to focus on the common good rather than trying to draw lines in the sand about differences. Draw a wide circle about who can be involved and who can shoulder some of the weight. Collaborations which endeavor to bring about positive change will have the wind at their back.

  It will be helpful month long to keep strong mental and emotional boundaries because Neptune’s illusory presence tends to dissolve form. It may look like a good time to dance the light fantastic – to go to extremes or get drawn into situations which look appealing but in the end could be disillusioning and unrealistic. It is best to proceed moderately and stick to a healthy, holistic daily rhythm.

 In the beginning of the month Venus will move into fiery Sagittarius and trine Uranus through the 10th. This is the love at first sight aspect and has a very electrical quality to it. It can be a time when relationships that have been unable to move forward do so suddenly- thanks to the ardor and daring nature of the fiery element. Mercury will move into the fiery trine also making this a good time to heed innovative and out of the box thinking.  Mercury /Uranus aspects are known for instant knowing and off the grid brilliance.

 Jupiter’s influence – providing hope, optimism and energy- will be in play the 10th through the 25th.  This bodes well for projects that require physical energy. It is also a good time for fun and socializing. Watch for overindulgence with Jupiter’s love of excess!

 

Mercury stations retrograde on the 24th at 20 degrees of Sagittarius. It is quickly followed by the solar eclipse on the 25 which is at 2 degrees of Sagittarius.  For a couple of weeks before and after eclipses, time can feel wobbly or distorted. This is more likely this month with the strong Neptune influence and the Mercury station.

 At the time of the eclipse Venus will be entering the Pluto/Uranus square – the revolutionary aspect of our time. This may present challenges in relationships regarding the transformation and evolution of old patterns. Other aspects indicate volatility. Take extra time and care to ensure that communications are clear. Venus and Mercury will still be widely conjunct reminding us that compassion, respectful communication and respect for others views can help with progress. Venus’s close aspect to Pluto reminds us that painful events in love hold valuable keys to personal transformation and evolution if we are open. It is a good time to shed outdated beliefs about love and relationship and to grow in a more evolved direction.

 

Musings on Starlight – August

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

The influence of the sea god Neptune is strong throughout the month of August. The planet Neptune rules water and the watery dream life of individuals. Neptune’s influence provides dreams, visions and inspiration to artists and mystics. Neptune also rules addiction – often referred to as a derailed spiritual journey.

August 1- the 6th Venus trines Uranus. This is an aspect which governs “love at first site” experiences as well as innovation and experimentation in affairs of the heart and relationships. This planetary pair loves surprises, spontaneity and relationships that foster freedom and individuality. If you are open to a new relationship this is a good time to be aware of what is going on around you. Heed synchronicity. Expect the unexpected. If you are in an existing relationship that could use some spicing up this would be the time.

From the 1st through the 11th there is a strong influence towards excess as the Sun and Venus square Jupiter. Watch for overindulgence and overspending as with Venus involved some alluring things may be on the table.

Mercury stations the retrograde on August 2. As with all planetary stations it is wise to heed any info that comes to you two or three days on either side of the station. This is a fertile time for creative and spiritual work as the veils between the worlds are thin. It will also be a time when information we may have overlooked can be revealed and when perceptions can be more profound. There will be help and guidance with projects and endeavors that are consciously undergoing reform – individually and collectively.

Mercury will be retrograde from the 2nd through the 26th, so use this period to rethink, reconsider and revise. Take extra care with travel and communications this month as with Neptune’s influence mental clarity may be harder to maintain than normal.

On the 3rd Mars moves up to a trine with Neptune – again making this a good time for creative and spiritual work. It is good under this influence to strengthen the immune system.

From the 3rd through the 19th Mars will be transiting the Cardinal Cross making this a volatile time. This is a good time to focus on staying grounded and aware as tempers can flare and impulsive acts create problems.

On the 4th Neptune retrogrades back into Aquarius. This is a humanitarian aspect which encourages us to collaborate and cooperate with others to move the world a more just and sustainable direction.

From the 21st through the 29 the Sun and Venus will move into an opposition to Neptune. Neptune will cast his gossamer veil over daily life at this time of the month as well. Double check details as it may be more difficult to separate fact from fiction. Pay attention to intuition and guidance from higher planes. Make extra time for mediation and creative projects.

On the 25 Mars will square Saturn – the aspect that astrologers sometimes describe as driving with the brakes and gas on. It is often a time of frustration. It can be a time when significant work is accomplished as long as obstacles and delay are anticipated and worked with.

Mercury will station direct on the 26th and the New Moon is on the 28.

“I have heard the mermaids singing, each to each…
I have seen them riding seaward on the waves
Combing the white hair of the waves blown back
When the wind blows the water white and black.” TS Eliot

All times mentioned are EDT. Sign up for Amelia’s free monthly astrology forecast on her homepage www.ameliashea.com.