The Grist Mill Fire – Uranus Square Pluto

The Grist Mill is a local landmark that has been around since 1745. As the name suggests in the early days it was a grist mill where the local farmers brought grain for grinding. In my memory it has always been a restaurant.  Early Sunday morning, June 24, 2012 around 5:30 AM a trailer truck loaded with bananas smashed into the Grist Mill Restaurant in Seekonk, Mass.  The time comes from a Providence Journal report that states the owner said he received a call from a neighbor about the crash at 5:30 AM.

At 4:14 AM EDT the first of seven squares between Uranus and Pluto reached exactness.  A little over an hour later the accident occurred kicking off this series of squares with a bang.  This event embodies the symbolism of the Uranus/Pluto square. Uranus is all about shaking up the status quo, rattling the cages of the establishment. Uranus despises rigid ruts and hidebound attitudes. Uranus also rules the sudden, unexpected and the shocking. In Aries, fire is always a possibility and a connection to Pluto signals explosion.

Pluto is the great transformer, destroys in order to build something new and better. In Capricorn Pluto is digging deep into established institutions, like government, banks, and corporate entities.

The Grist Mill is an institution here in Rhode Island and Southeast Massachusetts, folks wept as they watched it being torn down. A friend having talked with the owner relayed the information that he planned to rebuild. If this is the case, true to Pluto’s connection to Scorpio, the New Grist Mill shall rise triumphantly from the ashes.

Like the cycle of the Sun and Moon, from New Moon to First Quarter to Full Moon then waning down to the Last Quarter, the planets have similar cycles. While the Sun/Moon cycle is a monthly one the Uranus/Pluto cycle is a long 126 years. The previous closing square or Last Quarter happened in the early 1930’s.  They moved into conjunction, together in the sky in the mid 1960’s.  And beginning now, through March 2015, they will be moving back and forth in the opening First Quarter square aspect. The slower moving planets and the aspects they make to one another signal broad social movements. The Depression of the 1930’s brought some reform, the creation of Social Security and the Security Exchange Commission. The explosive 1960’s triggered broad social change and the establishment of Medicare. The issues and movements associated with Uranus and Pluto reverberate today as they make their waxing square. The thread continues with the Occupy movement, health care issues and the economy.

If this Sunday morning accident is symbolic of the energy and events generated by the Uranus/Pluto square we can expect trailer trucks smashing into our beloved institutions. Uranus and Pluto can be very selective often targeting those institutions that have become hidebound and outlived their usefulness. They need to go, they need to be reorganized and rebuilt in a new and better way. The destruction and rebuilding of the Grist Mill illustrates this principle.  In the process of rebuilding the owner will incorporate the latest and the greatest equipment and design while retaining the historical charm and flavor that has been the mainstay of the Grist Mill Restaurant.

So don’t despair when over the coming years events shake the foundation, rattle the doors and crack the walls; if the edifice collapses something new and better will replace it.

A June to Remember – Complex Configurations and Some Tips on What to Look For In An Astrologer

This week brings the New Moon and the Summer Solstice. New Moons and Solstice/Equinox points are always important and these two are no exception. They are even more important due to other planetary configurations that are unfolding from now until the end of June. Events that take place now will have far reaching effects that we might not be aware of now. Obviously the elections in Greece and Egypt will certainly play an important role in the financial and political arenas effecting the lives of many around the world.

In addition to the New Moon and Summer Solstice on Sunday, June 24, 2012 the first of seven squares between Uranus and Pluto takes place. These planets were conjunct in the 1960’s. Prior to that, their last (closing) square occurred in the early 1930’s. Political and social unrest and upheaval accompany these two planets when they are in hard aspect. Broad social movements result. The financial calamity the world is in today is not quite as disastrous as the 1930’s because of the social programs put into effect at that time. Here in the United States particularly Social Security and unemployment insurance provide a safety net protecting many from total deprivation. During the 1960’s there was the Vietnam War, the beginning of Medicare, the youth movement, civil rights movement and the women’s movement; all serving to shake up the status quo. Echoes of those times when Uranus and Pluto were in aspect reverberate today as they again meet.

On Monday, June 25, 2012 Saturn in Libra changes direction shifting into direct motion, Mercury moves into Leo and Jupiter forms a square aspect to Neptune. On Wednesday, June 27, 2012 Venus changes direction as well, turning direct in busy Gemini. So this is the set up we’re moving into and these planets represent the energies we have to live with and live through in the months and years to come. The outer planets, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto move slow and the change they bring on a societal as well as a personal level is slow and inexorable.

The Square between Uranus and Pluto that repeats seven times from now until March 16, 2015 involves the Sun, Jupiter and Venus in the July 4, 1776 horoscope of the United States. The Sun represents the head of state while Jupiter and Venus are the money planets. The economy is a big issue in this election and will continue to be until this aspect plays out and even beyond.  The Venus direction change hits the Uranus in the US horoscope. A money surprise is in order. Venus rules money, women and diplomacy. Uranus rules things you cannot conceive of. When Uranian events occur they are seemingly out of the blue and shake us out of our complacency.  The Mars in the Summer Solstice sits on the Neptune of the US horoscope and squares the US Mars. Mars rules aggressiveness and war. Neptune in a natal chart is where we see things through rose colored glasses. My guess is the people of the United States are going to be sold another bill of goods about making war somewhere in the world, Iran comes to mind.

This warmongering Mars sits on President Barack Obama’s natal Mars. Mars goes retrograde about every 2 years and this year in January it went retrograde at 23 Virgo, right on Obama’s natal Mars and at this Solstice it reaches that point again. Warrior Mars in a natal chart is the action planet and governs how you use your energy.  Obama with Mars in Virgo is a detail man. He’s very meticulous in appearance, and probably in his thought process and how he tackles issues and problems. With Mars reaching his Mars my guess is that he will come out swinging on the campaign trail and in his dealings with Congress. The gloves are coming off folks. This week he’ll be taking a combative stance.

The celestial set up over the next few weeks is a complex one and defies generalization. On a personal level where in the chart, the houses the planets are transiting and the natal planets they aspect tell the tale. Mars traveling through the houses of the horoscope reveals where your energy focus will be. Mars traveling through the fourth house of home is a great time to do spring cleaning regardless of the season as a person with this placement puts the energy focus on the home. Jupiter is another good yearly planner as it stays in a sign for one year.  Jupiter is considered a bringer of good things but can also bring too much of a good thing. Saturn remains in sign for two and a half years and makes a complete circuit of the chart in about 29 years so you know when he comes along often life changing events occur. Uranus with an 84 year cycle entered Aries in April of 2011 and will remain there until March of 2019. When Uranus hits a natal planet he wants to shake things up. One thing Uranus hates is when he finds an individual in a rigid rut. My advice to clients when receiving this transit is usually to make a change in the area affected, be proactive. If not an outside event of a disruptive, surprising nature occurs that forces a change and while upsetting these changes often turn out to be beneficial in the long run. Neptune has a cycle of 165 years while Pluto takes a whopping 248 years. Analyzing a natal horoscope along with the current transits to that horoscope in a comprehensive manner is a complex and multifaceted project that takes time and effort. The actual time spent with the client is the culmination of hours of examination and study.

The next couple of years will be a rocky road for a lot of people. Many will feel the need to consult with a professional and some of those professionals will no doubt be professional astrologers. If you are one of those people do not be afraid to ask the astrologer some questions before you engage their services. Ask them how long they have been studying the subject, who they studied with and what, if any, professional organizations they belong to. A person is not an astrologer who read a book about astrology.  Nor are they an astrologer if they had their chart done and learned about themselves. A competent astrologer has probably read a thousand books and analyzed tens of thousands of horoscopes. A good astrologer belongs to one or more professional astrology organizations, has taken classes, gone to conferences and is continually learning and studying.

I have been studying astrology since the late 1960’s. I learned by reading books, examining horoscopes, taking classes and going to conferences.  In the 1990’s I was certified after taking an examination with the National Council on Geocosmic Research (NCGR) and began seeing clients professionally. I still go to conferences and monthly NCGR meetings to hear lectures by other astrologers. The learning process is continuous. I see clients and write an astrology column “Lunar Notes” for Motif Magazine. If you call me, don’t be afraid to ask me questions before you engage my services. I am not clairvoyant and will not wave a magic wand to make things right. I will ask you questions, get your birth data, analyze your horoscope and do the best for you that I possibly can to guide and prepare you for your personal planetary cycle.

Lunar Eclipse, Transit of Venus and all that Jazz

It’s a busy sky this week what with the Lunar Eclipse on Monday and Venus’ occultation of the Sun on Tuesday. This Venus transit of the Sun is second in a series of two that occur every 100 years or so. The first occurred in 2004. This is a momentous event often signaling social, political and cultural changes of a broad range. The Protestant Reformation began around the time of the 1519 transit. The 1631-1639 pair brought the European to the Americas while the 1761-1769 coincided with the rise of revolutionary fervor here in, what was then, Colonial America. The Eclipse falls along the Gemini/Sagittarius axis and the Venus transit occurs in Gemini, both fall in the mid degrees of their respective signs. After Monday’s Eclipse in the morning, Neptune turned retrograde and Venus squared off with Mars.  The transit of Venus across the face of the Sun occurs on Tuesday, June 05, 2012 at 9:10 PM EDT. Here in Rhode Island the Sun and Venus are in the Sixth house of workers, (unions and civil servants in particular) health, and the armed forces, emphasizing issues of public health, labor and wage conditions, and the food supply possibly involving restaurants and other venues that serve food and drink. Mercury in Gemini, on the cusp of the 7^th house of relationships still trines Saturn in Libra, in the 10^th. The 7^th house is all about relationships and the 10^th represents authority figures, heads of state, the boss and one’s standing in the community.

With all this going on remember that we are in the Lunation cycle that began on May 20^th with the Solar Eclipse in early Gemini. As previously written this cycle is all about communication within relationships. Those with planets in the mid degrees of the Mutable signs of Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces will feel the kick more than others but the Cardinal and Fixed gang are not off the hook. The house position of the Eclipse and transit of Venus will really tell the tale.

Early Thursday morning, June 7, 2012 chatty Mercury moves into Cancer where people tend to articulate what they are truly feeling. Up to that time folks tend to intellectualize their thoughts considering it more of an exchange of information, Mercury in Gemini loves the informational give and take. Mercury in Cancer is a different kettle of fish as emotions come into play. Friday evening when Mercury gets friendly with Neptune in Pisces emotions may overflow and what is being said may not be particularly clear. Things can get foggy but there is also the opportunity for some intuitive information to surface. Any brilliant ideas that surface, it is best to write down as it will be gone as quickly as it comes.

What occurs this week and throughout the month of June offers us a glimpse of what will manifest over the next couple of years as this month is a kick off point for many planetary aspects and configurations. Hang on to your hat.

Donna Summer – The Gift of Saturn

In astrology Saturn is considered a malefic and he usually does not bring good news. He brings hard lessons, hard work, contractions and constriction. Saturn represents conformity to the social norms. Capricorn, the sign Saturn rules, has that Saturnian flavor as well. Capricorns are known for their work ethic and attention to duty.

Donna Summer, a Capricorn has Sun, Moon, Mercury, Mars and Jupiter in Capricorn in the 5^th house of creativity.  A Virgo rising with Saturn sitting on her Ascendant it is no wonder that the title of one of her signature songs is “She Works Hard for the Money”. A song she wrote after an encounter with an “exhausted washroom attendant”.

Despite the bad reputation that Saturn/Capricorn has for concentration on the material world and social status they often exhibit a strong presence in the charts of artists, musicians and comedians.  This presence affords the individual the ability to create and manifest in physical reality the dreams and visions that spring from that deep well within from which all creativity springs.

Donna Summer’s combination of Virgo Rising, Capricorn and Saturn on the ascendant provides an example of how these energies work within the individual. Often musicians, song writers and vocalists have strong earth and utilize the precision that Saturn/Capricorn/Virgo provides.  Saturn is the Lord of Time and Virgo lives and breathes meticulous exactitude. Songs are “constructed” and as any good musician will tell you, it’s all about the timing.

So for the woman who inspired all this poking around into the workings of Saturn, disco diva, Donna Summer, I say, give it up for the girl, she worked hard for the money.

Solar Eclipse – Relationships, Like It or Not, You’re Going to Have to Deal With It.

The New Moon of May 20, 2012, as always, marks the beginning of the monthly cycle.  This cycle is a bit different because it begins with a solar eclipse. A solar eclipse that occurs just minutes into the tropical sign of Gemini. Eclipses in Gemini often bring windy days but the gusty winds often spring from mouths that are all talk and no action. 

There are a couple of real interesting configurations going on at this eclipse.

Venus in chatty Gemini is in an aspect of ease to Saturn in Libra. The eclipse chart set for Washington, DC puts Saturn, already strong in Libra, in the 11^th house which he naturally rules.  Saturn is the big dog here and he usually does not bring tidings of great joy. Saturn in Libra connected to Venus in Gemini speaks relationships, partnerships and negotiations. Saturn in Libra often tests relationships or brings them to a more serious level.  Venus in Gemini wants to flirt, is changeable and above all wants to talk about it.

Another powerful pattern has Pluto in Capricorn, Mars in Virgo and the asteroid Vesta in Taurus creating a Grand Trine.  Vesta rules the hearth and home; Mars makes war and Pluto, into power and control, plumbs the depths in order to bring about transformation.

The asteroid Juno in Scorpio opposing her lover, consort and cheating husband, Jupiter in Taurus further emphasizing relationship issues.  

The final little tidbit has Neptune in Pisces, mystical, magical and illusionary, in aspect to the eclipse and the moon’s nodes. This is like a blanket of fog spreading over all activities obscuring the truth while offering tantalizing glimpses of prophetic clarity.

We can expect legal issues involving money, marriage and partnerships.   Ongoing discussion and activism involving marriage equality and the so called war on women bring out the powerhouses on both sides of the issues. Powerful women step up and take part.  Mars in Virgo at the top of the Washington, DC chart digs into details. Involved with Pluto and Vesta those details expose financial, agricultural, military and labor issues.

Relationships on a grand scale, those that catch the public eye containing issues that trigger the collective psyche, stand out. Curiously the John Edwards trial goes to jury deliberation at this eclipse that has Juno, the long suffering wife opposing Jupiter, the philandering husband.  Perhaps not so curious, perhaps more in the nature of cycles, what goes around, comes around.

Taurus Ingress, New Moon in Taurus

Today, shortly after noon time here in the EDT time zone Sun moves into “feet on the ground” Taurus.  Taurus is a very sensuous, luxury loving, practical earth sign.  When a planet or “light” (Sun and Moon) enters a new sign astrologers cast a chart for that moment. This is called an Ingress chart.  The theory is that this chart will provide clues to what events and concerns will be prevalent while the planet or light moves through that sign.  The Sun’s transit through a sign and the corresponding Lunation cycle offer useful tools to use if you want to get in sync with the rhythms of the universe.  The Sun’s importance in the life cycle cannot be underestimated. We could not live without the Sun.  In astrology the Sun is the creative spark, the core self and everything else in the horoscope is filtered through the Sun’s position.  When the Sun travels through a particular house in the horoscope it literally lights up and activates the symbolism, ideas, people and events associated with that house.  A first house transit is very different from a twelfth house transit.  We shine and feel energetic and assertive while Sun travels through our first house, while a twelfth house transit often has us feeling fatigued and content to work behind the scenes.

This Ingress chart set for Washington, DC has some interesting planetary configurations that are in play for the New Moon in Taurus on Saturday, April 21^st.  The asteroid Juno conjoins the North Node in Sagittarius. These two form a favorable trine aspect to a Mercury/Uranus conjunction in Aries.  The asteroid Juno represents marriage, relationship, and the harmony and discord within relationships.  The Nodes of the Moon symbolize the past and the future.  Nodal contacts between people, IMHO, often means the two have to do “stuff” together. It may or may not be the be all and end all of relationships, but it often takes you out of your comfort zone forcing you to grow. At other times those relationships send you diving for cover back into your comfort zone triggering an awareness of repeating patterns.  Mercury and Uranus together jumps out and says be ready for some startling news.  Mix it all together and what do you get?  In Mythology, Juno is the Roman counterpart to Greek Hera, wife of philandering Zeus.  Juno/Hera was not of the “turn the other cheek” variety she was more the “hell hath no fury” type. Relationships are highlighted for good or ill.

Another important configuration involves a “grand square” with Mars in Virgo, opposing Neptune in Pisces, both squaring the nodal axis, North Node in Sagittarius conjunct the aforementioned Juno, with South Node in Gemini with Venus just out of the picture in Gemini as well. Mars is all about action, energy and how we assert ourselves. In Virgo the Martian energy is focused on analyzing, organizing, work, health, and diet. In Virgo it is important to express anger and not let it build up for it is sure to affect the health. While Mars in Virgo is all for the concrete and real across the Zodiac sits Neptune in Pisces wallowing in the mystical and magical at work dissolving walls and boundaries.  Whatever Neptune in Pisces is, it is not clear. If it is clear, it is clear to those who are highly evolved.  The Mother Theresa’s and Buddhist monk among us tune into Neptune in Pisces’ highest vibration in direct communication with the Goddess/God and walking the path of righteousness. Those less evolved don the rose colored glasses and often seek the divine in a bottle of booze.  

Last, but certainly not least, is the Grand Trine between the New Moon,  Sun/Moon in Taurus trine Mars in Virgo (Mars is busy in Virgo), and Pluto in Capricorn.  Now trines are considered aspects of ease and a Grand Trine can be a blessing in the natal chart as it indicates talents that come easily.  But just because it is easy does not mean that it is good. One must not forget that Mars’, in shy, retiring Virgo or not, first order of business is war and aggression.  Pluto brings transformation and issues of power and control to the fore.  Pluto rules debt, interest rates and the like. New Moon in Venus ruled Taurus is about love and money.  This is a Grand Trine in earth, nothing mystical here.  This Grand Trine will manifest in the real world.

Love, money and assorted relationships will top the list of concerns facing people this month.  Some relationships will end with a sparkling explosion while some of the more casual will deepen into a serious commitment. The issues of honesty, faithfulness and gaining trust will test many. By the Full Moon on May 5^th it’s all going to hit the fan. Money and the misuse of funds, love and betrayal, deception and truth create a mine field of intense emotion.  Many will shoot off their mouth without thinking.  While a lot may need to be said, think.  Are you done with this situation? Can anything be salvaged from this relationship? Or is it time to move on?  Last Quarter Moon, with Moon in Aquarius trining practical Saturn tones down the emotional roller coaster and brings some rationality into the picture.  Last Quarter Moon is a good time to end things. Ending or not different attitudes and feelings develop after the Sun moves into Gemini May 20^th and the next Lunation cycle begins.  This New Moon will be a Solar Eclipse in Gemini. A new cycle, new attitude and new ideas bring a fresh perspective.

April Fools’ Day Let the Fun Begin– Venus in Gemini, Mercury Direct

Before dawn on Sunday April Fools’ Day Moon moves into fun loving, fiery Leo. Everyone’s a star while Moon travels through this show biz sign. People are ambitious, looking for romance and need approval for the next couple of days. Be wary of April Fools’ Day jokes that backfire or have unexpected results when Moon forms a sparkling aspect to Uranus on Sunday afternoon.  This energy favors change, opportunity and independent action.  Get out there and find new friends and new prospects.

 Monday morning Sun and Moon fire up the beginning of the work week. Enthusiasm reigns.  When Moon squares off with Jupiter in solid Taurus, expect a few flies in the ointment.  Especially when it comes to money and any plans to improve the diet, Jupiter comes with a big appetite and often promises more than can be delivered.

Tuesday dawns with purpose, do your job and take care of business as Leo Moon joins forces with sober Saturn. Mid morning Moon and Venus, at odds with one another, bring mood swings and difficulty in relationships.  Moon goes void of course for a big 6 minutes then enters Virgo.  Here Moon retreats from center stage operating more comfortably in the background. Virgo Moon prefers the intellectual over the emotional. Tasks that require attention to detail or organization do well under this Moon.  Use this energy to clean the house, rearrange storage space and sort what is good from what is ready for the dustbin. Before noon Venus moves into flirtatious Gemini.  Sociability increases, folks make many contacts but not many with staying power. Venus in Gemini is easily bored. After lunch, Moon opposes Neptune and relationships hit another snag. Be wary of deception, especially self deception. By evening commute time Moon, in lock step with Mars warns against impulsive actions and outbursts of anger. Chill. 

 During the wee hours of Wednesday, April 4^th in the Eastern Time Zone Moon connects with Pluto and dreams reveal some deep psychological issue.  As the Sun rises, Mercury stations and begins to move in direct motion. Hurray and halleluiah! Projects on hold begin to move along, information flows and facts previously unknown are revealed. Virgo Moon, making nice, nice with Jupiter promises good opportunity for those on the lookout.

 Moon goes void of course at 1:37 AM EDT Thursday making a last aspect with newly direct Mercury setting the stage for the revelation of new facts.   Moon slides into Libra at 11:32 AM EDT ending the void period.  Libra Moon highlights partnerships, harmony, and social gatherings.  This is not the time to “go it alone”; Libra Moon encourages interaction with others, preferably in pleasant surroundings.  In the afternoon Moon and Libra’s ruler Venus form a harmonious blend. This is a good time to try and resolve any difficulties and disagreements in relationships.  All is peace, love and goodwill.  Complete any discussions before Moon faces off with unpredictable, unconventional Uranus around 8PM EDT.   Moon/Uranus combinations are volatile and disruptive.  Libra Moon wants to join forces while Uranus craves independence.  Later Venus squares Neptune an aspect of tension. Venus with Neptune can lead one to believe they have found their true soul mate. The reality is usually quite different.  There is a real danger here of overindulgence in intoxicants of all kinds in order to escape reality. Venus/Neptune contacts offer great opportunities to escape through music, art, prayer and meditation.

Moon squares off with Pluto during the small hours of Good Friday and we wake up to some deep revelation. At 3:19 PM EDT the Full Moon perfects, Libra Moon opposes Aries Sun.  This Full Moon brings eruption, disruption and other assorted shocks.  Thinking is quick, words leap to the lip without any consideration of the havoc those words may create.  Outrageous news and scandalous behavior mar the Easter/Passover weekend.

 Early Saturday morning Moon joins Saturn in an effort to sober everyone up and put them on a more stable track as Moon goes Void of Course.  Entering Scorpio at 11:18 AM EDT, Moon evokes passion and desire.  Intense moods and heightened suspicions create complications when communicating with others.  Throughout the day Moon moves along connecting with Neptune then Mars sparking an overly active imagination, doubt and distrust. Passions ignite when Venus squares off with Mars Saturday night.  Sexual desire demands as all romance gets thrown out the window. This does not sit well with some. Harmony and cooperation becomes difficult.  Take a breath, take a break, and try to relax. Realize that all this discord arises because there is a need under Scorpio Moon to merge with others on a deep, emotional level. We want to feel. Allow passions to cool don’t make a decision in the heat of the moment.  Don’t throw out all that peace and good will generated earlier in the week.  Slow down and try to think dispassionately. What is really going on here?