New Moon in Virgo: Purity & Devotion

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With every breath we take we inhale life-giving (oxygen) and let go of what’s toxic (carbon dioxide) to create the body (Virgo) we navigate this world in. The exchange of chemicals in respiration is symbolized by the messenger planet, Mercury; the little guy with the winged helmet. Mercury rules self-possessed, serene, Gaia-goddess, Virgo. Virgo represents soma; the body. And today at 2:01pm the sun and moon kiss in the sky forming the New Cycle in Virgo.Moon in Virgo

In OTHER words!! Today is the day to manifest the idea (mercury) of whatever healthy body you desire ( Virgo) through the deliberate and active affirmation ( mercury) of what it is you wish to create.

Virgo energy represents purity, perfection, dedication and devotion, all wrapped up in the image of the Divine feminine. No wonder the traditional birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mother is September 8th.

Draw, write, imagine a new you AFTER the moment of new-ness at 2:01 pm EDT. (Before the New Moon exhale what you want to release). When you’ve captured your ideal vision for yourself infuse it with prayer, prayer, prayer.

The sabian symbol of this new moon is that of the `Ouija board’ a tool of divination known to elicit many stories of unwanted spirit infiltration. Which leads us to the instructions for this, the new moon day; Pray & Pray.

Since Virgo represents the purity of the Divine Feminine, AND, since mercury ruled Virgo is one of the communication signs, AND since the sabian symbol is one of the divining information (albeit through a sketchy avenue) THEN the question which arises is this: WHERE and HOW do you receive your divine inspiration? I, for one, err on the sign of caution with this. We are, after all, not alone in this universe. There are a lot of voices out there clamoring for our attention. Choose wisely as you hear the words of the Divine other. A major trait, after all, of Virgo is discrimination.

Happy New Moon in Virgo!

 

 

Mercury Stations Direct: link the past with the future through the forever `now’

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Not all mercury retrogrades are alike and not all mercury station directs are alike. Not-thing is exactly alike because the moment of `now’ is not the moment of the past or the future. Yet… we know this…there is an eternal now which connects every moment of linear thought, action and experience.

And that linkage between yesterday and tomorrow is one message of today’s mercury stationing direct at 12 degrees of Leo at 12: 25 am Sunday August 19th. The sabian symbol is: `the old sea captain sitting on his porch on his rocking chair.’sableo12oldmanrocking

Rocking is a most soothing action; repetitive, fluid, and comforting. We imagine the sea captain is evaluating his life, perhaps, recalling maritime adventures of long ago. How are you reflecting upon your past today?  The mercury direct is helping us link the past with the present with the anticipatory future as the planet of mind and logic moves forward.

The rocking sea captain invites us to reflect upon our lives; contemplation is the key. There is a singularity of this symbol; make time just for you, to `hear yourself think,’ as my Mom used to say!  Here is a question for you; as you awoke this morning did you receive any specific guidance? Think about your `Leo’, your creativity, and joy, your bliss and passion. Are your goals now beginning to be more clearly outlined within?

Leo’s ally, the sun, is shining brightly within your mind. Lighten up, brighten-up and be positive as mercury courses forward.seawoodenbench

Of course, just because mercury is `direct’ doesn’t mean we want to unload every unexpressed thought! It is still moving through it’s `shadow cycle’, which means now until September first-ish, mercury is still in its re-working phase. Mindfulness is still the order of the day. It’s better to be `mum’ than to say something you might regret.

Do communicate to someone, however; yourself. Be like the wise old sea captain sableo13seacaptainreflecting upon all those wonderful adventures of yesterday as you begin to craft new goals for your future. You may find yourself unconsciously weighing goals against a simple Leo-like criteria; are my goals heart-filled and reflective of my unique passions and desires? And, oh, are the goals `fun?’Image result for sun images

That’s the message today; do what you love and the bliss will follow!

 

 

 

 

Mercury Retrogrades in Leo

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Mercury retrograde seem to generate a bit of nervous anticipation, even among people who’ve never seriously explored astrology. Clients ask, `it’s a bad thing, right?’ whenever it occurs.

The answer I generally give is this; mercury is no more bad' than a good night's sleep! Mercury retrogrades about a third of the time, the approximate proportion of our life spent sleeping. One third of our day is allocated to rest while a third of our collective time mercury is retrograde–the time this planet of logic and communication…rests.

Mercury represents the planet of linear connections; logic left brained analysis. When it’s retrograde it is not the time to make logical decisions based upon the meaning of mercury which is communications, contracts, travel. In other words, if you can, avoid signing important contracts, including ones associated with cars, computers, or marketing. It IS, however, the best time to shop, edit, reflect and redo.

While most of us are familiar with the anecdotal research pertaining to mercury retrograde, the Kepler Conference is doing research into this phenomenon, and, so much more. I am honored to be a part of a group of astrologers who apply rigorous research to their work. Check out the Kepler Conference 2019 where science meets astrology :https://canaveralresearchcenter.com/the-kepler-conference-2019-2/ .

This particular mercury retrograde occurs from the 23rd degree of Leo, on July 26th,  until the 12th degree on August 19th. This suggests we are reframing the Leo qualities of our life as reflected by our charts. For example, a Leo sun person might use this time to reflect upon their personal identity, while, the Leo  energy in the career house of another person might be rethinking their career path.

Since Leo represents the qualities of joy and creativity, playfulness and bliss, collectively we may be undergoing a period of identifying what gives us pleasure. During this retrograde make a commitment to discovering how your heart is leading you to your joyful purpose.

Be sure to check out where Leo is in your chart for your personal reboot during the mercury period. You can find your chart details at my website: https://cassandrajoanbutler.com/discover-your-natal-chart/.

And for more details, of course, consider attending a class, having a consult, or listening to my weekly FB webcast Wednesday nights at 9:00 pm here: https://www.facebook.com/cassandrajoanbutlerastrologer/.

It’s all about intentions; Intend to have a wonderfully reflective and productive mercury retrograde!

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Cardinal Point

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The Solar Eclipse in Cancer

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This solar eclipse has passed; 10:46 pm EDT on July 12, 2018. How did you sleep? Any interesting dreams or insights this morning? Make note of your feelings as you begin your Friday the thirteenth. It’s a new day, reflected by a new eclipse cycle which only comes about once every nineteen years.box-glow

Solar eclipses represent a shift in qualitative identification. Its as if a portal opens challenging us to reconsider that area in our chart which is being eclipsed. Most affected are the Cancer sun signs, the Cancer rising signs and Moon signs, followed by Capricorn Sun, Capricorn rising signs and Moon signs. ALL of us are affected in some way.

Cancer is the sign of home and belonging, sensitivity and feelings, food and nurturance, protectiveness and defensiveness. The solar eclipse offers us a new, and sometimes surprising perspective on these qualities. It’s an initiation into a new way of naming what `feeds us’. It’s as if we have an opportunity to move into a new place of psychological comfort.cancerimage

Before the comfort comes the challenge. Eclipses can initially feel unsettling and disorienting. What is an eclipse? That which we know to be true— and predictable— sunlight and/or moon light, disappears before our very eyes. And then; voila! The light returns….

You could say experiencing an eclipse cycle is an exercise in faith. What `appears’ to be lost isn’t lost at all; only our perspective shifts.

Sometimes an eclipse does indeed correspond with a loss; way of life, job, identity, relationship. If you are experiencing a major shift in your life then remind yourself that something new, and ultimately `better’ will replace what’s ending. It may take six months…the reflective period of the eclipse, but, the portal will usher in a new place of Cancer comfort and belonging.

The sabian symbol for this solar eclipse, 20 degrees of Cancer, is `The prima donna singing.’sabcancer20pimadonnasinging

Calling someone a `prima donna’ can be interpreted in a derisive way, as if we are calling someone out for their exaggerated importance or show-boating. However, it takes a lot of arduous work, and, courage to perform. One way of reflecting upon the sabian symbol is to simply acknowledge `excellence’ in your life, and, in the accomplishments of others. Sing a `new song’ of excellence; be proud in displaying your talents.

There is so much more to share with you about this solar eclipse, and the eclipses to come on July 27th, and August 11th. To do this important work justice I am offering a day-long workshop which will thoroughly explain the ebb and flow of not only THIS eclipse cycle but eclipses in general. Consider joining me at the internationally renown center of learning, Fellowships of the Spirit on Sunday July 22nd, Cassadaga, New York, from 9 :00 am-5:00 pm. EARLY BIRD PRICING IS GOOD ONLY UNTIL MIDNIGHT TONIGHT FRIDAY THE 13th!!levelsign Register on-line today!

‘Coming Home’: The Eclipse shift into Cancer in the Summer of 2018!

And! See you at Lily Dale Assembly this Wednesday the 18th at 7:00 pm for an `Astrology Discoveries’ working with the MOON; cycles along the pathway!

 

 

Jupiter Stations Direct

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Get ready …get jupiterinscorpiocystalset… GO! Its full steam ahead for wherever Scorpio is shining in your astrology chart. At 1:04 pm Tuesday July tenth Jupiter stations direct—that is—moves forward in the sky after being in retrograde since March eighth. It’s almost as if those happy feelings of generosity, and exuberance have been stalled for the past four months. Jupiter retrograde is all positive thinking without any of the manifestation. Using a science analogy; a retrograde period represents potential energy, while a planet’s direct motion is kinetic energy.

The Sabian symbol for the direct motion Jupiter is `the telephone linesmen installing new connections’. What a wonderful image! Before we make and new connections, goals or commitments on Tuesday think about disconnecting from whatever we need to release.sabscorpio14linemen

 The Jupiter in Scorpio retrograde has inspired us to examine the Scorpio parts of our chart. Now it’s timely to let go of any negative Scorpio thoughts or attitudes. You have until 1:04 pm Tuesday to consciously flush away nasty Scorpio `waste’…especially anger, jealousy and revenge. One needs a clear `telephone’ line to reconnect with whatever we wish after Jupiter stations direct.

The Jupiter Station is at the dark of moon a time of releasing all we planned at the Gemini new moon of June 13th. Gemini, of course, rules communications. Observe your thoughts over the next few days. How and what are you communicating to you? Behind every-thing is a thought. Being mindful of what words—`food’— you are feeding yourself is suggested this week.negativeemotions

And then there is the big SOLAR ECLIPSE on Thursday the 12th. I will sending another `Cosmic Connection’ newsletter in time for that cosmic event. But in the meantime…please be on the lookout for a most timely announcement on Tuesday the 10th …to be sent at exactly 1:04 pm at the Jupiter station.

What a shifting week it is!

Many blessings!

Happy July 4th 2018!

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Mars–the planet of all things hot: tempers, temperatures, aggression, and activity is RETROGRADE in the dry detached sign of Aquarius. So far this summer SO hot. You aren’t alone if your are sweltering; this heat wave is winding its way among some 60 million people, and, is expected to continue this holiday week. Why THIS summer? Let’s take a look at the BIRTH chart of the USA.chartUSA
It’s exciting to know this: every-thing has a chart. The inception of a business, an idea, a relationship ( wedding) and  even a country has an astrological signature or chart. I have learned, through a colleague and friend ( retired military & a high-ranking Mason) that the founding fathers ( who were largely Freemasons) CREATED the USA  when they began to sign the Declaration of Independence on July 4th 1776 at 5:10 pm in Philadelphia.founding-fathers
Card-carrying Freemasons know astrology. It’s simply part of their training. They knew they wanted to create a country with a MOON in the inclusive, independent, progressive and brilliant sign of Aquarius. They knew they wanted a country reflecting the forward thinking sign of its RISING; Sagittarius. And lastly…. The SUN sign is in the sensitive, nurturing, and protective Cancer energy. These three signs form a YOD, or, `finger of God’ a configuration which reflects a sense of destiny through ….adjustment! Union through diversity.
THIS year the solar return chart of the USA has the MARS retrograde positioned right along the `south node’, or, karmic point of the USA birth chart, along with Black Moon Lilith. This suggests that we, collectively, are `feeling the heat’ symbolically and literally. At the SAME time CHIRON, the wounded healer, is conjunct the nation’s SR moon in Aries. There is a deep yearning to HEAL the wounds in a deliberate, aggressive manner. the issue is this; the ruling planet of Aries, MARS, is RETROGRADE in the SR chart of the USA this upcoming year. This suggests frustration….in the `how to’ of this healing.chartUSASOLARRETURN18.JPG
The frustration we feel is  real, and, reflected within the heavens. No words…no answers…yet I would suggest we all might reflect upon our own individual relationship with these two celestial bodies, Mars and Chiron. which will be in retrograde for some time. Emphasize the Re in retrograde; re-flect, re-mind, re-consider issues of anger, healing, aggression and woundedness. It’s going to be a summer to re-member! And to help you along the path consider the following offerings!
1) The Astrology of Healing: Chiron and Uranus in Taurus
July 7th at 7:30 pm at Dawn Fire Sanctuary in WIlliamsville
https://www.facebook.com/dawnfiresanctuary/

2) The Moon: Lunar Lights Along the Path
July 18th, Wednesday, at  7:00 pm Lilydale Assembly
https://lilydaleassembly.org/events/

3) `Coming Home’ : the Eclipse Shift into cancer this Summer
July 22nd, Sunday, at 9:00 am-5:00 pm at Fellowships of the Spirit
https://www.fellowshipsspirit.org/event/coming-home-the-eclipse-shift-into-cancer-in-the-summer-of-2018/

Mars Retrograde; Anger or Innovation?

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Hold onto your hearts; keep that blood pressure and pulse rate steady…we are in for an electrifying week! Mars retrograde PLUS the full moon equals hot and expressive emotions. Chances are you are already experiencing a sense of the high drama.

Tuesday the 26th, Mars retrogrades at the 9th degree of Aquarius; ‘A man who had become the embodiment of an ideal is made to realize that as a person he is not this ideal.’ This is the `fall from grace degree’, and, it is on the south node of the USA chart.chartmarsretrogradeusa

We as a nation is grappling with it’s ideals as a democracy based on humanitarian  ideals, ( USA moon), equality and truth. The issue is this; we are dealing with these issues through the lens of Mars; the archetype of war, anger, yet also innovation and motivation. This rare retrograde of Mars in the later degrees of Aquarius through Capricorn is a once in a lifetime transit. The last time this particular configuration occured was forty seven years ago; 1971.

Memorable Moments in 1971 include; 1) start of the digital age with the invention of microprocessor; 2) First mission to a planet, namely Mars; 3) the Indo-Pakistan War; and, 4) The release of the Pentagon Papers.

 

 

Daniel Ellsberg, a government consultant, gained access to some of the classified documents, known as the Pentagon Papers,  and leaked them to the New York Times in June of 1971.Image result for pentagon papers

The reports revealed many large scale attacks that the U.S. public were not aware of, causing many U.S. citizens to lose trust in the United States government. The general feeling was that the United States government had misled the public and withheld the truth.

War is the purview of Mars. With Mars retrograde in Aquarius, transiting over the south node of the moon, the proverbial heart of the USA we could see a summer of disclosure. What may be revealed is anyone’s guess! Why? because the very nature of Aquarius is unpredictability, and, it’s ruler, Uranus the planet of surprise(!) will be squaring the Mars retrograde. A square is like a trigger; focusing energy to take action. Expect the unexpected.

Can you even imagine life BC? That is, before computers?  The microprocessor is the key to our computerized life today, and, was brought about during this last Mars retrograde in Aquarius, the sign of technological inventions. Who knows what amazingly innovative inventions are brewing in the world governed by Aquarius/Uranus: science and technology.Image result for image of microprocessor

 

We all need to be mindful of the way we navigate our truth, ( Aquarius) and our anger, (Mars) during these upcoming weeks. The parts of our charts in early degrees of the fixed signs—–Leo, Aquarius, Scorpio and Taurus—are more vulnerable to managing the power and potential of Mars. Mars unleashed is anger and war. Mars channeled is motivation and innovation. sabian0leoBETTERhothead

As with any astrological guidance; the choice is ours.

angerhewhoangersyou conquersyou

 

 

 

 

New Moon in Aries: April 15, 2018

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Winter-weary Western New Yorkers are wondering when will spring weather finally arrive? Best cosmic estimate is Sunday April 15th! The 15th is the day of our new moon in Aries this year; the sign of beginnings, spring, and the first fire sign. So… take heart, green will once again grace our world!springflowers

Any new moon is a time to plant proverbial seeds, and, to visualize intended outcomes. This is especially true for the new moon in Aries, the first of the zodiacal signs. In some ways the energy of spring is more of a `new year’ than January first, and, the new moon in Aries signifies the first impulse of starting over.

The new moon occurs (when the sun and moon are in the same degree of Aries) at 9:57 pm EDT. Try this: mediate, and pray, and set your intentions after 9:57 pm. (This of course will work best if your bedtime is after this time!)  newmoonsetintensionsAs you sleep Sunday you could awaken on the 16th  with a more inspired strategy for one of your goals.

THIS year the new moon in Aries falls just after another restart of sorts; mercury stationing direct. Mercury—communication, logic, and connections—has been mercury1betterretrograde since March 22nd. Have you noticed that these past few weeks have been a time of greater reflection, redo, and reconsideration? Where Aries falls in you chart has been the apex of all this mental chatter. With the new moon comes the not only intention setting, but greater clarity of thought as you identify exactly what you DO want!

The sabian symbol for our new moon is  26 degrees of Aries-‘through imagination a lost opportunity is regained.’ This is the degree of `second chances.’secondchance

What a delightfully hopeful degree, as we gear up to plant the seeds of a fresh start! It gets better. Uranus, the energy of electrification, excitement, originality and innovation joins the new moon by conjunction. This means the more daring and bold the goal the better. Uranus has only one more month to complete its’ redefining impulse which began way back in 2011. It’s time to make that leap in consciousness. Aries is all about `definition’ of self. This new moon is all about exclaiming to the world; `I AM!’ And of course, it’s up to YOU what follows the proclamation.ariesimage

Aries’ ruler, Mars is the winner-take-all planet; competitive, aggressive and motivated. At this new moon Mars in Capricorn is creating the aspect of easy-flow, a trine, to Venus’s placement in sensual Taurus. At the same time, Mars is making a supportive sextile to imaginative Neptune/Juno. In the realm of romantic relationships this suggests we want more than a feisty night with our partner. A good dash of grounded stability is what will really ignite our passion.groundedlovers

Jupiter opposite Venus at the New Cycle suggests a see-saw of all or nothing as we could vacillate between what’s `good for us’ and what we `crave’ in the arena of desire; relationships, work, even food choices. The opposition begs the quest for balance; easier said than done.newmoonaries18

After many months, the intense Pluto square Uranus aspect is losing some of it’s steam, yet it’s drama still casts a wide net. We have been living through a long cycle of knowing the `time’ has come to make commitments `now’ to whatever our heart (Leo’s north node) desires.  It all just seems a bit out of reach! What’s significant about this new moon is the Uranus influence-propelling us just `go for it!’  Uranus offers a blast of confidence overriding the caution of Capricorn. One more hurdle to overcome is the inertia suggested by Jupiter in Scorpio, retrograde, and inconjunct to the new moon. This aspect reminds us that successful results rest upon detours. Enjoy the journey it seems to say. At the same time, the aspects remind us to`do now’ yet continue weave dreams, big ones,  for tomorrow.