The Nodal Shift: 2017 (beginning May 9th)

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What makes you happy? And, what is holding you back from embracing your bliss?  These questions and more are about to bubble forth into the collective consciousness as the lunar nodes ingress into the Leo/Aquarius polarity beginning on May 9th 2017. Goodbye to the serve or suffer polarity of Virgo/ Pisces. We are about to embrace a new theme until December of 2018; the role of Individual creativity against the backdrop of group-think.

The nodes are not planets, rather points on our charts reflecting where the moon’s orbit crosses the ecliptic. The nodes represent six polarities of the twelve zodiacal energies. The paired nodes of opposite signs are composed of the north node, the unfolding destiny, and the south node, the karmic past. Another way of conceptualization; the north node represents fresh new learning while the south node is the repetitive pattern of old lessons. The past (south node) is the foundation of the future (north node).  The nodal axis presents us with a challenge; learn the new lessons of the north node while releasing the resisting energy of the south node. We each have our own nodal axis at birth; sensitive points in our chart which encapsulate this opposition. It’s our lifetimes’ job to pursue the north node while honoring the gifts of the south node.

The nodes shift gears once every year and a half or so, and return to one of the twelve zodiacal signs once every eighteen and a half years. Therefore, at approximately age 19 we experience our first nodal return; the time when we begin to consciously embrace the subtle messages of the lunar nodes. Check in with your 19-year-old self to recall what vision you had for your life. You might also reflect on what obstacles you encountered as you begin to identify your calling. This pattern repeats approximately every nineteen years, so at ages thirty-seven, fifty-six, seventy-five and so on you `return’ to actively balancing your inner polarity. Obviously, individuals at these ages will be most affected by the  2017 nodal shift, as will people with personal planets in Leo/Aquarius. But we all will be catching the emotional wave of the nodal shift.

The Leo/Aquarius polarity in your own chart is where you will undergo this nodal evolution/dissolution. Leo is the energy of dynamic creativity; singularity of self-expression, joy, and child-like exuberance. The call of the Leo north node is to embrace whatever and however you define as bliss. What is happiness for me is not necessarily happiness for you. And herein lies the challenge; how to balance your happiness quest with others’ opinions.  The south node in Aquarius is the release point.  You may experience an entangled fear; what will people THINK if pursue my dreams, and am happy, too successful, too joy filled? A concern may be; will I lose friends if I put my needs before the group? We have until December 2018 to figure out this delicate balance.

We do have practice in this endeavor. Go back to 2000, 1980, 1962, years with this Leo/Aquarius polarity, to reflect on the themes of blending personal happiness with group-think. Turning to pop-culture, the popularity of the sitcom `Friends’ was peaking in 2000, led by Aquarian actress Jennifer Aniston.  `Friends’ broke ground with its’ depiction of 20-something-year-olds who bonded as a group, reflecting the Aquarian ideal of platonic love. Another `friends-first’ theme was reflected in media during the sitcom ‘Cheers’ in the early 1980’s set in a bar where `everyone knows your name.’ And when Beatlemania hit the world’s stage radical creativity in music rocked the consensus reality in 1962.

The nodes astronomically create the eclipses every six months; visual reminders of the turning of the wheel. The world anticipates the `Great American Eclipse’ on August 21st 2017, when a total solar eclipse cuts across the North American continent dimming the sun’s light for all to see. This rare occurrence aligns with the fixed star Regulas, as it aligns with President Trumps’ ascending sign as well as the north node of the USA chart. If indeed eclipses are turning points, times when alliances are formed and previous connections severed, then this summer could be a time of rapid and radical change for the USA.

It’s illustrative that the USA chart has a Leo north node, or destiny.  The Declaration of Independence codified a most Leo/Aquarius nodal theme; “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” The document blends the Aquarian ideal of humankind while simultaneously holding the right to pursue the Leo goal of happiness. During this nodal shift the present US power structure will be karmically charged with somehow maintaining the delicate balance of personal freedom with group accountability.

And so… the cosmic call is asking us to embrace, develop, and create our happiness. What is to be left behind is the tug of the overdeveloped Aquarius; detachment, overblown logic, or consensus reality.  Thematically, the south node is the point of repeated karma and should consciously be modified to launch the north node development. Aquarius is the group, the tribe, the collective, friends, the greater society. It follows that we should embrace our heart-filled courage and blaze forward with our individualized goals even if we run counter to the approval or consensus of the group. The individual reigns. The Leo north node ingress inspires us to place our proverbial crown upon our heads without worrying about what the others may think. Stand out in the crowd; be different. Be the star of your own life!

 

Where is the Leo nodal theme of embracing your ‘bliss’ most prominent in your life? Here is a solar cookbook style of guidance for you. Of course, use your rising sign if time of birth is known, as well as sun sign.

 

Aries:

Focus upon your creative projects with confident abandon. Love, joy and romance require risk and confidence; you have it now! Release friends who are not on the same mental wave-length.

Taurus:

Create the home you’ve always dreamed of; remodel, move, mend domestic fences. Let go of responsibilities, even a career, if it doesn’t feed your soul.

Gemini:

The Leo north node is inspiring your mind; communications, writing, teaching and marketing are highlighted. Release outworn systems of thought as you cultivate and communicate your own version of `truth.’

Cancer:

Embrace the promise of prosperity with the nodal shift; more resource of every kind plus the confidence to create an income aligned with your values. Release dependence upon others for approval or financial support.

Leo:

Hurrah! You are entering a time of renewed confidence and joy in becoming all that you can be! Become the leader you’ve always dreamed of; fulfill your own goals even at the expense of a partner’s disapproval.

Virgo:

Explore the underpinnings of spirituality by falling `in-love’ with the joy of aloneness. Exercise your spiritual practices with renewed vigor as your release unhealthy workaholic habits.

Libra:

Take credit for your achievements. Align yourself with groups and colleagues whom you support and support you. Release outworn romantic fantasies, and hobbies which no longer interest you.

Scorpio:

Confidently stride towards success. Accept leadership positions at your job, or, launch your own career which reflects your joy-filled creativity. Release domestic responsibilities to others.

Sagittarius:

Time to take that once-in-a- lifetime trip! Expand your life through education, or, perhaps by finally writing that book. Avoid gossip and group think; as you embrace your own ideas and `walk your talk.’

Capricorn:

Embrace the adventure of a life-time; explore the depths of your soul. Time to focus on psychological or spiritual practices which embolden your sense of power and authenticity. Release worry about finances.

Aquarius:

Fall in love! Be willing to trust your partner, your best friend, your spouse. Be willing to release detachment and mental distractions as you mirror your worth through the eyes of the beloved.

Pisces:

Embrace best practices to enhance your work productivity or healthy living. Be willing to invest time and resource to cultivate a healthier you. Release anxiety, nagging worry and isolating thoughts.

 

To assist in understanding and grounding the nodal energies I am offering the `Great Eclipse Retreat’ at the international summer resort center Chautauqua Institution, in beautiful upstate New York over the weekend of September 8th 2017.  Details here: http://www.willowlight.org/eclipse-retreat-sept-8-10.html

Embrace your bliss as you enjoy your journey through the Leo/Aquarius nodal shift!

 

 

 

Musings on the Virgo Full Moon: 2017

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The opposition, the angle of 180 degrees between planets, symbolizes the potential to negotiate conflicting viewpoints into a new perspective of balance and harmony. Thus is the full moon; the sun and moon are opposing each other; the juxtaposition of the solar male action with that of the lunar female reaction.

The full moon of March 12th at 9:54 am EDT represents the conflict and ultimate balance of Pisces ( spirit) and Virgo ( matter). What we may HAVE been feeling leading up to this celestial moment is the awareness of our physical limits; `the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak’ to evoke biblical wisdom.

In other words, you may have experienced fatigue, a sense of anticipatory disquiet, overwhelm or just plain tension between how you see yourself ideally ( Pisces) to that of the `real’  ( Virgo) you. We live in bodies, which, ultimately are fragile. To be human to be of matter is to NEED certain requirements, ya know, like food, rest and shelter. Our spirits, eternal and endless and ever reaching perfection, Nirvana,  enlightenment become just a wee bit frustrated at the limitations which we all endure.

Virgo represents the care-giver, which starts at home as your ultimate home is your body. However you take care of yourself is highlighted during this full moon period; your diet, your rest cycles, your exercise all is up for self-review. The sabian symbol for the moon quite stunningly supports this theme. Its the `lion tamer, a study is the ways we control and modify the animal within. virgo23liontamer

As you navigate the next week questions you may ask include how may I structure my routine to include nurturing habits? What ways may I tame the stresses of life through enhancing my physical structure? Pisces solar energy at opposition may be saying to you, you're perfect the way you are...why bother doing all those good habits?’ While the Virgo critical energy may be whispering in your ear ` if you can’t do it perfectly forget about doing anything at all!’

Balance and compromise is the lesson of the full moon. Perhaps a blending of the messages might be, `the journey of the process of perfection is taking each step one-by-one.’

Have a blessed full moon cycle! xxoo

 

 

The Jupiter Uranus Opposition

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One of the major themes of 2017 is the opposition of Jupiter and Uranus. The opposition is in full swing during this first week of March so reflect upon the following!

The see-saw relationship of the Jupiter and Uranus  is inspiring us to integrate two sides of our nature; the unique radical with the generous charmer. Uranus in Aries embodies the archetype of the individualist who feels no pressure to conform to social graces. Jupiter simply magnifies what it touches. An opposition allows us to see the other’s point of view with clarity. Since this particular opposition embraces the I/ thou dance of relationship expect our collective telepathic skills to be extraordinary! Watch what you think! (lol)

This week the sabian symbol of Uranus at 22 degrees is ‘ a woman carrying a heavy and valuable but veiled load’23ariesveiledload

while Jupiter is at the `rooster heralds the new dawn.’ Questions to ponder this week; are you feeling burdened? Has something changed in your life–new responsibilities, pressures, and the like which feel oh so different? If so…does this change suggest a new world for you that ultimately feels positive? Another way of viewing this: there is a bright silver lining within any clouds…

Overall this year we are attempting to blend the `big’ ( Jupiter) with the unique ( Uranus). Questions which may arise; How can we be comfortable with our specific individualistic gifts in the face of social pressure to `fit in?’ If we disagree with our special someones can our relationship endure?

As with any astrological aspect; the wisdom of the cosmos offers us guidance within!

Eclipse Energy Unfolding

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The signs and symbols in the sky can guide us with exquisite accuracy…Use the solar eclipses’ energy today to set your intentions; specifically intentions involving your spirituality. The magic and mysticism of the Pisces energy infuses us with hope. Pisces is the omega energy of unconditional love and compassion…and forgiveness.

Today’s energy ( Sunday the 26th) through March 4th is the ideal time to list and let go of grudges against all the `others’ whom have trespassed against you. Chief among your forgiveness list is YOU. Forgive yourself for your transgressions. Ask the God of your understanding to cleanse you of your shortcomings.

From March 5th through March 11th is the work-a-do week, time to accomplish the goals you’ve set for yourself the week of February 26th through March 4th. This second week of the cycle assists in focus. Like the 90 degree angle made between the sun/moon we are able to harness the necessary kinetic energy to get the job done.

The culmination of the cycle is the 7 days post full moon. The full moon of Sunday March 12th is in 22 degrees of Virgo: An animal trainer taming the tiger. The sabian symbol suggests that we control the wild instinctive side of ourselves. A perfect tool of course is mindfulness meditation. Do what you need to to analyze your thoughts, emotions, and reactions. True power is self-control. The full moon week is one of feedback and clarity. Read the reactions of other regarding whatever intention you set earlier in the cycle.

Our last week of the cycle runs from March 2oth through March 26th. This is the waning cycle. Our energy like the moon’s light recedes and goes within. We are still motivated to continue our work, but through  sense of editing and completion.

Embrace the spiritual energies! Pisces gives us the cosmic climate to connect with the Divine!

 

Pisces Solar Eclipse 2017

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Dreamy, sensitive, compassionate and caring describe the Pisces qualities floating SOMEWHERE within your natal chart. And, on Sunday February 26th at 9:58 am EST the energy culminates into an eclipse. Symbolically, an eclipse is a cosmic event when one of the lights—the sun or moon—disappear and then slowly emerge from the shadows. WE may inwardly muse; where are those Pisces traits we most appreciate? Where have they been hidden? Where are the elements of compassion, sensitivity and caring `out there’ in the greater landscape of our lives?

Some of our inner musing may have been going on for some time–two and a half years in fact–since the eclipse cycle moved through the Virgo/Pisces polarity. You could even say it’s the Virgo/Pisces parts of our charts which have moved through the most changes since September of 2015. Finally, with the energy of 2/26/17 the eclipse cycle completes. The doorways which have  wildly swung open and shut begin to quiet and stabilize.

The 2/26/17 eclipse is at the 8th degree of Pisces: a jockey racing a horse. This sabian symbol elicits intensity and focus. The jockey becomes one with his horse as he spurs the animal forward. The discipline and training is behind the the jockey/horse; only the goal of victory in the here and now is important.

You may ask yourself; what areas of life am I running a race? What are my goals? Where this eclipse takes place in your chart culminates the striving and hard work of the previous two and a half years. The race is now here! Victory is (perhaps) ahead, but, in the here and now what matters is intense concentration. This symbol may also elicit the `blinders’ we have on. In an attempt to reach goals, other arenas of life often take a backseat.

The eclipse COULD do many things for us. It may spur us onto our goals, or, help us reconfigure them. It all depends, as with any astrological event, where it falls in YOUR personal chart. Learn where 8 degrees Pisces falls in your chart during the monthly new moon workshops; Thursday in Williamsville (7:00 pm) or Monday in East Aurora (6:30pm.) Or! just learn about the lovey Pisces energy during the Divine Grace Fellowship service Sunday at 6:00 pm.

Whatever you do…. make a BIG wish at the eclipse hour! xxoo

Gemini Full Moon – Tuesday December 13th at 7:05 pm

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15541278_1807128319561026_8064338625614618469_nHappy Gemini Full Moon! On Tuesday December 13th at 7:05 pm EST the two lights will be exactly opposite at 24 degrees. The Sabian Symbol Message for the moon: `Three fledglings in a nest high up in a tree.’ The SS message for the sun: ` The bluebird of Happiness.’

Bird images evoke messages. This will be quite as active time for us individually and collectively to `watch our words’ spoken and thought.

Sooooo….much….to say…..about this full moon! But of course! It’s illuminating in the sign of communication: Gemini. To communicate one requires a sender & a receiver, two at least, depicted by the sign of the twins and visualized as the Gemini glyph which resembles the Roman Symbol for TWO.

We think in binary patterns. Early computers did that as well: 0/1. Every moment of our lives is divided into twos: inhale/exhale. We learn and evaluate initially in simple terms: I understand/ I don’t understand; yes/no, good/bad.

I have noticed that many people I care about, especially mutable energy ( Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius & Pisces) are experiencing a heightened sense of this polarity….RIGHT NOW as the moon slides into it’s 180 degree angle to the sun. With the sun in alignment with SATURN the energy of duty & responsibility life may not feel all that `festive.’

The collective mind is being tweaked by this energy. How about you? Are you experiencing an overload of thought? Scrambling to the find…the….words… for your experience of polarity? ( for many it’s just the hectic Holiday Season, for others, facing crisis it can FEEL ( moon) as though thoughts are spiraling out of control…)

And on TOP of it, Mercury, the ruler of this full moon is about to retrograde Monday adding to the sense of cognitive spin.

Solution? Observe the thoughts first before they get translated into the words spoken. If EVER our words mattered they do today, tomorrow, this week…The full moon is shining a spotlight rich with meaning on the words thought and spoken.

15442110_1807128416227683_6454079072656152159_nThe sabian symbol of `baby birds’ in their nest speaks of a sense of newness, and vulnerability. While a nest is `home’ the birds….with time…will be fully expected to fly off on their own. What part of you is nesting ( resting?) before the expectation of mature release? A project? A relationship? A crisis? ( WHEN will this be over we ask??!)

The most important message this week? Words…matter.

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Neptune Stations Direct: Path to Clarity

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Neptune, the god of the sea, stations direct on Saturday November 19, 2016, 9 degrees of Pisces at 11:39 pm EST. Time to reconnect with our inner intuitive self, our dreams, our divinity and the `namaste’ presence. It’s time to bring forward the dreams of June which went `underground’ when Neptune retrograde.  It’s time to affirm how we fit into the `bigger picture.’

Neptune reflects the notion that each particulate is a part of something. No one stands alone. No wonder water is the way of Neptune: the universal dissolver. Water is the essential ingredient of life itself. From the watery womb we all emerge and to the great unknowable cosmos we all return.15094991_1249818421728396_4533064818464937974_n

Positive reflections of Neptune include creative compassion and mutual understanding and forgiveness of those who are `not us.’ This spirit of generosity arises from a stance which suggests that we are all one. What I do to `you’ impacts `me,’ because each individual reflects the all.

Neptune is the energy of spirit; divinity, magic, transcendence, psychic ability and spiritualism. That which inspires me is Neptune. Dreams capture the essence of Neptune, as does the glamour of the film industry. A good film is both an `escape’ as we suspend `belief’.  Yet because of its nebulous quality Neptune can also confuse and confound.

Negative manifestations of Neptune include confusion, illusion, escapism and lies.  Addictive behaviors are the obvious traits of Neptunian escapism energy gone rouge. Better to escape to the beach, the arts and to reverie.

We have experienced the full expression of Neptune since 2011 because it was then when the planet  `came home’ to its ruling sign, Pisces. This `homecoming’ is rarified occurring only once every 164 years, lasting approximately 14 years. During this go around we have until 2026 to figure out the `unknowable.’! The collective is experiencing the slippery transcendence of Neptune themes through conflictual ideology: individuality versus the group, nationalism versus globalism, boundaries versus open borders, religion versus spiritualism. Individually we are also reflecting upon such issues wherever Pisces is placed in our charts.airELEMENT2

The last Neptune in Pisces transit occurred during the decade leading up the American Civil War. The philosophical walls holding slavery in place tumbled down in response to the message of Neptune in Pisces: we are all one.  Marx was inspired during this time to pen the `Communist Manifesto,’ painting a picture of Utopian ideals of human cooperation. Transcendentalism philosophies influenced celebrated writers such as Emerson and Thoreau who dreamed of `rising above it all’ through their back to nature movement.  Theosophy introduced its belief that beings of light are actively assisting humankind. Spiritualism, the religion where mediums talk to the dead, was born in 1848 and flourished in America during the carnage of the American Civil War.

And so… this leads us to the days following November 19, 2016. Since June 12th Neptune has been retrograde in Pisces. A period of retrograde is a time of incubation, when the issues of the planet are reworked, reconfigured and redesigned. Neptune is subtle, but the message is loud. It’s asking each of us; What do you believe?

Of course, the American election cycle was a perfect projection of this self and collective analysis. The players played their parts as if on cue. Even the messages of the candidates reflected the dichotomy of Neptune: Individualism ( Make America Great) versus globalism ( Stronger Together). Add a good dose of the passing nodes in the polarity of Virgo versus Pisces and you had a rip-roaring critical nit-picking drama which was just overwhelmingly exhausting.

If you haven’t yet heard of the `Standing Rock Controversy’ you surely will as Neptune stations direct. The Standing Rock Sioux tribe is embroiled in a legal fight against the powers that be to halt construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. Tribal elders claim the pipeline threatens the only water supply for the Standing Rock Reservation and would destroy sacred sites. The first seeds of protest emerged at the Neptune Saturn square during the spring of 2016. Much of the on-going controversy was not widely reported by mainstream media. Yet after the Neptune station, more media coverage is anticipated as the legal battle heats up.  As of this writing the tribe’s cause has garnered international support with thousands of protesters gathering throughout the world. One of the rallying cries is `Water is Life’ and ` Standing with Standing Rock.’standingrockwater

If there is any planet which suggests a `rock’ it would be Saturn; structure, rules, the authorities, the establishment, power. There is no small irony that the name of the tribe who are fighting against the oil companies, and government agencies is Standing Rock. And, there is no coincidence that during most of 2016 we had the idealism of Neptune being curtailed by the reality of Saturn through a series of tense aspects called `squares.’

Back to just `Neptune.’  Since the Neptune retrograde on June 13th, you might say we have all been collectively holding our breath; what’s REALLY happening? Why aren’t my ideals being validated? What ARE my core beliefs? Who ARE those people who don’t share MY beliefs?

Following the direct motion, Neptune graces us with Neptune clarity, which by all accounts isn’t always that concrete! Neptune rules symbolism, dreams, right-brained experiences embodied by music, the arts, poetry. Check inward for a dollop of guidance which will steer your individual ship.  Perhaps you’ll receive just the right message from your dreams, daydreams or meditations and prayers. Turn to the Neptune themes: divinity, God, faith and beliefs. Trust your inner Neptune to bolster your sense of authenticity.neptuneinpisceshandsobearth

At the same time, the south node, has been Neptune’s travel companion. The south node accentuates the NEGATIVE of an energy. Neptune/Pisces at it’s worse is the collapse into victimhood and fear, confusion and illusion.  We have had a front row to that performance since mid-June! Perhaps, because the Neptune energy has been retrograde for so long at the station direct it could transform the negativity within and without into a semblance of forgiveness and compassion. Vibrating to the highest `namaste’ energy of Neptune can ease the differences reflected by the Virgoan polarity of nick-picky criticism. One can only hope that the positive spirit of Neptune; unity, love, compassion and forgiveness will move us forward as Neptune stations direct.

 

November 13th – Super Moon

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fullmoonoverwaterSo! take a peak at the SUPER MOON rising in the east friends.(Then tune into WKBW Channel 7 for my interview on this phenomenon at 6:00 pm and 11:00 pm tonight!)

Why oh why? Cycles…simple cycles. The moon’s orbit swoops closer to earth. What makes tonight so special it that it hasn’t been this close (perigee) to our home planet since 1948!

15094991_1249818421728396_4533064818464937974_nSymbolically the moon represents nurturing, protection, and the unconscious. All full moons offer us a chance to symbolically see another’s opposing point of view. Its a symbol of empathy…placing yourself in another’s shoes. Often there are high octane tension filled feelings just prior to the full moon. We feel out-of-control, and…angry at the `others’ who don’t see what we do.

full-moon-nov-14-16THI full moon in the sign of Taurus should do much to ground ourselves following a most surreal week. Life …indeed….seems changed.

The sabian symbol of THIS 22 degree Taurus moon is that of the `white dove flying over troubled waters.’ Healing time I hope & pray.

Astrology Research

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Astrology Research

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