Astrology of Joy

Category: astrology

  • Mars-Saturn Conjunction in Aquarius 2022

    In astrology, in addition to the birth chart, we also consider the current movements of the planets within the zodiac. This helps bring awareness of opportunities to welcome and pitfalls to avoid. These movements are called transits. When two or more planets combine their energies because they are transiting certain signs in relation to one another, their combined effect can be profound.

    In this post, we are focusing on one such transit occurring in Aquarius because of its strong potential to cause inner turmoil affecting outer circumstances. As challenging as it might be, however, there is an opportunity. 

    The aspect in question is the Mars Saturn conjunction presently going on through 15 April in the sign of Aquarius. Aquarius is the sign related to following the will of God, i.e., your higher Self, your authentic Self. In Capricorn, we learn to listen to God’s commands. In Aquarius, we follow them… at least that is the idea. Because we are evolving spiritual beings, being authentic is a learning process. When Mars and Saturn move through Aquarius together, that process is interrupted and challenged.

    Mars-Saturn Conjunction: Inner Turmoil, Outer Conflict

    Although recent studies indicate that in regard to world history we are living more peaceably with one another than ever before, a casual review of current affairs and the recent past and we find it hard to believe that human society is evolving. The truth is we all play a part in what goes on in the world and the current Mars Saturn conjunction in Aquarius illuminates how this begins with each of us. The inner turmoil caused by our unfulfilled desires creates outer conflict.

    Mars represents action; Saturn is inaction. In its most mature form within a human being, Mars is the capacity to do the right thing at the right time. In eastern traditions, this is referred to as dharma. Saturn is the capacity to objectively engage life. Though emotions bring sweetness to our circumstances (moon), it is Saturn that provides the firm foundation upon which the emotions play. When we are ungrounded, our Saturn, i.e., when our capacity to stay rooted in the present is disturbed, our emotional nature can become unstable and we can suffer large mood swings. 

    The Nature of Mars-Saturn

    Imagine you are making a pot of lobster bisque from an old family recipe. In this pot, you have all the finest ingredients: fresh lobster from Maine, tomato sauce from your own vine-ripened heirloom tomatoes, hand-picked forest mushrooms and cream from your local farmer. You add some chopped organic celery and chives, a touch of tarragon and thyme, fresh ground pepper and… where’s the hand-harvested sea salt from Île de Ré?? Not a pinch in the house! The local shop is closed and your guests arrive in ten minutes. There is only one thing to do; get mad! Get angry! So you give your grateful dog the bisque and yell at your spouse for using the last of the salt in their morning bath… ?

    This is what the Mars-Saturn conjunction is like: we have a strong desire, but we meet a thick wall of resistance either from within or without. The result is unfulfilled desire which often leads to frustration, anger, loss of discrimination and, ultimately, destruction. Not a very joyful way to live, is it? Is there a better way? 

    Mars and Saturn are in Aquarius and indicate a need for us to be vigilant of our own tendencies to prevent destructive actions from taking place. Mars is our capacity to take right action at the right time. It is our warrior knight who knows what needs to be done and does it willingly. Saturn represents our objectivity and our capacity to persevere by embracing the necessary process. When we are methodical, we are accessing our Saturn.

    When these two share the same space in a chart, the results are not pleasant UNLESS you know what is happening. Our impulse is to act without hesitation (Mars); our prudence seeks to commit only after a careful examination of the details (Saturn). When conjunct (together in the same sign), they create friction. Mars wants to go, Saturn wants to hold back. In the end, frustration happens. Frustration, of course, is a result of an unfulfilled desire. Unfulfilled desire leads to anger, either towards others or towards oneself (depression). Once anger establishes itself within us, we lose discrimination and this loss of discrimination can become destructive. 

    Helpful Hints

    For Aries, Cancer, Leo, Scorpio, Sagittarius, or Pisces sun-signs, Mars is a ‘friend’ and Saturn an ‘enemy’. This means your Mars energy is more balanced than your Saturn energy. Therefore, action is a better policy than holding back. Obviously, you want to do your homework, but your basic tendency is to sabotage your goals through too much consideration and deliberation to the point you miss the opportunity.

    For Taurus, Gemini, Virgo, Libra, Capricorn, or Aquarius sun-signs, your Saturn energy is more balanced than your Mars energy. Therefore, be cautious of strong desires during this time. Use your Saturn to make sure what you are about to do is going to take you where you want to go. If your plans get delayed, reflect on whether that delay was a blessing in disguise.

  • Sun-sign Forecast: March 21 — April 19

    Are you an Aries or a Leo, a Libra or a Capricorn? Whichever sign you were born under, your sun-sign reveals the quality of your self-image — do you see yourself as a shining star or a lump of coal? Elemental Astrology considers the ‘sun chart’ as the most important astrological chart; our life is built upon our self-image and identity. The more we identify with our limitless, infinite self, the more we live joyfully authentic, free from the limitations of our past.

    On March 20, the sun moved into Aries, a fire sign that represents the power behind creation. Everyone can make this a time of growth and rejuvenation; however, depending upon your sun sign, your approach will differ. For those with sun-sign Aries, Cancer, Leo, Scorpio, Sagittarius, or Pisces, this period is constructive and offers an opportunity to build upon your vision of what is possible. For those with their birth sun in Taurus, Gemini, Virgo, Libra, Capricorn, or Aquarius, this time breaks down old patterns, signifying an opportunity to lay out a new direction filled with possibility and potential.

    NOTE: The following is offered for your consideration and contemplation as a means to nudge your awareness. As always, to get the most out of current astrological events, sign up for a consultation with me through ZOOM. What follows is only a small snippet from the perspective of the sun. A reading from the perspective of the moon and rising sign, though absolutely essential, requires an accurate birth time.

    Forecast March 21 through April 19

    Aries Sun: With the Sun back in your birth sign, you have an opportunity to stand firmly in your own identity during this period. With renewed confidence in your yourself, vision is key and taking this month to gain clarity in how you want your life to unfold will lay the foundation for greater things. To help this process and overcome a inclination to fear change, focus on how you communicate with others, both in expressing yourself and in listening. Jupiter helps you take positive steps toward embracing the spiritual process and finding a teacher to help guide you.

    Taurus Sun: There is a blossoming energy of self denial and humility that can support you in understanding your spiritual nature while making progress serving others without regard for yourself. This is great as long as you don’t deny your emotional experience while doing so. Helping others is an affair of the heart and best served with love, compassion, joy, and gratitude. To get the most out of this period, understand that your ability to serve is a vital aspect of who you are.

    Gemini Sun: Giving attention to the role material gain and income plays in your life will help you align these areas with your natural talents and abilities. With Jupiter in Pisces, this can also give you insight into your work and activity. The key for you is to spiritualise this process by embracing activities that help ground you. The best way to do this? Be true to yourself.

    Cancer Sun: There is a subtle shift in how you identify with your work and activity allowing for gains to be realised in these areas. Through honest communication with yourself and others, you have an opportunity to begin a process of reestablishing a connection with work that is more “you”, more authentic. This, in turn, sets into motion income and material gains down the road. For you, feelings are more important than outer show.

    Leo Sun: Your relationship to teachers and fathers or father figures gets a nice boost while the sun is in Aries. Opportunities through these relationships symbolise a natural increase in your capacity to connect to grace and generate your own “good luck”. Long journeys during this time will help you find more confidence in yourself. A bonus? Spend time with animals, in particular friendly ones.

    Virgo Sun: The sun creates an opportunity to embrace the mystical, the unseen ever-present hand of grace. This energy is naturally inward moving making it challenging to make worldly gains, something that is better suited when the sun enters Taurus beginning April 20. Instead, use this time to meditate and reflect on your capacity to receive what is offered. Meditative activities prosper.

    Libra Sun: Now is a wonderful time to reflect on how you relate to others and to the world in general. In one sense, the world is a mirror of what we hold within ourselves and challenging relationships during this time can reveal the ways in which we try to make gains off of others. In truth, you are complete as you are. Experiencing this, you relate to others not from need, but from a sense of unity and compassion. Be wary of handing your power over to others.

    Scorpio Sun: Making friends with enemies, especially at work, brings gain. Embrace your physicality through activities like gardening, trekking, fitness training, or getting a massage. These will help align you to a more robust vision of yourself and will help offset this year’s extra sensitivity you have to the past. Spending this time immersed in life’s details helps clear the cobwebs.

    Sagittarius Sun: While the sun is in Aries, have a romantic fling with Life! Embrace creative pursuits which can bring you a more expanded vision of who you think you are and what you can become. This goes for embracing intellectual challenges and activities with children, especially in nature. Throw yourself completely in your spiritual practices and you shall find a handsome reward.

    Capricorn Sun: Make home and family a place of rejuvenation by stepping out of the box. This is a time of new horizons when thinking of home and family. Be warned, however; a lack of humility and too much emphasis on “me and mine” can derail possible gains. This is especially true in your relationship with the mother. At its root, there is a tendency to sabotage compassion and love at the alter of security. Security is an inner state of feeling one with all of life, not an outer temporal circumstance.

    Aquarius Sun: Feelings of fulfilment can come through your pursuit of goals as long as there are good intentions behind your desires. Be careful of trying to run over others in pursuit of happiness. Instead, be like the sun: it shines on all no matter who they are. Even on a cloudy day, the sun still shines. A class in acting, dance, music, or photography can help you find a better you. Keep a journal.

    Pisces Sun: Candid communication with yourself brings rewards, especially in resolving childhood issues and establishing the frame of mind required to ignite your wealth building power. Jupiter’s current position in Pisces indicates a natural inclination within you towards self-reflection on work and activity. The sun in Aries offers great support for this to happen. Look for this to be connected to health, healing, and selfless service.

  • A New Year of Relationships

    We all have relationships in our life.  We have relationships with people, animals, places, circumstances, objects, possessions, activities, beliefs, ideologies, etc.  We even have relationships with emotions, pleasure, and pain.  A typical human life is a vast network of relationships. The quality of our relationships, the importance we give them, and how we prioritise them determines everything about us, in this world and beyond.

    Do we have a relationship with God?  With Truth?  With our own Self?  If so, what is the quality of our relationship?  How important is it?  How do we prioritise it amongst all the other relationships? One of the most fundamental indicators of spiritual growth is the change that occur in our relationships.  As our inner being grows stronger, wiser, and purer, our relationships with people and things also grow stronger, wiser, and purer.  They are profoundly transformed.          

    Why does this happen?  Because life is a process of evolving from the ordinary to the extraordinary, from the temporary to the eternal.  There are some people who fully align themselves with this truth, there are others who do so partially, and some dismiss it entirely.  Nonetheless, this process of evolving pervades Creation.

    During the beginning stages of this evolution we tend to have many relationships that are not important.  Some are unnecessary and burdensome, some are entangled in conditioning and emotions, some are debilitating, and some are simply the product of poor understanding and delusion.  In the beginning stages, that which is worldly and temporary is most important to us.  In the later stages, that which is spiritual and eternal is most important.  

    As time goes on — whether this is in terms of months, years, or lifetimes — a spiritually-minded person gradually matures resulting in comprehensive and profound changes to their relationships.  Their relationships are purified and prioritised by the subtle workings of Grace, by the inner Companion of our own heart.

    A new year is before us:

    Let’s stop putting off what needs to be done now.

    Let’s stop relying on outer pleasures and comforts.

    Let’s rely on what’s inside us.

    Let’s follow the will of our inner Companion, not the will of our mind.

    Let’s stop being afraid of Truth.

    Let’s stop making excuses.

    Let’s be honest with ourselves and each other.

    Let’s make this new year a year of spiritual maturity such that all of our relationships are purified and prioritised.  

    And then let us live by this… this year and the year after.

  • MAYDAY 2020: How to Take Advantage of the Coming Change

    This coming week, a major change is taking place in the astrological heavens: the nodes of the Moon will change signs, something that only happens every one and a half years. On May 6, the South node moves into Sagittarius while the North node enters Gemini. As you will recall from last month’s newsletter, the South Node has been in Capricorn since November 2018. The South node represents our past and its location in astrology signifies where constriction from the subconscious pain and pleasure of previous lives keeps us knotted up and confused about how to move forward. Capricorn is our capacity to listen to our higher self, the truth that is rooted firmly in the present and never the past. This capacity to listen, however, has tended to be “bound up” with the past, making it difficult to know what direction to take.

    Nothing represents this confusion more than the current Covid-19 pandemic. Even now, scientists are not completely sure with what they are dealing and false information has been rampant. Capricorn represents governments, the establishment, right action and jobs. Delays and confusion has been the norm for many governments and even experienced medical experts. Those countries with the highest fatalities and cases were some of the slowest to act and to make it worse, people around the world are suffering from loss of livelihoods.

    As I mentioned last week, to offset our incapacity to take a firm step forward, we needed to look toward the North Node. In Cancer, it represents home, family, the feminine and sweet emotions like love, joy, compassion and gratitude. Embracing these aspects of our lives consciously and not as a knee-jerk response to fear, we actually loosen the hold of the past, allowing us to see our better options. As horrible as this period has been for many people, it is still an opportunity to become better humans.

    So what of Sagittarius and Gemini, the signs of the zodiac the nodes will soon occupy? What tendencies will be energised for the next year and one half? Where could we stumble and where could we find an answer?

    Sagittarius is the sign of purification. It is a fire sign and it is Sagittarius that represents the need to experience the “fire” of life in order to be willing enough to grow beyond our limited perspectives. Ultimately, this fire frees us from our limited view of ourself but the process can be challenging. Like gold in the fire of the goldsmith, we need to embrace the fire in order to be transformed into our highest potential. Old concepts must go in order for a new life to emerge.

    The challenge comes not so much in having to go through transformation as it is our resistance to the process. The South node in Sagittarius indicates that we will tend to resist this change, that we will not want to let go of what has been the status quo in order to embrace a brighter future. Many in the media are speaking of a “new normal” as if it is something to fear and dread. This cannot be further from reality. The “normal” ways we have lived life has got to change. Our education systems are a shambles, the gap between rich and poor widens and the planet is nearing a point of collapse. A new normal is absolutely needed.

    Sagittarius is also related to wealth and abundance. What this indicates, then, is that for the next year and a half, we will experience challenges related to wealth stemming from our desire to hold onto it at any cost. For some, there may be great fluctuations in their wealth–up and down, up and down– as this desire to “hang on” stems from a tumultuous past and needs to be understood as a compulsion based upon fear from previous lives and not indicative of what we should do, now, in the present. In many ways, people will be asked to take a profound look at their lives and reevaluate the consumer oriented economy. How much does one really need in order to live a good life for themselves and their family?

    How does one gain more awareness into this process? The past holds us prisoner in our subconscious, a place that is very difficult to illuminate. The answer is found in the North node and its location in Gemini. On the one hand, the North node represents the compulsive actions arising as a “knee-jerk” response to the past. In this way, the North node indicates challenge through unconscious action. However, the North node always represents a doorway through which we can imbibe our higher aspirations. These aspirations are a reflection of our higher self, our authentic self free from our past. Unconscious action digs the hole deeper; conscious action brings illumination and a better life.

    What does this doorway look like over these coming months?

    Gemini is the sign of discernment, of discrimination and analysis. These qualities lie in the conscious part of the mind and evolution has made it available to us as a tool for our survival. Without this aspect of our intellect, we would not be able to survive in the world; a mind without discrimination would endanger the body. The reason you don’t intentionally lay your hand on a hot stove is because you have been burned before and you you don’t need to be told again. However, in the course of living many lifetimes, we have gained impressions from countless situations and circumstances. These impressions keep us from making conscious choices. Instead, our tendency is to go blindly down the road of life acting upon any desire that rears its head never realising these compulsions our simply holdovers from a painful past. In this way, we create a difficult life for ourselves.

    Our challenge during this period is to use our powers of discernment and discrimination as a tool to lead us to a better life. When a desire arises in the mind, hit the pause button. Never take action when you are “excited” by either fear or expectation for excitement is not wisdom; excitement is simply anticipating a reward. The stronger the desire, the stronger the excitement. Instead, look for qualities like enthusiasm, joy, aliveness, compassion; these are more “true” and are much more likely to lead you down the best path for you. These emotions need no “reward” for the reward is the experience, itself.

    To summarise, these are the primary “push and pulls” over the next year and one half:

    • The South node indicates an unwillingness to sacrifice our comforts and pleasures for a higher state of consciousness. This unwillingness will actually create an attempt to avoid what is best for us, think, instead, that it will do us harm.
    • Unwillingness causes us to become constricted and overly sensitive in whatever specific areas of life Sagittarius represents for us (as per our astrological chart)
    • This, in turn, causes a knee-jerk response such that may tend to “overthink” everything, choosing actions based upon warped logic and not truth, that is, not what is really best for ourselves and others. Without awareness, the primary motive to act becomes one of safety and security.

    To live harmoniously, we need to:

    • First, reflect. Not every desire that arises is harmful. How to determine which are beneficial and which are not? Only act upon those desires that reflect where you really want to go; most desires are wolves in sheep’s clothing and only reveal themselves to be a compulsion after you have engaged them and suffered. Discrimination brought about by thoughtful contemplation and self-reflection will go a long way toward getting you through this period in the best way possible.
    • As you do this, you will naturally see the areas of your life, represented by Sagittarius, open up and take on a greater harmony with life. Areas, especially finances, will become more clear so that you can better navigate through this challenging period.

    This next year and one half is really asking you to contemplate very deeply what it is you want and where it is you want to go. As I have said repeatedly, the pandemic is an opportunity, a call to live a better, more harmonious life. Most will not understand the potential of this time and will simply bounce between the karmas of their past. You, on the other hand, can unequivocally come out of this a better person living a better life.

    Be vigilant… then go for it!

  • Blame the astrologer, not astrology…

    To get the most out of an astrological reading, you have to have the courage to put into action the recommendations of the astrologer. This requires trust and at least a modicum of willingness to explore the possibilities. Still, astrology is only as good as the astrologer. Schedule an appointment with a half-baked astrologer and, provided you are sincere, you will get half-baked results.

    Astrologers are the problem with modern astrology. And there is one simple reason: astrologers are not embracing the process of unfolding their own understanding with the same enthusiasm as they approach learning the rules and techniques of astrology. This is not at all saying all modern astrologers are half-baked but in over 27 years of practicing astrology as a professional, this astrologer has found few astrologers intensely engaged in their own spiritual unfoldment.

    What is the result? The result is that modern astrology has become overly focused on a person’s predicted outcomes and not on their unfoldment as a spiritual being. Predictions are based upon a person’s conditioned mind and ignore their higher possibilities.  After all, astrology is a map of one’s karma at the moment they are born, leaving open the possibility that in their current incarnation, one can make choices that changes the momentum and direction of the karma they were born with.

    Astrology is a tool for enlightenment and enlightenment is living without conditioning of any kind. In this state, a person acts from the pure creative impulse of Consciousness and not because some story from their past is dictating how they should act and react. It is when the astrologer loses sight of the reason for astrology’s existence, that he then reduces astrology to nothing more than a crystal ball. Predictions have their place and can help people avoid suffering or embrace opportunity but astrology is more than that; it is a means by which one can let go of the need for predictions, instead, every act they do is in perfect harmony with who they really are and that is in perfect harmony with Consciousness.

    Astrologers must do their own homework and continue to gain understanding into the mysteries of existence and their own human nature. Only then will astrology be legitimized in the world as an authentic means to unleashing human potential.