Astrology of Joy

Everyday Astrology for Exceptional People

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The Primal Wound

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Why do we hurt?

In the beginning, before there were human beings, before planets, stars, and even light, God spoke the Word and manifested himself through the Big Bang. So mighty was His word, the fundamental building blocks for all creation, earth, water, fire, air, and space were born in that monumental effulgent eruption of grace. Yet, at that same moment, a primal wound was opened in the energetic field, a wound that reverberated throughout the Universe. For human beings, it is a reminder that the source of creation lies beyond any physical form. 

In its essence, the primal wound is one of separation from God and it was born the moment God manifested Himself as physical reality. That moment is reflected in the story of Adam and Eve as told in the Abrahamic religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, an allegory for how the primal wound was formed. Eden represents God, the Source of All, the conscious nothingness which contains within it the Tree of Knowledge whose fruit represents the sum of all possibilities. Eating its fruit, God separated Himself from Himself to become the physical reality. Since that moment of separation, when ‘Adam and Eve’ were cast out of Eden, everything in the Universe holds this primal wound. It is reflected in how everything in the Universe is at the mercy of Kala, time. Nothing physical lasts forever, not even the Universe itself…

For human beings who are blessed with self-awareness, this primal wound is not only a reminder there is a dimension beyond form, but a reason to keep searching, to rise above the pain of separation and the suffering it unleashes. In Astrology of Joy, we divide the primal wound into four basic categories: rejection, abandonment, betrayal, and shame (See Table 1). These afflictions create modifications of the mind that influence every aspect of our life until the moment we separate ourself from our past. The purpose of our life, the meaning of this game within which we find ourselves, is to reclaim the Eden within us where there is no past, just our one true nature connected to the Source of All, God.

In astrology, the Source of All is represented by the Sun. The Sun is the brightest, most visible object in the sky; it symbolises God, the Father, the creator, the Source of All. It is only through the Sun that life exists on Earth. In the same way, it is only through the Sun that we are able live a fulfilling life. The Sun in astrology represents our connection to God and manifests as our dharma, our life plan. When we are aligned with our dharma, with the life plan instilled within us by God, the Creator, our life flows naturally, without effort, and we rest in a state of ease that is beyond all understanding.

Yet, the opposite is also true. Deviating from our dharma, we suffer. The more we ‘get off track’, the more we suffer. In this sense, we can use our suffering as a gauge for determining the quality of our relationship to God and the extent to which we have separated ourselves from Him. Enlightenment is simply letting go of the illusion that we are separate and reclaiming our rightful place in the Kingdom of God.

“The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.” 

Jesus to the Pharisees, Luke 17:20–21 (NKJV)

Why do we deviate from our dharma? The primal wound pushes us to do so. Having forgotten our true home, Eden, we first seek resolution in the world (Virgo) with all its possibilities. When this fails, we attempt to stop the pain through relationships and sex (Libra). For most, this is how their life unfolds and, in the end, they leave this world with regrets only to try again in another life.

For others, however, a realisation dawns, that neither the world nor another person will ease the pain in their heart. This moment is encapsulated in the sign of Scorpio whose symbol, the scorpion, stings one into wakefulness. Though there is still much inner work to be done, such people have at least a spark of awareness which can become a blaze through grace and self-effort.

To gain a better understanding of how the primal wound affects your life, draw your attention to its basic transmutations in Table 1 below: rejection, abandonment, betrayal, and shame. These exist as subconscious impressions within us, reverberations from that first moment when physical reality was born, separated from God. Each of these transmutations are always at play in our life in different combinations, creating modifications in the mind that keep us from making choices beneficial to ourselves and others.

In astrology, these modifications have a past (Ketu, the South node) and a present-future (Rahu, the North node). They have a history made up of countless lifetimes and when one life is not enough to express them, they are carried over into the next life. In this way, every human being carries with them into their life the burden of the primal wound which in turn causes us to attempt to escape its pain. How? Through Rahu, the North node, the shadow planet of desire.

Rahu in Vedic astrology represents the areas of life where we attempt to escape the pain and constriction of the primal wound. Those of you who have had a Vedic astrology reading with me understand how Rahu is a very difficult energy to harness, process, and express in a beautiful way. Without the guidance of a strong connection to one’s inner virtues, Rahu is like attempting to ride a wild horse: untamed it can take you to the edge of a cliff… and into the abyss of suffering. For many, it often does.

Rahu is Maya, illusion. It draws us into actions that lead to suffering through worldly enticements, sensuality, and promises of pleasure. Wherever it is in your chart reveals where it is you battle to keep your wits about you. Rahu shows where people lose their discrimination, boundaries, moral compass, and, sometimes, even their sanity. A person with Rahu in the first house, for example, is preoccupied with their own survival. For one with Rahu in the seventh, they find themselves in an exhausting cycle of relationships, affairs, and sex which serve only to leave them energetically depleted and disillusioned.

Nevertheless, Rahu can be tamed; after all, unmodified by the primal wound, Rahu is the creative impulse of Consciousness. When expressed in accordance to one’s dharma, Rahu is powerful in its capacity to create, whether it be new inventions or a new life. Rahu cannot be tamed through will power; the power of Rahu can only be harnessed by raising one’s level of consciousness.

Still, you can use the table above to help guide you towards actions that will actually benefit you and others. When we are caught in Rahu’s web, our actions are hurried, impulsive, compulsive, obsessive, restless, and even temporarily insane. Like a ten-headed demon, Rahu tramples logic, reason, and objective thinking and we don’t even notice, so inflamed our our passions, our fears, and our desperate attempt to escape the pain of the primal wound.

When you feel restless to make a decision, pause. Reflect on the modifications in Table 1 to see which wound could be making you feel off centre. For example, if your relationship is strained and you sincerely want to improve it, look at the table to see where you might be limiting or holding back progress. Ultimately, one must understand that, although they are not responsible for how another person feels, they are completely responsible for providing what is needed in any given moment. This is what responsibility means, the ABILITY to RESPOND. This takes willingness.

It is really very simple: we feel miserable because we have strayed from our true nature, the authentic plan that God instilled within us so He could experience the delight of being human. The only reason we stray from our authenticity is because one or more of the modifications in Table 1 is rearing its head from our past and insisting that we make this choice or that, but what our hurt urges us to do is completely contrary to what is needed in order to “get back on track”. 

Embrace your authenticity one breath at a time. Allow your one true nature, that which you are and always have been, to be your guide in whatever decisions you face. The key to knowing when this happens is to simply look at your state of mind. Let joy be your guide. When we make decisions from our joy, we have invited our divinity in to help guide us. Joy is God and through Joy we will do good works. After all, the Kingdom of God is within you and Joy is its banner.

What confines you doesn’t define you

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Though we enjoy technological achievements vastly beyond what previous generations could ever have imagined, our increasing reliance on intoxicants to make it through each day is unprecedented. As a society, we are turning to anti-depressants, alcohol, and illicit drugs in a fruitless attempt to hide our pain and ease our fears. Yet, even those who stay sober mistake their pettiness for something meaningful and spend so much of their life energy propping up an illusion. We cling to race, religion, nationality, even political affiliations, titles, and surnames. No matter the consequences, we will use anything as a lifeline to keep us afloat… until it doesn’t. When the storm hits and the waves of circumstance tower over us, our pride abandons us and we are left feeling alone and afraid. What’s the answer?

Considering the zodiac as a representation of our journey from embodied being to liberated soul, the constellation of Leo is that point in our journey when we assume a physical body in order to find meaning. For most, this means seeking the answer in the material world (through Virgo). Yet, even though our physicality is projected outwards, it is how we see ourselves that unlocks the door to meaningful experience. Thus, Leo is the state of our self-confidence and our self-worth; in short, Leo is our self-image and Virgo is where we express it.

Uma’s Garden is a wonderfully, uplifting site featuring aphorisms and artwork as well as inspiring quotes from icons of spiritual thought. One of the illustrations I found especially relevant this month is that of a butterfly and chrysalis with the proclamation “What confines us doesn’t define us”. From one perspective, this illustration urges us to look past our limitations and trust in the process of transformation — a natural part of every human life. This is an important attitude to take for too often we sabotage our experience of joy simply through over-analysis and self-judgment. 

The chrysalis also symbolises how the process of transformation happens within us just as we are. Though we are a bundle of physical and emotional traits gathered from our past, those traits do not define who we are. Like the caterpillar in the chrysalis, no matter what is on the outside, the inner change from individual to exalted soul is happening within the context of who we are, just as we are — right here, right now. Though it happens whether we realise it or not, even whether we want it or not, becoming aware of the process has the power to turn a fragile spark into a roaring blaze. 🤗

Your Sun-sign Forecast MAY 2022

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For the coming month
(April 20 through May 20, 2022)

Taurus: home, family, emotional connection… these have always occupied a significant part of your identity and your search for happiness. This month take advantage of your expanding solar energy and look beyond family to yourself where the source of true contentment lies. Ask yourself, “What makes me happy? What brings a smile to my face each morning?” It is human nature to be joyful, loving, and blissful. This month, find yours.

Gemini: your task this month goes beyond chasing your desires and seeking to fulfil your personal ambitions. Acknowledge the natural stirring in your heart to offer yourself in service to the world and others. Though speech may seem an impediment, communication is not. There is more than one way to cook rice. 

Cancer: opportunity has opened the door for you this month, but it is up to you to cross the threshold. Material gain happens through networking and networking depends upon good communication. Don’t overthink it and no need to pander. You are already in the limelight.

Leo: perhaps no other time of the year affords you such an opportunity to understand why you are in the work you are, why you chose the career path you did. Once you understand this, you will be in an enviable position to make your work a source of joy… or find new work that does. 

Virgo: do you fancy a spiritual teacher who can help you “swim to the other side” as Pat Humphries sings in her song of the same name? This month, there is an uptick in your openness to find such a teacher. Feeling stuck? Look to the earth for answers: spend time in your garden or walk barefoot on the beach. It helps clear the cobwebs and sparks the fire of opportunity.

Libra: it’s not uncommon to shoot ourselves in the foot when it comes to making income. Pride is the culprit. This month, investigate the possibility of combining your goals with someone you trust. Business partnerships are percolating within you and can help get you over the hump. Need an extra push? Spend time with yogis and mystics. They tend to think “out of the box”.

Scorpio: this year has been a bit tough and I can’t really tell you the challenges are finished. Don’t despair! This month, your work and activity gets a boost through your capacity to bring out the best in people. This makes you feel good about yourself and just as the snowball gathers more snow as it rolls down the hill, so too, do you gather more authenticity.

Sagittarius: do you have any father-figures in your life, a teacher, perhaps, or a mentor or guru? Perhaps your birth father? Good. Everyone has something beautiful about them. Spend time with them this month and learn from their example. Selfless service brings untold rewards, most of which you have never considered.

Capricorn: this is an interesting and potentially exciting month for you. Your power of intuition and psychic ability is holding the hand of your creativity. Allow the mystical to inspire you whether it is to resolve an old issue or to paint a masterpiece like the Mona Lisa whose other-worldly smile has transfixed the hearts of millions.

Aquarius: you tend to give a lot of yourself in your relationships which has not always taken you where you wanted to go. This month, however, you get a boost from friends and family who help you discover that home and family is, indeed, more an experience than a place. Lucky you.

Pisces: O my! Your desires and what the world needs are sharing the same space this month. Good for you. Now you can roll up your sleeves and give the world your best. After all, you are a poet and you know it.

Aries: did you benefit from the sun in Aries last month and take a decisive step toward an authentic life uniquely yours? Great! Now turn your attention towards communicating with others. Don’t think in terms of words only. Creativity has entered the house of communication and always thinks outside the box. You should, too.

Mars-Saturn Conjunction in Aquarius 2022

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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

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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.