wizards vs muggles | straddling two worlds - stuff kicks up after Saturday, get some rest

KMag#57 by haania

February (the first eclipse season of the year) is a very important period of 2017. Can't you feel it?

Right now, we are in between two powerful eclipses - in between karmic events - straddling two worlds.

Eclipses are a kind of cosmic reboot; like when we download new software and have to turn our computer off and back on for the newly downloaded material to function properly.

Except in this case, we are the computer, and our connection to a changing cosmos gets "reset".

Eclipses are some of the most dramatic means life has to draw our attention to spaces that need to change. They allow us to move from one level to another in some area of our lives very quickly. They can have influence weeks before and sometimes kick in 1-3 months after they have happened (often to the exact day). They work in cycles astrologers call Saros cycles.

This month we have two eclipses and they are each part of a different cycle.

The first eclipse, on February 11th, was the Lunar eclipse (Full Moon, 22 degrees Leo) - this one had mostly easy aspects and was the first (since 1999) of the new Aquarius/Leo eclipses.

The next one (and last until August when we have another cycle of two eclipses that connect to the February 11th eclipse), on February 26th (New Moon, 8 degrees Pisces) is the final Pisces/Virgo eclipse. Here's a list of eclipse dates and polarities by Susan Miller. The eclipse on the 26th is a doozy.

On Saturday, the Sun moves into Pisces. Pisces is the ethereal realms. Ruled by Neptune, Pisces is about everything that cannot be physically held - everything mystical, everything magical, everything hidden. It rules water (I hope they've damn well fixed that dam) and has no boundaries. Pisces also rules imagination, compassion, intuition, escapism, addiction, dementia, lies, illusion, spirituality, things/people/situations put away and hidden from view.

We will need more meditation, more SILENCE, more sleep for the next month - keep this in mind.

At the same time that our Sun moves into this watery realm (I see it as us universally burning these themes as fuel - this is also going to make all of us much more sensitive) the Moon comes into its three quarter square position. This is called the waning part of the Moon. The Moon is moving into the last quarter of its monthly cycle - it is in its fall. The Sun, in Pisces, will be exactly squaring the Moon, in Sagittarius. And Pisces, currently housing the South Node and Chiron, is a very powerful space right now. Then Mars will trigger the Cardinal T-Square. Ouch.

We have had Saturn anchoring the situation and giving us some stability, but that aspect will start to fade this weekend. This sounds like Alice down the rabbit hole time to me.  Next week's astrology (including Mars squaring Pluto - issues over power, control. government, independence, rebellion, anger, the drumbeats of war) is rather gnarly. Then Mercury moves into Pisces and we really won't know what to think. Logic will be challenging. On the plus side we will have access to greater compassion and intuition. These things are not to be discounted. So, there's that.

The stuff we think can't go up another notch will go up another notch. More people will wake up.

And this will all lead us toward the eclipse on the 26th.

It's important to remember as we move through this year the future is an incomplete equation.

We are nine years into a Pluto in Capricorn cycle designed to dismantle our power structures. 

We have six years until Pluto moves into Aquarius. 

If we imagine this as a linear journey, and it isn't, we are in the home stretch. 

Chaos is the new normal. This entire thing is way more challenging if we try to control what is happening. The stuff ahead of us looks nothing like the stuff that is behind us. 

This is why it is all so tricky.

Not because it is all so bad, but just because it is all so NEW.

Remember our bodies crave what is familiar, not what is good for us.

My grandmother used to say "you will never know this little again". Think on that. If you can postpone major decisions/moves into after the next eclipse - do that. If you can't, know this is part of the 'fate-train' and do your best with the info you have.

Get some rest. Learn to meditate. Walk in the woods. Got to make some lockets. We'll talk later. xo

Valentine's Day Massacre ... just kidding

old couple by joyl

Valentine's Day has never been a big day/deal for me. Maybe because I've been coupled with the same rather unromantic fellow since Eisenhower was President, just kidding again, but maybe not, since I'm not sure exactly when Eisenhower was President - and have been programmed over time not to expect too much.

I'm mostly OK with that.

Some years the convenience store roses, the kind with the silver glitter that sticks to your face if you get too close -

(I've never understood the need to toss glitter on flowers, who is this idiot with the God complex, thinking to himself "these beautiful roses, they need ... something" )

the red ones on sale near the coffee counter, were resting on my kitchen counter by the end of that night. Other years, maybe when hubs was too busy for coffee (unlikely) or brought his own (more likely) or maybe just because those bins of flowers are there 24/7 now and don't catch his eye anymore (most likely) - he forgets.

I'm not complaining. Really (sniffle). No, really. I've known enough "romantic" fellows with colorful bouquets and guilty consciences that I sobered up pretty early. I don't remember my parents celebrating the day either. It's important to remember that love is a verb, too. And hubs did spend a couple hours last night working on my latest 'project'. I'll try to keep that in mind if my flower vase sits empty tonight.

Today's skies are a bit serious for Valentine's Day. We have 1. sober Saturn sextiling the Aquarius Sun. 2. Both Venus and Mars opposing the Libra Moon. And 3. we have Jupiter (retrograde in Libra) inconjunct Chiron.

Let's look at these in reverse order and see how they might apply to V-Day.

3. Jupiter is inconjunct Chiron. Remember Jupiter is retrograde, so the 'expansion' energy in our life is getting re-tooled in some way through June. Having this aspect in play on Valentine's Day makes me think of expectations being too high. Or some small thing that has expanded into a big thing, maybe because we have smooshed a whole bunch of other small things in there (the times he did or didn't do this or that or the other thing). Now it's an over-inflated balloon ready to pop. And since it's filled with all these sharp little things that might hurt if they stick us in the eye, or heart, the explosion could be dangerous. And painful. If something is painful now, pay attention. A universal focus on romantic "love" can make any lack of it felt more acutely. It is alerting us to an imbalance somewhere. A huge adjustment is probably not needed right now, but something needs to give a little bit. Maybe it can be us.

2. Venus and Mars are opposing the Moon. These are fast transits from last night through today. Let's look at Venus opposing the Moon first. This is the maiden vs the mother energy. I am kind of picturing a man coming home from work and a woman opens the front door, the woman he normally associates with motherhood - maybe because she is the mother of his children, maybe because she reminds him of his own mother or maybe because she mothers him - dressed up very sexy and different. So maybe he goes along with it, but maybe he is a bit uneasy with the transformation when he thinks about it later, something about it strikes him as wrong. Or maybe he goes along with it a little too happily and something about that, when she thinks about it later, strikes her as wrong. There is a kind of no-win built in here. On the other hand I have just written a paragraph with a whole lot of 'maybes'. You two could be having cookies and milk wrapped in satin sheets (is there still such a thing) or drinking silky red wine together in your flannels. Or maybe I am totally overthinking this. But you get the idea.

Now Mars opposing the Moon could be a protective energy or it could be an impulse and action toward independence, a tendency to compete, an ability to be self-sufficient. Maybe some kind of security challenge - that's all I'm going to say about that one.

1. Saturn sextile the Sun - this one is in play for a couple days. This transit shows the support of time, the well-weathered relationship, can be looked at fondly. The opportunity (sextile) comes from what is real and has been worked at. We could be ready to commit. I predict lots of engagements today - I hope they are ready to work hard (Saturn) and allow each other to shine (Sun). This is a 'drama-free zone' aspect here. If you got married today, the journey of your marriage would have some challenges, but this wouldn't be one of them. You'd be in it for the long haul (so make sure it is something worth hauling).

This is great energy to give yourself the structure and stability you need. Think about all you have learned over time. Give yourself a pat on the back. You are still here.

xo and Happy Valentine's Day everyone - let's let go of those expectations and appreciate what we have.

Astrology Forecast for Creatives | Week of February 13th - where's that elephant and happy valentine's day

couple by seloart

We are in the season "between eclipses" (the eye of the storm) - that two week period we experience, usually twice a year, when things can change very quickly and energies (and emotions) can be intense. 

This month's eclipses (the next one is February 26th) are continuing some story from the September 2016 eclipse season and also wrapping up the New Moon energy from August 2015. Last week's eclipse launched a new chapter that will conclude with the August eclipse season.

What has "come to light" in your life - usually by way of something being eclipsed out or out of your way?

Seeing the higher perspective with whatever is happening is easier now - there is greater wisdom, and love, available to us. Our ancestors are standing right behind us. How can we translate this month's experiences into a better, happier life?

On Monday, the Virgo Moon is void until 3:43PM EST. We can get a lot of practiced and routine work accomplished. A good day for paperwork. Not a good day to launch something brand new or anything we want to lead to something else. Know distractions might come up and schedules can change.

The Moon is opposing fuzzy Neptune - making this an especially good time for us to be deluding ourselves. So stay grounded and don't bet the farm.

Late in the day Saturn (in Sagittarius) sextiles our Aquarius Sun - this is great energy for steady progress. We could get good advice or assistance from a father-figure or authority-figure.  A serious attitude and work ethic creates stability. Burning the midnight oil could be a good thing. If you can, sleep in Monday and work a later schedule - you will almost certainly get more done.

Some information may come to us now that will be important or resolve in about a week. There could be disappointments, but maybe just delays. Pay attention.

On Valentine's Day, there are a couple smooth aspects and relationships are front and center (actually this energy started Monday night) - does this surprise anyone? Commitments will be made. Gifts will be taken seriously- keep this in mind if you are doing something last minute.

The fly in the ointment is Jupiter's (retrograde in Libra) inconjunct to the wounded healer asteroid Chiron (in Pisces).

Whatever situation Jupiter has us revisiting could be a bit uncomfortable. If something is moving too fast or getting too big too fast we will feel the discomfort of the stretch of that now. 

Problems/weaknesses may come to light around what is out of balance or what is unjust. Situations where we are doing too much or too little need a re-evaluation. Expansion could be tempered (maybe temporarily). A careful assessment of what is growing is needed now.  Focus.

The shadow of peace loving Libra is denial so Jupiter is showing us that elephant in the livingroom (now through June) by feeding him peanuts. Lots of peanuts. He is, or soon will be, too big to tuck behind the living room sofa. Yes, even one of those five piece sectionals from Pottery Barn. Whatever the situation it will require ADJUSTMENT.

Question : WHERE'S THAT ELEPHANT? Hints below. Check sun and rising signs.

Aries - this imbalance is about equal partnerships
Taurus - this imbalance is about work or health
Gemini - this imbalance is about self expression
Cancer - this imbalance is about home and family
Leo - this imbalance is about self-expression
Virgo - this imbalance is about love or money
Libra - this imbalance is about you
Scorpio - this imbalance is about stuff that is hidden behind the scenes
Sagittarius - this imbalance is about groups, friendship, something public
Capricorn - this imbalance is about career, public image
Aquarius - this imbalance is about travel, higher ed, legal, relocation, publishing
Pisces - this imbalance is about shared resources, intimacy, loans, taxes, investments

On Thursday, Mars (in Aries) sextiles (opportunity) Mercury (flying through Aquarius this week). It gets easier to walk our talk. Our words and actions are supporting each other. This is good energy to announce something new or hear about it and make things happen with it. Words and news could bring an opportunity with friends, the internet or a group cause. Be assertive. Also the Moon is in deep, dark Scorpio, focusing some of us on other people's resources (partner's income, our loans, taxes, investments), fertility issues, research. Initiate.

On Friday, the Moon goes void at 2:38 pm. There could be some surprising news now (yes, again). This is almost a 24 hour void moon ending with the Moon's move into Sagittarius on Saturday. On Saturday, the Sun moves into Pisces. I'll do a post about this!

Heads up -explosive energy coming next week! xo all

Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Leo | the heart of the lion

lion roar by starkatts

Tonight's Full Moon has everything. 

The Moon, Saturn and Uranus make a Grand Fire Trine. The Moon, the Sun, Jupiter and Uranus form a Mystic Rectangle. Chiron in Pisces and Pluto in Capricorn aspect the Moon while Mercury and Venus are sextile and inconjunct the North Node. And of course, the Moon itself is at 22 degrees Leo and exactly opposing the Sun at 22 degrees Aquarius.

This may be a small eclipse because the Moon barely passes through the Earth's shadow making it barely visible (called pre-numbral) but it is making so many connections with so many energies it is very powerful. MAGICAL. And mostly positive.

Remember what a Full Moon does - something comes to light, something comes to fruition, something reaches its potential, maybe something concludes. It is always a time of Moon opposite Sun. An eclipse can trigger unexpected events - things are one way, the lights go out, and when they come back on things are another way.

It can eclipse something out. Lunar eclipses often bring a focus on relationships.

This Moon is part of a Grand Trine with Saturn (time, structure, work) and Uranus (change, sudden). These energies are working together. Sudden changes and unexpected developments will have a steadying effect. Change stabilizes the situation. 

The Mystic Rectangle is two oppositions (Moon/Sun and Jupiter/Uranus) supported by multiple smooth sextiles and trines. Expansion, sudden challenges, too much/too soon, over-the-top emotions whatever this is if it touches our chart - there are multiple beneficial energies helping us make this all work out smoothly. Focus.

We are working with the Leo/Aquarius polarity - something we are going to be talking about often over the next couple years.

Leo (naturally ruled by the Sun) is asking us to step onto the center stage of our own life - to shine. Leo is that noble lion; generous and heart-centered. At the same time Aquarius is asking us to work for the best outcome for everyone, to stay humble. 

We are asked to release the idea that for us to win - someone else has to lose. This isn't true. We are asked to release the idea that if someone else looks like they have won, that we have lost. That isn't true either. Think about it.

If we want to bring attention to something or to ourselves - we couldn't ask for better energy.

If we are trying to hide something - we couldn't ask for worse.

Whatever happens though there is an excellent chance it will all work out in a positive way ... for all of us.

Even if we are the emperor suddenly shown to be without clothes. Maybe it is our fancy clothes - whatever we are using to separate ourselves from other people - that need to come off. Maybe those suddenly exposed stretch marks, wrinkles and cellulite connect us to other people in ways our silks and satins can't. Maybe the stuff we have been hiding is exactly the stuff other people need.

We have to get used to shining. To being exposed. To standing out.

The world needs each of us to be our own hero now. Get over the idea that someone is coming to save you/us. We have to pull ourselves out of that well/onto that rescue boat/over that wall.

We have Saturn to keep all this crazy Uranus/Jupiter energy under control. Note that yesterday a federal appeals court denied (Saturn) the Trump (Uranus) administration's appeal on their travel (Jupiter) ban restoration. This story probably won't totally conclude until August (next Leo/Aquarius eclipse) and neither will our own stories that roar into the spotlight now.

But this is the same energy we are all working with. There are checks and balances. There are forces bigger than our own hands at play here. And everything is working out to all of our benefit in the end; every one of us.

Get out and walk in tonight's Moon. Imagine yourself a lion. Because you are.

xo all