Gemini New Moon: Changing Minds

The Gemini New Moon happens June 4th at 7:59 pm MST/PDT at 14 degrees Gemini 53 minutes.  Here’s the chart:  GeminiNewMoon2016.

Gemini is the sign of the Twins, which represent the dual nature of reality on our planet.  This air sign also reflects the mind and its two hemispheres.  Specifically, Gemini is associated with the left-brain and its capacity for processing information in a logical, linear and deductive fashion.  It’s opposite sign, Sagittarius, rules the right brain and intuitive, conceptual and abstract thought processes.  While the left brain deals with words and logic, our right brain deals with images, imagery and imagination.  Together, the two hemispheres comprise the whole brain, which is symbolized by Pisces.  Gemini, Sagittarius and Pisces are three of the four mutable signs.  The fourth mutable sign is Virgo which represents reality.  More on mutable signs later…

Gemini gathers and disseminates information so this sign is also associated with learning, thinking, knowledge and communicating.  It rules thoughts, writing and speech.  It rules the mind.  It rules words.

Renowned symbologist Joseph Panecek explains further…

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”  – John 1.1

“In the beginning all was still.  Nothing existed but unmoving and eternal Divinity.  Everything that ever would be, and could be, was asleep within Divinity.  Then something happened:  The Mind of Divinity (the Hermetic Nous) “spoke The Word“.  And, in that instant, time, matter, the cosmos, and duality sprang forth.  Duality can only exist in the realm of matter; and duality is expressed, numerologically, by the number two.  The Twins of Gemini symbolically reflect this truth.”

“Nothing happens until something moves.”  – Albert Einstein

“Nothing happens until something moves.  Creation myths from all parts of the world tell of a Breath, a Spirit, or a Bird (which is often the symbol for Spirit) that passed over the dark, still, and deep primal waters of Chaos which represents the Great Subconscious or Void.  This caused the primal waters to “stir”; to move; to vibrate.  This initial ‘stirring’ was the first cause in the act of Creation.”

But what do these creation myths mean? And, what hidden lesson do they impart to us?  The lesson we can learn from creation myths is this:  Thought creates matter; the unseen creates the seen; what can be imagined can be manifested.  All great inventions, innovations, and ideas were first a thought imagined within someone’s mind.  This thought was then acted upon.  This action resulted in the creation or manifestation of that initial thought.

We are all children of Divinity made in the image of the Divine Creator.  Therefore, we all have the “spark” of Divinity within us.  This “spark” enables us to also create whatever we choose to create by simply using our imaginative minds.  Our imagination is what enables us to delve into the deep, dark waters of the great subconscious where everything that is, and ever will be, already exists in un-manifested form.  In quantum scientific terms, this is reflected by wave theory where ‘waves’ reflect ALL potential possibilities or realities in the unmanifested state.  All it takes to manifest a specific reality is a focus on that specific reality.  When we determine whatever it is that we wish to manifest, and focus our attention on it, it is pulled from the un-manifested, out of the great subconscious of all that is,  and brought into the world of matter.

Quantum science now knows that the process of focusing attention on a specific possibility out of the field of infinite possibilities changes ‘waves’ into ‘particles.’  A simple TV analogy can help to explain this manifestation process.   Think of waves as reflecting the entire array of television programming available at any given time.  Now think about choosing to tune into a specific channel.   Once you do so, that choice collapses a certain wave potentiality into a particle which correlates to a singular specific program, or one reality out of an infinite variety of realities.

It’s important to understand Gemini’s association with thoughts and words because both generate energetic frequency brain waves.  Thoughts and words ‘vibrate.’  The sayings, “Energy manifests” or “Energy flows where attention goes” or “Thoughts are things” reflect the natural law mechanism of creation or manifestation.  What we imagine and what we think about ultimately manifests in our reality.  The emerging science of consciousness has definitively proven this to be true.  Quantum scientists now know that human consciousness influences, alters and ultimately creates realities.  More on this later…

This Gemini New Moon is part of an extraordinary Grand Mutable Cross.  A Grand Cross is a celestial configuration comprised of four or more planets that occupy ALL four signs of an astrological ‘modality.’  There are three modalities:  Cardinal, Fixed and Mutable.  A Mutable Grand Cross is made up of planets in all of the mutable signs:  Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces.

Currently, the Sun, Moon and Venus are in Gemini and Mercury enters Gemini on June 12th.  Jupiter and the Moon’s North Node are in Virgo, retrograde Saturn in in Sagittarius and Neptune and the Moon’s South Node are in Pisces.  The Mutable signs reflect the energy and intention of adaptability, flexibility and CHANGE.  A Grand Mutable Cross carries the maximum intention and potential for change.  The intention ‘seeded’ in the Gemini New Moon is to CHANGE OUR MINDS – LITERALLY!

In order to better understand what changes may be coming, we must look at each mutable sign individually, and the planet(s) currently occupying that sign, and then put them all together in the totality of the Grand Mutable Cross.

Let’s begin with Gemini. As mentioned earlier, Gemini rules the mind and all the ways its gathers and disseminates information.  So this sign also rules communication, both spoken and written, and accordingly, communication devices of all kinds.  With the Sun, Moon and Venus all in Gemini now, joined by Mercury later in the month, it’s time to seriously think about and discuss necessary or desired changes.

Venus rules what we need to survive – primarily resources and relationships.  We all need food, clothing and shelter.  And, we all also have unique personal needs that align with our own evolutionary growth intentions in the current life.  Additionally, we each have unique gifts, skills, talents and natural abilities or what I like to call our own special ‘toolkit.’  Focus on what you have of value – your own natural resources and think about what you can do to further develop these personal resources.  Think also about new ways you can share or offer your talents to others who will find them valuable because they can help them to meet their own personal needs.  Doing so will enable you to better garner the resources that you need.  Venus also rules the psychology of LISTENING.  So listen up!  What others have to say and share may be just what you need to hear or have.

On a global or collective level,with all this Gemini energy activated, we can expect numerous announcements, disclosures and exposures of important information from sources of all kinds.  Since Gemini also rules the media, perhaps significant news events will not only be reported by them, but perhaps also be about them!  Clearly, the corporate owned US media needs to change!  The bottom line is that an abundance of information, knowledge, facts and data will be forthcoming.  The specific info YOU need to make necessary changes in your life will be among the plethora of messages coming your way so pay attention!

Mercury, the planet that rules Gemini, is finishing up in Taurus and continues to be positively connected to both retrograde Pluto in Capricorn and retrograde Jupiter in Virgo (Grand Earth Trine) so research and digging deeply into the details of any given subject or situation are favored and well supported.  Make the effort to acquire whatever new knowledge you need now.  Seek out experienced people to discuss your ideas with and ask questions!  Gemini embodies the quintessential behavior of three year olds who continuously ask questions and  always wants to know ‘why?!’  Again, be extra mindful of ALL information coming your way over the coming weeks and months because knowledge will be THE FUEL that drives most upcoming changes.

It’s also worth mentioning that although Mercury just completed its second retrograde period of 2016 (April 28th to May 22nd) it will probably continue to feel like Mercury is retrograde over the entire Summer since the Mutable Grand Cross energy will also be part of the chart pattern for the Summer Solstice which reflects the entire Summer season.  So expect information and ideas to be revisited, reformed, reviewed, rehashed, revised, refined, reworked, refuted, revamped, returned and even reversed.  And be sure to double and even triple check important facts and figures especially those contained within contracts, read the fine print, and back up all your important data!

The next mutable sign is Virgo.  Retrograde Jupiter continues it’s year-long transit through this sign (August 12, 2015 to September 9, 2016).   Virgo rules workers, workplaces and jobs.  Virgo is the archetype of crises.  The purpose of crises is to alert us that something is not in alignment with reality and necessary changes and adjustments must be made in order to heal or resolve whatever is awry.  Jupiter rules the principle of expansion.  It always wants to understand greater and greater levels of truth.  It rules beliefs, religions, higher education, philosophies and laws.  What do you need to learn in order to improve your job or expand your success at work?

Globally, we can expect expanding and increasingly successful legal actions and worker protests against corporate interests like the strike against Verizon that saw 36,000 workers protesting in dozens of cities all across the US, and the ongoing employee strikes in France that have disrupted oil refineries, nuclear plants and transportation.

http://money.cnn.com/2016/04/13/technology/verizon-strike/

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36385778

While job losses have occurred steadily over the past few decades, primarily due to technology advances and international trade agreements, these losses increased dramatically after the global economic crash of 2008.  Recovery is still very much underway and sluggish in many countries including here in the US.  Some believe even greater job and workplace changes are imminent.  People Get Ready:  The Fight Against a Jobless Economy and a Citizenless Democracy, written by Robert McChesney and John Nichols, discusses the enormous changes coming as a result of the shift from a manufacturing to an information based, digital global economy.

They write, “Humanity is on the verge of its darkest hour – or its greatest moment.”  The consequences of the technological revolution are about to hit hard:  unemployment will spike as new technologies replace labor in the manufacturing, service, and professional sectors of an economy that is already struggling. 

The end of work as we know it will hit at the worst moment imaginable:  as capitalism fosters permanent stagnation, when the labor market is in decrepit shape, with declining wages, expanding poverty, and scorching inequality. 

Only the dramatic democratization of our economy can address the existential challenges we now face. Yet, the US political process is so dominated by billionaires and corporate special interests, by corruption and monopoly, that it stymies not just democracy but progress.

The great challenge of these times is to ensure that the tremendous benefits of technological progress are employed to serve the whole of humanity, rather than to enrich the wealthy few.  Robert W. McChesney and John Nichols argue that the United States needs a new economy in which revolutionary technologies are applied to effectively address environmental and social problems and used to rejuvenate and extend democratic institutions. 

Based on intense reporting, rich historical analysis, and deep understanding of the technological and social changes that are unfolding, they propose a bold strategy for democratizing our digital destiny—before it’s too late—and unleashing the real power of the Internet, and of humanity.”

This workplace revolution is by no means the only significant change on the horizon.  Virgo also rules the environment and health matters.  As environmental degradation and climate change continue to alter global weather patterns and disrupt the health and well-being of populations all across our planet, wars, floods, famine, massive refugee migrations and dangerous disease outbreaks are increasing.  Here in the US, funding to address the threat of the Zika virus is bogged down in Congress.  Meanwhile, on the Democratic side, Bernie Sanders continues to campaign for a ‘Medicare for All’ expansion of health care to provide universal coverage to every American.

All life forms change and evolve in order to survive including micro-organisms.  Infectious organisms, infectious diseases and the pharmaceutical drugs that treat infections are all ruled by the same sign.  This brings us to Neptune and Pisces.

The Ebola outbreak in West Africa was first reported in March 2014, and rapidly became the deadliest occurrence of the disease since its discovery in 1976.  In fact, the epidemic killed five times more people than all other known Ebola outbreaks combined.  More than 21 months on from the first confirmed case recorded on 23 March 2014, 11,315 people have been reported as having died from the disease in six countries; Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, the US and Mali.

The Zika virus which started in Brazil in 2015 prompted the World Health Organization to declare it a public health emergency of international concern in February 2016.  Drug-resistant tuberculosis has also been on the rise over the past decade and last week, a ‘superbug’ resistant to ‘antibiotics of last resort’ was verified here in the United States.  https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/to-your-health/wp/2016/05/26/the-superbug-that-doctors-have-been-dreading-just-reached-the-u-s/

Clearly, we need to CHANGE our relationship to the environment and CHANGE the way we provide health care the world over.  We may be approaching a time when our very survival depends upon these necessary CHANGES.   The sooner, the better!

So WHY haven’t we made these crucially necessary changes and adjustments yet?  Well, that brings us to Saturn in Sagittarius.  Saturn reflects the status quo, the ‘establishment,’ leaders, those in control and in positions of authority, governments, social structures and social institutions.  Saturn rules Capricorn, the sign of Patriarchy, ambition, conformity, convention and established social norms.  Anyone who has ever dealt with or worked for a government entity knows they are among the most bureaucratic of institutions and as such, inherently resistant to CHANGE!  The status quo of Capricorn is reflected in this sign’s association with ‘crystallization’ which can actually undermine and prevent further evolution.  In the natural progression of the zodiac, Aquarius, the sign of revolution, follows Capricorn and necessarily so!

While Pluto (evolution) in Capricorn precisely squared Uranus (revolution, transformation and CHANGE) in Aries seven times between 2012 and 2015, the r-evolutionary changes we’ve already witnessed over the last several years will indeed continue for several more years since the influence of these planets will take nearly a decade to unfold (2010 to 2020).  Obviously the changes that have occurred are still too few and far too slow.  The fact that Saturn (rules Capricorn) is currently in Sagittarius, the sign of religions and laws, may help us understand some of the reasons why these changes have and still are continuing to be mightily resisted by those in positions of power and authority.

Religious Papal Bulls collectively known as ‘doctrines of discovery’ dating back to the eleventh century and the beginning of the Christian Crusades, have provided justification for the persecution, destruction and enslavement of indigenous, non-white cultures throughout the world for centuries.   Historically, these peoples have experienced powerlessness in the face of state efforts to deny their rights – to land, wealth, political franchise and in many cases to their very existence.  Recent calls to rescind these Papal Bulls have been utterly ignored by Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis.  http://ncronline.org/blogs/ncr-today/call-rescind-doctrine-discovery

Other religious teachings like mankind’s ‘dominion over’ (a distorted interpretation of ‘stewardship’) the natural world of plants and animals continues to justify raping the Earth for profit.  So it’s not surprising that the world over, laws almost universally favor the interests of corporations over people, particularly indigenous peoples, even when there is overwhelming evidence of environmental destruction and widespread life-threatening pollution.  The petroleum industry’s reckless business practices have destroyed countless communities and the agribusiness giants Bayer and Monsanto’s unabated manufacture of deadly pesticides have all but decimated bee, bat and butterfly colonies worldwide.  The disappearance of these pollinator species increasingly threatens our global food supply.

And religious teachings like those found in the Bible’s book of Leviticus teach that homosexuality is evil.  So it’s not surprising that the LGBTQ community continues to struggle for equal rights under the law in many countries.  Remember that patriarchal man-made religions provide the moralistic values that underpin social norms and laws in nearly every country on the planet.  So again, it’s not surprising that the sign that rules truth, belief systems, man-made religions and man-made laws, which underpin governmental legislative bodies and social justice systems, is in fact the source of ongoing resistance to many changes and adjustments that are necessary to bring about healing, improvement and resolution of so many of the crises we are currently facing all around the world.

Fortunately, Saturn in Sagittarius holds the apex position in the Spiritual T-Square that has for months reflected a growing urgency to review of and reflect upon belief systems.  Collectively, humanity is co-creating and experiencing circumstances that are forcing us to THINK (Gemini) more deeply about what we believe (Sagittarius) and why we believe it, in order to discern (Virgo) if those beliefs are really true (Sagittarius) and aligned with actual reality (Virgo).  Old beliefs are in fact dissolving (Pisces).  And many unconsciously held beliefs are increasingly bubbling up to the surface of our individual and collective consciousness (Saturn and Capricorn).  https://www.theguardian.com/science/head-quarters/2015/jul/08/how-can-we-fix-unconscious-racism

Now that the Spiritual T-Square has been expanded to the fullness of a Mutable Grand Cross, maximizing the potential and intention for evolutionary change relative to beliefs and truth, we have a historic opportunity to make important CHANGES.  After all, beliefs underpin the quality of the consciousness that’s responsible for creating our realities.  To CHANGE our realities, we must CHANGE the false and distorted beliefs that underpin our consciousness.  This has perhaps never been more possible in our modern era than right now as both Pluto and Uranus support r-evolutionary changes in human consciousness at the same time Saturn in Sagittarius is compelling us to change our beliefs.

Going a bit further into this amazing astrological configuration, let’s look at some of the potential influences associated with the opposition (180 degrees apart) and square (90 degrees apart) aspects, or planetary connections within the Mutable Grand Cross.

The Sun, Moon and Venus in the Gemini New Moon chart are all opposite retrograde Saturn in Sagittarius.  Mercury will follow suit later in June.  Because Gemini and Sagittarius both rule honesty and dishonesty, expect important truths and lies to be revealed in the coming months.  Saturn always teaches maturity, responsibility and accountability.  Since this planet rules those in positions of power and authority, current leaders will increasingly be held accountable for their policy positions and votes.  Citizens need to own up to their responsibility as well by choosing new leaders who tell the truth and rejecting those who obfuscate and twist the facts.

Simultaneously, the Sun, Moon and Venus are also square both Neptune in Pisces and Jupiter in Virgo.  Virgo and Pisces deal with reality versus illusion, delusion and downright deception.  Better to remove those rose-colored glasses now and see circumstances and people as they really are, rather than continuing to be in denial or fantasy-land about what’s really going on.

Since Virgo also rules crises, which happen for the purpose of alerting us to what’s awry, many will receive ‘reality-checks.’  These may come in the form of shake-ups and break-ups, especially regarding work or health matters, that occur to enforce necessary adjustments to situations or circumstances that are unhealthy, corrupt or otherwise dysfunctional to a degree that’s preventing progress or evolutionary growth and movement forward.  For others, legal matters may force necessary change.  And for still others, issues of beliefs or religious affiliation or experiences may be the source of revelation, insight or expanded awareness that bring meaningful changes.  The Sun, Moon and Venus are also squaring the Moon’s Nodes in Virgo and Pisces.  As each connects precisely with the Nodes, they’ll reflect the need to make choices that will either heal false, distorted or delusional thoughts and beliefs, or simply re-imprint the same old wounds they created in the first place.

Another major component of the Mutable Grand Cross is reflected in Saturn’s waning square to Neptune in Pisces.  Saturn and Neptune have a 36 year cycle together.  Their current cycle began in 1989.  They are now three quarters of the way through that cycle and will experience this waning square aspect a total of three times:  November 26, 2015, March 23, 2016 and June 17, 2016.  Their current cycle began at 16 degrees Sagittarius – a point Saturn returns to in March and November of this year.  It’s likely that whatever was happening in your life in 1989 will reach a significant turning point this year.  Look back at what you were experiencing last November and this March for additional clues about how this Saturn/Neptune energy is manifesting in your own life.

Together, Saturn and Neptune represent the necessary dissolution of old beliefs so that new dreams of a higher spiritual nature can be realized.  Fortunately, this connection creates an opportunity to replace false beliefs with a greater understanding of transcendental, universal beliefs and truths, like the fact that ALL human beings need and desire similar things like love, safety, health, respect and a purposeful, meaningful life.  Of course we also need a healthy planet if we are to survive and ultimately thrive.

On a more mundane level, since Neptune and Pisces rule the seas, perhaps we will choose to effectively address climate change and the acidification of our oceans which is destroying marine life and habitats such as the Great Coral Reef.  Since Neptune and Pisces also rule chemicals and drugs, we may also choose to change our energy policy away from oil embracing renewable, sustainable energy sources instead.  And perhaps we will wake up and realize we need to pursue development of next generation antibiotics to treat disease worldwide.

Saturn/Neptune also correlate to the philosophical underpinnings of national political ideologies like capitalism, socialism and communism – topics that have been the subject of political headlines over the past year both here in the US as well as abroad.  It’s time to get real about what’s true and what’s not true relative to these social and political organizing philosophies.

The Gemini New Moon reflects an extraordinary celestial pattern through the Mutable Grand Cross.  The enormous potential for important and necessary change is available to us now.  The $64,000 question is, “What will we choose to do with this energy personally and collectively?”

Evolution proceeds through the power of free will choices.  Choices reflect the quality of our consciousness.  Consciousness is underpinned by belief systems.  ALL the elements of the Mutable Grand Cross symbolize both an urgency and an once in a lifetime opportunity to expand our understanding of the truth.  And while some experiences of truth are quite personal – what’s true for you may or may not be true for me – truth also exists at a universal level – what’s true for everyone.

Reach as high as you can in the coming weeks and months for the greatest level of truth and understanding you can know.  Pay attention to ALL the info coming your way and use your intuition to sort out what’s true and what’s not true.  Listen effectively and keep an open mind.  Be willing to entertain new ideas and new information even though they may challenge, upset or threaten your existing reality.  It’s time to CHANGE our realities.  In order to do so however, we must be willing to CHANGE OUR MINDS!

The Cancer New Moon occurs on July 4^th at 7:01 am MST!

                            Copyright 2016.    Donna Lee Steele and Threshold Consulting.    All rights reserved.                           

 

Gemini New Moon: Thoughts are Things

The Gemini New Moon occurred at 7:05 am MST Tuesday, June 16th, at 25 Gemini 7 minutes.  Here’s the New Moon chart:     GeminiNewMoon2015.  Gemini is a dual archetype symbolizing the choice between two often equally appealing options.  This or that?  That or this??  On a deeper level however, Gemini seeks to reconcile the duality of the reality of this plane of existence where everything operates through polarity.  This sign develops our mind.  Thinking, we come to realize that we are both an individual ‘ME’ as well as a ‘part of the whole’ all at once!  We reconcile the fact that we are separate human beings while also acknowledging that everything and everyone is connected.

Ruling our left brain and our logical mind, Gemini and its ruling planet Mercury, which just stationed direct on the 11th, have been busy, busy, busy! When Mercury Retrograde stationed direct it was squaring Neptune.  Neptune is also now stationary since it went retrograde on the 12th. Both are quite powerful. So we’ve been reviewing and reflecting upon how and what we think and why we think that way. Insights and revelations have been coming for many.  For others, you just may not know what to think anymore.  Confusion and a loss of meaning may be creeping into some area of your life or understanding.

Let me assure you that important and meaningful information is showing up so do pay attention to all the info that comes and goes in your world over the coming days and weeks.  What new understanding or clarity have you come by just recently?  What piece of info did you need and now have?  What issues or ideas continue to constantly occupy your mind?  What continues to utterly baffle and confuse you?

This Gemini New Moon is super fueled by energetic Mars meaning we’re all probably running around like the proverbial headless chickens.  Perhaps more disturbing however is the fact that this New Moon and Mars are square Chiron in Pisces which is slowing down to station retrograde on the 24th.  Negative mindsets can threaten to re-imprint old victim consciousness patterns.  Instead of focusing on what’s wrong, you can choose to focus your time and attention on what would make it better or what is needed for a solution.  Choose inspiration instead of disappointment.  Healing over re-wounding.

The additional stress of the Sun and Moon also inconjunct retrograde Saturn, newly returned to Scorpio for the summer, will likely reflect some outer limit or authority figure trying to tell you what to do or that some rule or expectation must be met before you can successfully move forward with an important personal goal. Make the effort. Take complete responsibility for your choices and actions. Own the consequences of all your behaviors. You won’t be sorry…

Venus in Leo is inconjunct Neptune in Pisces and Saturn in Scorpio is semi-square Pluto in Capricorn. Both of these uneasy connections point to the necessity of letting go of old realities and old values or value systems that just don’t work anymore. It’s time to get real, and see things and people as they are not as you wish or need them to be.  No, your Girl Friend isn’t perfect.  And, No. Your job isn’t perfect either.  and Neither are all your friends or your apartment or your car…  You get the picture.  For sure, if crises erupt in your relationships or unexpected financial surprises suddenly appear our of nowhere, you have NOT been paying attention to something that needs to change in your life.

For some, changing an old stubborn mindset may be difficult.  After all, you’ve thought that way for YEARS!  But what if those kinds of thoughts are truly NOT serving you?  What if you decided to change the way you think.  The thoughts you think…  Then, perhaps, instead of feeling victimized by something that’s happened in the past, try to imagine the purpose for its happening and what it has taught you and how it may indeed change the course of your life.  That’s inspiration.  That’s a Soul conversation.

I’m reminded of some very old ad campaign that said, ” … a mind was a terrible thing to waste.” We are all processing thousands of bits and bytes of information and data every moment of every day.  Our minds are indeed powerful machines.  But perhaps more powerful however are the thoughts themselves.  Thoughts are things!  They manifest.  They materialize.  Nothing has ever been created that was not first imagined or thought about.  Unconscious thoughts are likely to be bubbling up!  Pay attention!

So yes, we’re all super busy processing our info laden lives moment to moment.  Take just a few of those moments periodically to remind yourself of just what an awesome responsibility your mind holds.  Always use it wisely to produce thoughts for the good of all concerned…

 The Cancer New Moon occurs on July 15th at 6:24 pm MST!

Copyright 2015 Donna Lee Steele and Threshold Consulting All rights reserved.

Gemini New Moon

The Gemini New Moon occurs at 11:40 am MST on Wednesday, May 28th at 7 degrees Gemini 21 minutes.  Here’s the chart:  GeminiNewMoon2014.  Gemini is the sign of the Twins who symbolize the dual nature of our physical plane of existence here on planet Earth.  This sign also reflects the natural law of polarity that exists in our time/space reality.  Gemini is associated with the choices we’re often faced with between two or more equally appealing options as this is the sign of diversity and variety. Driven by an insatiable curiosity, Gemini lives up to these qualities by being a ‘walking encyclopedia’ of knowledge.  The usually know a little bit about almost everything!

Gemini also rules the left brain and its logical, linear, deductive way of thinking.  Studying the surrounding environment, it labels and classifies phenomenal objects in order to understand the physical world. Ruled by Mercury, the ‘Messenger’ planet, Geminis never tire of learning one more fact, visiting one more website, attending one more workshop, making one more phone call, or reading one more book, text or email message!  Consequently, Gemini regularly suffers from information overload, becoming overwhelmed with way too many facts – facts that often conflict with one another!

Interestingly, Mercury is at 29 degrees Gemini in the New Moon chart.  The final degree of any sign  signifies culmination.  Planets at 29 degrees can achieve mastery and completion.  Mercury now has the potential ability to KNOW, and to ultimately arrive at a thorough and accurate understanding of the facts of any given situation.

Perhaps even more interesting is the fact that Mercury goes retrograde for the second time this year during June.  Thank heavens for Mercury retrogrades!  This is because Mercury retrograde periods always help Gemini purge excess data and useless knowledge and balance predominantly left-brained logical thinking habits with right-brain intuitive thought processes. After all, our left brain is only half of our brain!  Mercury retrograde is a time to integrate left brain and right brain; logic AND intuition.

Mercury will be retrograde from June 7th to July 1st.  It will retrace its steps from 3 degrees Cancer to 24 degrees Gemini. This particular retrograde period will encourage a review of how we FEEL about ourselves, our home, our family and what we need in order to feel safe, secure and protected. It can reveal how our thoughts (Gemini) contribute either to an overall well-being or conversely to a consciousness of fear and doubt that creates emotional insecurities.

Neptune and Chiron in Pisces will also both go retrograde this month on the 9th and 20th respectively. While they’re coming to a ‘standstill’ before appearing to change directions in the heavens, their influence will greatly intensify.  Retrograde until November 17th, Neptune helps us reflect upon the deepest levels of truth our beliefs allow.  Its a time for spiritual reflection and development.  Spiritual guidance and inspiration is always highlighted when Neptune stations retrograde or direct.  Use this time to develop greater compassion for yourself and your fellow human beings.  Reflect upon beliefs that are preventing a direct reunion with the divine source of creation.  Chiron will be retrograde until November 24th.  In Pisces, Chiron can either bring spiritual awareness that helps heal old wounds, or negative, delusional thinking that re-imprints a consciousness of victimization.

Neptune is currently at 7 degrees Pisces, exactly square (90 degree angle) the Gemini New Moon at 7 degrees Gemini.  This planetary combination reflects the potential for facts and truths to become blurred, idealized, confused, obfuscated or even deliberately hidden or falsified.  Illusions, delusions and deceptions will be far less troublesome if you allow your intuition to help you navigate through spin, scams and lies.  Clearly it’s time to trust your intuition!  Let it point the way to your personal truth and the information you need in order to evolve.  Listening intently to internal messages will allow you to better recognize spiritual guidance and to receive new insights and understanding.  These insights can be particularly helpful in healing those past wounds that may have left you feeling victimized.

Perhaps you’re ready to learn the following spiritual evolutionary lesson:  If you experienced something in your life, your own consciousness co-created it.   Over the last decade, quantum science has proven that consciousness creates reality.  Although most of us have been culturally conditioned to blame the perpetrator for difficult things that happen to us, the fact is, we are each ultimately responsible for everything we experience in our reality.  At a higher level of spiritual understanding there’s a realization that there’s really no such thing as a victim since we all co-create precisely what our Soul believes we need to experience in order to learn the lessons that will facilitate the evolutionary growth intentions our Soul has chosen for us in each lifetime.  Seek to move beyond suffering over WHAT happened, and move on to understanding WHY it happened.  All experiences are PURPOSEFUL.  What are you learning in this life that would make sense of your experiences – especially those that were the most difficult?

The Ascendant of the United States natal chart is at 7 degrees Gemini and natal Uranus is rising at 8 degrees Gemini!  Under this month’s Gemini New Moon it’s likely that we’ll continue to experience upsets and breakthroughs relative to old ideas, opinions and perspectives, particularly thoughts about power and powerlessness.  Our country is also continuing to be greatly impacted by the current Grand Cardinal Cross at mid-degrees (12 to 14) of the four cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn) since our natal Saturn is at 14 degrees Libra square our natal Sun at 12 degrees Cancer.  This once-in-our-lifetimes planetary configuration is associated with the enormous social, cultural, economic and political transformations many nations are undergoing.  Shocking and surprising new information will likely be revealed this month that continues to change our self-image and identity as a nation, ultimately leading to changes in goals and policies.

So expect more bombshell revelations!  Neptune rules many things including oil and gas, religious ideologies and organizations, film and videos, drugs, chemicals and the pharmaceutical industry, water, art, music, psychology, mental health and ill-health, infectious diseases, fraud, theft, prisons, scandals and spying.  Watch headlines this month for stories on these and other topics especially ongoing releases of information regarding NSA spying, continuing struggles over ‘Net Neutrality, spread of the the MERS virus and increasing water shortages.  Oh and expect more than a few deceptions and lies to be spun by the media and those in power who frankly don’t want changes or reforms to in any way affect their status quo.

The Sun and Moon are trine (120 degree angle) Mars in Libra (recently direct after a long retrograde from March 1st to May 19th).  This celestial pattern reflects the growing energy available to actively begin new projects and implement plans that have been on hold since early March.  Many new ideas are being ‘seeded’ into personal and collective consciousness now.  Don’t just think about them, act on them!

Working harmoniously through Libra, the sign of relationships and equality, Mars trine the Sun and Moon in Gemini also support new directions in relating and relationships.  An example of this energy is reflected in newly elected Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent invitation to attend his upcoming inauguration to his country’s long-time arch enemy Pakistani leader, Nawaz Sharif.  Compromise, collaboration, sharing and mutual respect is on the rise worldwide, despite what the media would have us believe.  Meeting others halfway and treating everyone equally will ensure greater harmony, fairness and justice for all.  A quote I recently read sums up the evolutionary imperative of these extraordinary times perfectly.  It said, “There is no way to peace; peace is the way.”

Unfortunately, Mars in Libra is also finishing up an inconjunct angle (150 degrees) with Neptune in Pisces.  Sadly, this astrological aspect was reflected in the latest mass shooting (Mars rules men, guns and anger) by a mentally ill (Neptune) young man who killed six people in Isla Vista California in an insane act of revenge.  He held deep and long standing grievances against other men he felt superior to and against women for rejecting his sexual advances denying him the pleasures he felt he was entitled to as the ‘alpha male’ he perceived himself to be.  Perhaps gun safety legislation mandating background checks for ALL gun purchases that failed last year will be resurrected and finally succeed now that Mars is moving forward once again.

June offers all of us the opportunity to either increase mindless ‘busy-ness’ or a chance to calm our increasingly overwhelmed and overloaded minds.  Take time this month to simply be still and quiet.  Spend more time in nature, by water, listening to soothing music or creating art.  Make time for mindful meditation and prayer to enjoy and maximize the mind-changing benefits of this Gemini New Moon!

This article is a brief summary of my live presentation/analysis of the New Moon chart in an approximate hour-long audio recording that includes dates/descriptions of significant upcoming astrological aspects for the month. The audio recording is available on CD or mp3 file formats for $15. Contact me if you wish to purchase the audio recording.

The Cancer New Moon is on June 27th at 1:08 am MST!

 Copyright 2014.  Donna Lee Steele and Threshold Consulting.  All rights reserved.

A Rare Venus Retrograde: Money and Relationships in Review

SPECIAL CONFERENCE CALL/TELECLASS

 May 12, 2012 from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm MST/PDT*

$20 includes conference call and MP3 file or CD

On May 15^th, Venus begins a remarkable retrograde in the sign of Gemini that lasts until June 27^th.   Venus retrogrades are the most infrequent of any planet in our solar system.   This upcoming retrograde will be especially rare since Venus will also transit (eclipse) the Sun on June 5^th completing an extremely unusual eight year Venus cycle that began on June 8, 2004.  The last time this kind of Venus event occurred was in 1882; it won’t happen again until 2117!

 Venus rules two signs, Taurus (feminine) and Libra (masculine), and is associated with both money and other people.   Our experiences with both will be highly energized during this retrograde period prompting an intense and honest inner review of how well we’re managing our resources as well as how happy we are with our relationships from the most casual like friends and co-workers to the most intimate including lovers and family.  And although Taurus and Libra natives will feel this retro the most, all of us will be affected in some way. 

 Join me for an insightful and inspiring 90 minute telephone presentation on the archetypal meaning and influence of Venus retrograde.  I’ll explain the connection between Venus, core essential personal needs and values, and experiences with money and relationships. You’ll learn how to take advantage of the tremendous opportunities ahead for achieving greater inner peace and outer prosperity and more loving and meaningful personal and professional relationships.

Call 928-779-1210 or contact me today to register and specify your preference for either an MP3 file or CD.  I’ll reserve your place on the call and provide conference call telephone number and access code information.  If you’re unable to join the call, you can still purchase just the MP3 file or CD copy of my presentation.      

*Remember to adjust the conference call time to your own Time Zone!

Occupy Wall Street and the Astrology of 2012

On September 17^th just as Venus (money) in Libra (fairness) was about to square Pluto (power) in Capricorn (governments and social structures) a few dozen people came to Zucchotti Park (Liberty Plaza) adjacent to Wall Street in the financial district of downtown Manhattan and set up camp.  They came to non-violently protest corporate greed, political corruption and extreme income disparity in America.  For the first few days no one seemed to notice the encampment but by day five the media had begun to pay attention to this disparate group calling themselves ‘Occupy Wall Street.’

Since then this small protest gathering has gained considerable momentum and is now being called a political ‘movement.’  This movement has continued to grow and has spread to cities and towns all across the United States including the Alaskan tundra!  It has also spread around the world from Tahrir square where Egyptian protestors declared they ‘stand in solidarity with OWS’ to Italy, Germany, Great Britain, Spain, Japan, Australia, South Africa, Canada and elsewhere in hundreds of international cities on five continents across the globe.

So what’s going on?  At its core, I believe this movement is a harbinger of revolutionary global social, financial and political change and is a direct manifestation of the Astrology of 2012. 

Have you noticed the growing number of references recently to the 1960’s?  People have been saying that what’s going on now with OWS reminds them of the anti-war protests and sit-ins that happened during the ‘60’s.  These people are rightly comparing these two-time periods because they do indeed have a powerful common connection and it’s astrological.  That common connection is Uranus and Pluto.

During 1965-66 Uranus and Pluto came together three times in the sign of Virgo at 16 and 17 degrees.  Astrologers call this ‘coming together’ between two planets a conjunction.   Conjunctions always begin a new planetary cycle between two planets.  Most people are familiar with a very common planetary cycle — the cycle between the Sun and Moon.  Every 28 days the Sun and Moon begin a new cycle we call the New Moon. 

Though each Sun/Moon cycle lasts for 28 days, we primarily recognize and pay attention to only four days during their cycle:  the New Moon (conjunction), the 1^st quarter Moon (waxing 90 degree square), the Full Moon (180 degree opposition) and the 3^rd quarter square (waning 90 degree square). 

Astrologically, the most important times associated with ANY planetary cycle occur during these same four distinct events:  conjunction, 1^st quarter square, opposition, and 3^rd quarter square.  Since the total length of any planetary cycle depends upon the relative speeds at which the two planets involved orbit around the Sun, different planetary cycles take different amounts of time to completely unfold.  For example, while the Sun/Moon cycle takes only 28 days, Jupiter/Mars cycles take a little over 2 years, and Saturn/Uranus cycles take 45-46 years.  The cycle between Uranus and Pluto takes 127 years!  What began as a new cycle between Uranus and Pluto in 1965 is now approaching its next important point of cyclic unfolding – its 1^st quarter square.

So what does this all mean?!

The place to begin our understanding of this important astrological event is with a brief explanation of the archetypes associated with the planets and signs involved at the start of this cycle.  This is because the starting point of every planetary cycle foretells what will ultimately unfold in that cycle.  Thus we’ll begin with an archetypal description of the planets Uranus and Pluto, and of the sign Virgo. 

Uranus represents the principle of revolution and liberation.  It frees us from the limitations of old ways that are preventing further evolutionary growth and change.  Pluto represents the life, death, rebirth process.  It facilitates evolution at the deepest and most profound levels.  Virgo represents work, health (including environmental health) and service.  Its energy typically manifests through crises that require thorough analysis of problems so that necessary adjustments can be made that will bring about healing or resolution of those crises. 

Anyone who lived through the ‘60’s in America can certainly attest to it being a time of crisis and great revolutionary social change.  The fight for minority rights resulted in landmark Civil Rights legislation President Johnson signed into law in July 1964.  The Women’s Liberation movement gained attention and prominence as it further evolved.  Tragically, it was also a time marked by many deaths as assassinations took the lives of President Kennedy (November 1963), his brother Bobby and Martin Luther King (April and June 1968).  The Vietnam War claimed more than 50,000 lives and still more loss of life occurred when four unarmed student protestors were shot by the Ohio National Guard at Kent State University in May 1970.  Revolution was the zeitgeist of the time as protests broke out all over the country demanding social justice and political change. 

Fast forward to the present and consider the tenets of Occupy Wall Street.  The movement is calling attention to extreme income disparity and wealth inequality, high unemployment, lack of affordable health care for all, erosion of individual rights such as privacy rights, voting rights and worker’s collective bargaining rights, degradation of the environment, unending wars and a system of government so corrupt that it is unable to solve the crises at hand and has lost credibility with its citizens.  In short, OWS protests decry corporate and government policies that pursue profits at the cost of people and the environment.

Indeed revolution is once again in the air and in the streets!  So what will Occupy Wall Street accomplish?  Let’s take a look at the chart (12:00 pm, September 17, 2011, Manhattan, New York) to see.

With Scorpio on the Ascendant, Pluto is the ruler of this chart.  As stated earlier, Pluto is associated directly with evolutionary growth.  Evolution is facilitated by choice-making.  Specifically, it is facilitated by free will choices.  The $64,000 question is, “What choices will the Occupy movement make?”  Equally important of course is what choices are made in response to the protestors by those in positions of power.

Pluto is in Capricorn in the second house.  The second house is about resources, particularly those resources necessary for survival.  OWS argues that the inequitable distribution of resources is at the very heart of our financial crisis.  Pluto in this second house reflects the need for evolutionary change relative to wealth distribution and the economy. 

In turn, Saturn rules Capricorn and is in Libra in the 11^th house.  Libra represents extremes.  This is why Libra is associated with the need to learn balance, fairness and equality.  So it appears that OWS is on to something as it points out the extreme inequality of wealth distribution and income disparity between the rich and poor. 

Some background info about Capricorn is in order before we go any further into this chart analysis.  Capricorn represents the principle of contraction.  Transiting Pluto entered Capricorn in January 2008.  While the global economy grew during Pluto’s prior 1994-2008 passage through Sagittarius, the sign representing the principle of expansion, it began to contract just as Pluto entered Capricorn.  Pluto’s change of sign from Sagittarius to Capricorn is reflected in the economic downturn that has diminished the personal resources of so many over the past three years through job losses, decreases in 401(k)s and retirement accounts and housing foreclosures. 

This same contracting influence has also led to growing government debt as tax revenues have significantly decreased and benefit costs have simultaneously increased due to high unemployment.   It should be no surprise then that the subject of increasing political debate worldwide over the past three years has been debt and deficits.  Clearly, we’ve reached a point in time where we must make decisions (choices) about how to resolve the financial crises that threaten the global economy.

Okay, back to the chart analysis… 

Pluto is trine (120 degrees apart) retrograde Jupiter (rules Sagittarius and therefore expansion) in Taurus in the 6^th house (the workforce).  This symbolizes how massive the financial crisis is among the working class.  The 6^th house is naturally associated with Virgo so Jupiter’s position here confirms that the problem of how resources are shared has indeed reached a point of crisis.   

Pluto in Capricorn is just about to be exactly squared by Venus in Libra in the OWS chart.  Venus rules money and resources.  Libra symbolizes the need to learn how to be in relationships as an equal – not dominating or being dominated by others.  This core astrological signature represents Occupy Wall Street’s focus on the gross inequality and unfairness associated with extreme income disparity; the rich dominating the poor.   

Venus sits near the top of the chart and is therefore in a stronger position than Pluto.  Venus has also just opposed (180 degrees apart) Uranus, the planet of revolution which is also forming a square aspect (90 degrees apart) to Pluto.  Working class people are fed up and are beginning to take their power back. 

OWS is demanding change to the status quo (Pluto in Capricorn).   Venus seems to be saying that the changes (choices) needed to heal the economic crises will be championed by the power of the people (Venus in Libra), not the people in power (Pluto in Capricorn).  Ordinary people will lead the way towards change.

The most dynamic feature of this chart is the 10^th house Mercury squaring the Nodes of the Moon.  At 14 degrees Virgo (crises) Mercury is only two degrees away from the degree at which this current Uranus/Pluto planetary cycle began in 1965 (16 degrees Virgo).  Mercury rules information and communication and the 10^th house rules leadership.  A simple interpretation of this astrological signature is ‘speaking truth to power.’  And that truth is that the majority of people are in crisis! 

Mercury in Virgo also indicates a need for clear analysis of the facts of the crisis.  It signifies the need for changes that can ultimately resolve the crises.   Pressed for ‘demands’ OWS has consistently said it is dedicated instead to initiating a necessary and truthful conversation (Mercury) about the needs of the people and how to best meet everyone’s needs, not just the needs of the rich.    

In Evolutionary Astrology, a planet square the Nodes is called a ‘skipped step’ and carries a karmic quality.  Skipped step planets are always a primary focal point in any chart and reflect a lesson that’s been underway for some time but not yet completely learned because of the desire to ‘skip ahead’ before that lesson is fully mastered. 

The Nodes are in the signs of Sagittarius and Gemini.  These are the signs associated with truth and honesty as well as lies and distortions of truth.  The Nodes fall in the 1^st and 7^th houses of the chart which are the houses naturally associated with the signs Aries and Libra.   Aries (1^st house) and Libra (7^th house) make up the ‘relationship axis’ and represent the goal of equality that enables everyone to get their needs met.

The message of this skipped step is that the resolution of our current crises requires that people speak up and speak the truth.  It also reflects the need to listen (7^th house/Libra) to the voices and opinions (Gemini) of everyone involved – not just the powerful and the privileged.    

The ‘voices of the people’ are reflected through a tremendous diversity (Gemini) among the OWS movement participants.  Occupy protestors represent all ages, races, ethnicities, political parties and work backgrounds.  It is sadly symbolic that Scott Olsen, a two-term Iraq veteran, suffered a fractured skull and brain damage when hit in the head by a police fired tear gas canister as they routed Occupy Oakland on October 25^th.  As a result he sustained a loss of speech capacity – he lost his voice.  Since then, he’s experienced a dramatic recovery and is once again participating in OWS rallies and marches.  So far, the more those in power – the police and politicians – try to silence the voices (Mercury) of the common people (Gemini), the more they unwittingly energize the OWS movement.

The resolution of this skipped step (Mercury square the Nodes) is symbolized by the North Node in Sagittarius in the 1^st house.  But the way forward toward that resolution is through the South Node in Gemini in the 7^th house — listening to and treating as equal — the voices of ALL the people.  This will bring out the truth which then must be faced head on.  Interestingly, the Occupy movement has organized itself into ‘General Assemblies’ and is using an arduous but ultimately democratic consensus decision-making process to discuss and determine what actions to pursue on behalf of their members and mission. 

Perhaps the most intriguing thing to understand about the OWS chart however is its birth time.  To explain the importance of this timing we must go back to the current Uranus/Pluto cycle that began in 1965. 

Historically, Uranus/Pluto cycles have always corresponded with progressive and irreversible global social revolutions.   As mentioned earlier, this planetary cycle is nearing its 1^st quarter square.  The Uranus/Pluto 1^st quarter square is at the very heart of the Astrology of 2012 and is the core astrological reason why the year 2012 is expected to bring about unprecedented global change!  Tremendous forces of evolutionary and revolutionary change are already manifesting and there’s no doubt that more will come – LOTS more! 

Specifically, the energy inherent in any cycle’s 1^st quarter square is characterized by the need to choose what forms to build or what type of structures must be developed in order to ultimately enable the fulfillment of the seed intention of that cycle.  1^st quarter squares represent foundational structures and forms.  Therefore, the revolutionary changes associated with Uranus/Pluto’s 1^st quarter square will challenge us to create new forms of social, governmental, political and financial structures and institutions.  OWS members say they are committed to creating a new, different and more equitable social paradigm.  Indeed they are!

The influence of this 1^st quarter square has been unfolding for a few years now beginning with Pluto’s entrance into Capricorn in 2008.  But it really began to intensify last summer when Uranus moved into Aries.  And it accelerated even more when Solar and Lunar eclipses also began to occur in the signs of Cancer and Capricorn in June, July and December of 2010 and in January 2011.  Consider the following examples of major global events that have taken place since January 2011: 

On January 8^th U. S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords was shot by Jared Lee Loughner in an assassination attempt that took the lives of six and injured nineteen other people in Tucson, Arizona.  On January 14^th Tunisia’s President Ben Ali stepped down as uprisings all across northern Africa called the ‘Arab Spring’ had begun.  Protests spread to Egypt by January 25^th and soon thereafter to Libya.  On March 11^th a 9.0 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Japan and was followed by a devastating tsunami.  On August 5^th the first-ever U.S. credit rating downgrade happened after Congress nearly failed to reach a deal to raise our debt ceiling.  The Gadhafi government was finally brought to an end with the dictator’s death on October 20^th and on November 12^th Italy’s Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi stepped down marking the greatest political change in that country in over 20 years. That’s a LOT of global social, financial and political change in a relatively short period of time and it’s only a partial list of events!

It’s worth noting that while the overall influence of this 1^st quarter Uranus/Pluto square is already underway, this square aspect will not technically be exact for the first time until June 24, 2012!  Thereafter, Uranus and Pluto will exactly square one another a total of SEVEN TIMES between June 2012 and March 2015! 

Remember, the beginning of this cycle, when the exact conjunction of Uranus and Pluto occurred three times, was between October 1965 and June 1966.  But looking back, we know that its overall influence was felt for years before 1965 and years after 1966.  In total, the influence of the beginning of this current Uranus/Pluto cycle lasted for nearly the entire decade of the ‘60’s.  Similarly, the current Uranus/Pluto 1^st quarter square’s influence will be felt for more than the three years of its exactitude (2012-2015). Astrologers expect the total time of influence and manifestation of this Uranus/Pluto 1^st quarter square to last from about 2008 to about 2017.  Of course, this timeframe includes the year 2012!

In astrology, timing is everything.  And the timing of the birth of Occupy Wall Street has taken place within just a few months of the first exact 1^st quarter square between Uranus and Pluto which is the cornerstone of the Astrology of 2012.  So the birth of the OWS movement correlates with the timing of the Uranus/Pluto 1^st quarter square which itself correlates directly with the Astrology of 2012.  As stated earlier, we know that global revolutionary social change always occurs with a Uranus/Pluto cycle.  Protest movements come and go, but in my opinion, the timing of OWS clearly sets it apart from other uprisings in quite a remarkable way.  The birth time of OWS both reveals and portends that it is on to something and that something is BIG!

So what can we expect from OWS in the future?  Occupy Wall Street’s goal of speaking up and speaking the truth has the potential to keep growing for at least another couple of years or more.  In addition to the upcoming seven Uranus/Pluto squares that will occur between June 2012 and March 2015, this timing is also reflected in the aforementioned square forming between Venus and Pluto in the OWS chart.  A common astrological method used to ‘progress’ charts forward in time reveals that the Venus/Pluto square won’t actually be exact (90 degrees apart) until February 3, 2013.  Until then, its influence will surely continue to grow and accordingly, so will the influence of OWS.  By similar progression, the square of Mercury to the Nodes will not exactly culminate until June of 2013. 

So it looks like OWS may indeed have significant staying power.  Their intention to carry on even as many of their encampments have been destroyed is evident in their latest slogan, “You cannot evict an idea whose time has come!”

Some say OWS has already been successful.  The movement has not only gone global, but has also changed the prevailing political discourse (Mercury) from ‘out of control deficit spending and big government’ to the ‘extreme income disparity’ at the root of the financial crisis.  Some also credit pressure from the OWS movement with Bank of America’s decision to rescind its ill-conceived debit card user fee enacted last summer.  The change OWS seeks to bring about is already happening.  However, upcoming transits throughout 2012-2015 will surely test and challenge OWS’ resolve.   

If OWS is to continue to succeed it must maintain its core values of truth and honesty.  It must also continue to be as inclusive as possible welcoming the voices and opinions of ALL who wish to participate.  A peaceful (Libra) approach to restoring equality and justice will be required in order to prevail so OWS must also remain true to its principles of non-violent protest.  Finally, it must focus steadfastly on creating a radically new and different social, cultural, financial and political paradigm.  This new paradigm must be consciously designed to meet the needs of EVERYONE.  

Fortunately, the time is right for this kind of revolutionary paradigm shift as we enter 2012 and the approaching 1^st quarter square between Uranus and Pluto!    

Viva la revolution!

Mars Retrograde in Virgo

Every couple of years Mars turns retrograde for approximately two and a half months.  The last time Mars went retrograde was from December 20, 2009 to March 10, 2010 in the sign of Leo.  This time the retrograde will occur in Virgo from January 23^rd to April 13^th.

There are many interpretations of this astrological signature.  Keeping it simple however, requires only that we look to the archetypes of Mars and Virgo to further understand the energy and influence of this celestial event.

Virgo is the sign associated with work, health and service.  This sign typically operates through crises that lead to intense self-analysis in order to understand what needs to be changed or adjusted to resolve the perpetual or cyclic nature of the crises.  Once the necessary adjustments have been made, self-improvement occurs.

Unfortunately, Virgo tends to focus disproportionately on what’s wrong instead of what’s right.  This negativity often devolves into judgment and criticism and the need to ‘atone’ for past mistakes.  A feeling of ‘not being good enough’ can lead to self-sabotaging behaviors and can even become the causative factor for illness.   Unconsciously, Virgos often use crises to distract themselves from themselves!  They’re so busy putting out fires that they never get around to addressing their own personal ‘stuff.’   Another classic Virgo tactic used to avoid doing necessary self-improvement work is becoming a workaholic.  There’s never enough time to do what needs to be done to take care of the self.

From a total zodiacal perspective, Virgo is a transitional archetype.  It is the last sign associated with development of the individual self (Aries through Virgo) before we experience the need to progressively socialize and integrate into the whole of society with others as an equal (Libra through Pisces).

Following Leo, the sign associated with the full development of the individual  ego-centric identity and the need to creatively express that unique identity, Virgo provides a necessary deflation of the ego that prepares us for the task of entering into relationships with others on an equal basis.  Virgo teaches humility which is often learned through a process of humiliation that serves to not only deflate the ego, but also to realign the ego-centric identity with its own Higher Self or Divine Will.

Mars is considered by Astrologers to be the ‘lower octave’ of Pluto and therefore directly associated with the Soul (Pluto).  Pluto operates at an unconscious level and is the source of the Soul’s evolutionary growth intentions in each lifetime.  For most of us, we can only come to consciously know our Soul’s intentions through Mars.  This is because Mars is the principle of instinctive action and what it instinctively acts out or acts upon are the desires for growth that emanate from the Soul.  So through Mars, we act on our desires and through this process, become the person our Soul intends us to become.

Because Mars always acts instinctively to pursue desires, it typically will not brook any interference in those pursuits.  When it meets with such interference or obstruction, anger usually results.  This is why Aries/Mars individuals require so much personal freedom.   Adequate freedom allows them to instinctively pursue their desires in an unfettered way.

Now imagine the planet of instinctive action, which naturally becomes angry whenever its actions are interrupted or interfered with in any way, having to STOP, turn around, and begin to move BACKWARD through the zodiac!  Suffice it to say, retrograde movement does not make Mars happy.  What retrograde movement of Mars does accomplish however is a slowing-down of the instinctive impulse to act so that thorough and thoughtful review of desired actions can take place.   Mars retrograde facilitates the necessary planning, analysis and preparation that results in greater success once actions are taken.

So in a nutshell, this upcoming Mars retrograde through Virgo will likely bring crises, delays, obstacles and a general thwarting of actions and initiatives for the purpose of necessary review.  Taking the time to thoroughly analyze problems and goals will allow for crucial changes and adjustments to be made that will have a positive effect on the outcome of actions that are ultimately taken.

So get ready for review time!  The best use of this Mars retrograde is to become more aware of the nature of both desires and crises in your life.  Perhaps you’ll notice a pattern in the kinds of problems you typically experience.  Or perhaps you’ll discover the extraordinary effectiveness that crises have had in your life relative to keeping you from doing what you know you should and could do for your own health and well-being.

Be prepared to positively manage your frustration when setbacks occur.  Consider whatever obstacles do show up to actually be your allies.  Accept the nature and timing of those obstacles as totally right and proper.  In fact, those obstacles will no doubt be the perfect facilitators of the need to rethink or review your plans.  Solicit and surrender to the guidance and direction of your Higher Self through prayer and meditation.

Virgo’s opposite sign is Pisces.  Opposite signs always point the way forward for evolutionary growth.  Pisces is the sign associated with spirituality and the desire to reunite with the source of our creation.  The spiritualization process is often facilitated by disillusionment or disappointments that reveal that what we thought had meaning and would provide happiness or ultimate fulfillment isn’t actually capable of doing so.  Through dissolving the meaning we falsely assign to desired people, places and things, Pisces serves to realign us with reality.

Used unwisely, Pisces can also provide an escape hatch for those not yet ready or willing to deal with reality or to see their life circumstances clearly.  We all need to ‘let our hair down’ occasionally.  But substance abuse and addiction can occur when escape becomes the preferred way of coping with disappointing realities.  On the upside, Pisces can provide the inspiration to ‘reimagine’ problems and opportunities.

Neptune rules Pisces and will enter Pisces for the next fourteen years on February 3^rd in the midst of the Mars retrograde period.  When the Mars retrograde period ends on April 13^th, Mars will be within just a degree of an exact opposition to Neptune.  This connection is typically associated with severe disillusionment and even deception so be especially mindful of the timely need to face realities squarely and to see things and people clearly as this Mars retrograde comes to an end.   Finding the courage to do so will be the factor/choice that allows you to move forward, slowly but successfully, once this retrograde period comes to an end.

Virgo and Pisces natives (and to a lesser degree Gemini and Sagittarius) will feel the influence of this Mars retrograde the most.  Aries and Scorpio natives will also be significantly affected since these two signs are ruled by Mars.  However, this retrograde will have some effect on nearly everyone since we all have Virgo somewhere in our chart.  Look to the houses where Virgo and Aries and Scorpio are on the cusps (Mars rules Aries and co-rules Scorpio) for clues about what areas of your life are due for an in-depth review during this retrograde.

Take ‘time outs’ to deeply ponder what’s not working in your life especially if it involves your everyday work routine or health.  If a health issue does need attention, consider the usefulness of natural remedies (Virgo).  Take steps now to improve nutrition and to ensure that you get plenty of rest.  And if diagnoses are confusing or uncertain (Pisces) don’t hesitate to get a second opinion especially if surgery is recommended.  Pets may also need extra attention during this retrograde period since Virgo rules them too.  Be extra kind and forgiving with everyone especially yourself.  And most importantly, resolve to make necessary changes and adjustments one step at a time as this strategy is most effective in overcoming Virgo’s ‘perfection paralysis.’

Every outer planetary retrograde reaches its halfway point when it opposes the Sun.  This Mars retrograde will be at its halfway point on March 4^th.  The ‘review’ process encouraged by this Mars retrograde period will be the most intense during its first half from January 23^rd to March 4^th.   From March 4^th to April 13^th increasing energy and urgency to move forward and implement plans will begin to unfold.  If possible, it will be best to delay the beginning of any big new project or initiative until mid-April when the retrograde is complete.  But if you must begin something sooner, at least be aware of the likelihood of setbacks occurring that will probably prove frustrating, albeit necessary for ultimate success.

Above all else, use this retrograde period to generally SLOW DOWN!  Turn the focus of your attention inward.  The answers and insights you need now to make positive and necessary changes that can result in real evolutionary Soul growth in your life will be found by looking deeply inside.  And don’t forget to ask for help from whatever source of higher guidance you believe in.  The highest potential and best use of this Mars retrograde can result in tremendous personal healing, for individuals, and for our planet.

Many Blessings, Donna