A Perfect Storm
The Equinox, Full Moon and Easter........2013
For in 2012 Neptune took up residence in Pisces for the first time in 150 odd years. With Chiron also in the sign of the Fish a counter balance to the intense Uranus/Pluto energies was thus established, a beach-head as it were, easing or softening somewhat the volatile, unpredictable and oft oppressive agents of change. Many have noted that at least to a degree the energies over the past 12 months have been a little easier, and perhaps more stable, than 2011, and for that matter the period coinciding roughly with the onset of the GFC (in late 2008) when Pluto entered Capricorn and its first alignment with Uranus since the 1960’s began to build. Many of the world’s institutions and social structures have been under pressure ever since, with revolution and uncertainty being seemingly ever present threats (or opportunities for those aligned with the transformational dynamic of change).
The timing of so many planets in Pisces/Water in the lead up to the Autumn Equinox (spring in the Northern Hemisphere) and onward to tomorrow’s full moon and then Easter, was perhaps a celestial reminder of the need for balance and the conscious exercise of softer and more tolerant and compassionate attitudes; for we have now transited into a much more Fiery period where the emphasis swings back to Uranus and Pluto and more overtly yang energies. In some respects we have the ingredients for a perfect storm.
The timing of so many planets in Pisces/Water in the lead up to the Autumn Equinox (spring in the Northern Hemisphere) and onward to tomorrow’s full moon and then Easter, was perhaps a celestial reminder of the need for balance and the conscious exercise of softer and more tolerant and compassionate attitudes; for we have now transited into a much more Fiery period where the emphasis swings back to Uranus and Pluto and more overtly yang energies. In some respects we have the ingredients for a perfect storm.
During late February and into March the astrological atmosphere surrounding our planet was dominated by Water, with up to 8 planets in the element associated most with the realm of feeling, empathy, the psyche, etc. The chart below, for 12 March, illustrates the extent to which the watery energies poured forth, with 7 planets in mutable Pisces, plus Saturn in Scorpio. The significance of so many planets, especially in Pisces, elevated not only the watery themes but the role of Neptune, the signs ruler, at this significant time in history.
Late on Wednesday evening the 20th of March (10:03 pm Sydney time) the Sun moved into Aries, marking the equinox and the start of the astrological year, a time rich in the symbolism of beginnings. Easter, in both its ancient pagan and modern Christian mystical meanings, reinforces the same themes of initiation and the cycle of new life. And beginnings flow from endings.
As the chart (reproduced below) suggests, the energies are shifting. Mars (whom March is named after) has recently moved into Aries, its own sign. With the Sun (which is exalted in Aries) also taking up residence and Uranus also in the early degrees, a threshold is crossed and a potent masculine force rises. And yet the timing of the equinox sees the Moon in Cancer (also in its own sign) forming a grand trine with Saturn (in Scorpio) and Neptune, Chiron and Mercury (in Pisces).
Venus, the Goddess, is also in the late degrees of Pisces (the sign of her exaltation), so overall the feminine force is still strong - as exemplified for example by Barack Obama’s speech (on the day of the equinox) to Israeli students, encouraging them to stand in the shoes of Palestinians. These were evocative Neptune/Pisces statements. Meanwhile on the same day the most unpredictable events would unfold in Canberra. For many commentators and experienced political observers it was an altogether bizarre and unexpected implosion. When the dust settled and heads rolled most were left pondering why? Join the Sun and Mars, planet of drives and impulses, to the unpredictable Uranus, in the action sign of Aries, with all three connected to destructive Pluto and……bingo!
As the chart (reproduced below) suggests, the energies are shifting. Mars (whom March is named after) has recently moved into Aries, its own sign. With the Sun (which is exalted in Aries) also taking up residence and Uranus also in the early degrees, a threshold is crossed and a potent masculine force rises. And yet the timing of the equinox sees the Moon in Cancer (also in its own sign) forming a grand trine with Saturn (in Scorpio) and Neptune, Chiron and Mercury (in Pisces).
Venus, the Goddess, is also in the late degrees of Pisces (the sign of her exaltation), so overall the feminine force is still strong - as exemplified for example by Barack Obama’s speech (on the day of the equinox) to Israeli students, encouraging them to stand in the shoes of Palestinians. These were evocative Neptune/Pisces statements. Meanwhile on the same day the most unpredictable events would unfold in Canberra. For many commentators and experienced political observers it was an altogether bizarre and unexpected implosion. When the dust settled and heads rolled most were left pondering why? Join the Sun and Mars, planet of drives and impulses, to the unpredictable Uranus, in the action sign of Aries, with all three connected to destructive Pluto and……bingo!
At the full moon on 27 March (8:28 pm Sydney time) the balance is tipped still further. The Sun, and Mars in particular, are unleashed in Aries. They are now also joined by Venus, which opposes the moon in Libra. To a large degree these four tell a story within a story, reiterating as they do the power shift toward the masculine during this period. In its astrological context masculine and yang don’t specifically refer to men (or yin specifically to women). Rather it represents an outgoing, extroverted force which is associated with initiative, risk, impulsiveness, assertiveness, aggression and the like (which both sexes are of course capable of).
Libra, the sign of the full moon and opposite to Aries, is symbolic of beauty, harmony, justice (or equality) and relationship. And it is the relationship theme that is strongly emphasised by the alignment, for here there are 4 personal planets aligned with the Uranus/Pluto energy, forming a dynamic T-square which is strongly yang in its emanation. And not just any four planets but two pairs which are the major female/male archetypes – Moon/Sun and Venus/Mars.
Libra, the sign of the full moon and opposite to Aries, is symbolic of beauty, harmony, justice (or equality) and relationship. And it is the relationship theme that is strongly emphasised by the alignment, for here there are 4 personal planets aligned with the Uranus/Pluto energy, forming a dynamic T-square which is strongly yang in its emanation. And not just any four planets but two pairs which are the major female/male archetypes – Moon/Sun and Venus/Mars.
While the full Moon enjoys equality with the Sun (being the same visual size from our perspective on Earth) Venus is overwhelmed. She rules the full moon (being the ruler of Libra) but has moved from exaltation in Pisces to detriment in Aries, where she is overshadowed by the Sun and Mars. And she is almost exactly opposite the Moon. It is three on one. Yet in Aries (and with Mars and Uranus in the neighbourhood) there is always room for the underdog.
As reported in today’s Sydney Morning Herald a young Tunisian woman (known as ‘Amina’) recently posted two photos on Facebook as a political protest against the oppression of women in her country. In the first she is reclining topless with the words “my body belongs to me, and is not the source of the honour of anyone” emblazoned on her torso. In the second she is giving the finger, her tattooed body exclaiming “F--- your morals”.
Amina has now been admitted by her parents to a psychiatric ward (against her will). Meanwhile the Tunisian Commissioner for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice (a man) confirmed to the media that "Her act could bring about an epidemic. It could be contagious and give ideas to other women. It is therefore necessary to isolate [the incident]. I wish her to be healed."
On the eve of the full moon there could be no better archetypal showing of an independent and courageous young woman (Venus in Aries) standing up for the rights of the feminine (opposite the Moon) and overpowered by a combination of the masculine (Sun, Mars and Uranus in Aries) and repressive authority (Pluto in Capricorn)
As reported in today’s Sydney Morning Herald a young Tunisian woman (known as ‘Amina’) recently posted two photos on Facebook as a political protest against the oppression of women in her country. In the first she is reclining topless with the words “my body belongs to me, and is not the source of the honour of anyone” emblazoned on her torso. In the second she is giving the finger, her tattooed body exclaiming “F--- your morals”.
Amina has now been admitted by her parents to a psychiatric ward (against her will). Meanwhile the Tunisian Commissioner for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice (a man) confirmed to the media that "Her act could bring about an epidemic. It could be contagious and give ideas to other women. It is therefore necessary to isolate [the incident]. I wish her to be healed."
On the eve of the full moon there could be no better archetypal showing of an independent and courageous young woman (Venus in Aries) standing up for the rights of the feminine (opposite the Moon) and overpowered by a combination of the masculine (Sun, Mars and Uranus in Aries) and repressive authority (Pluto in Capricorn)
This will clearly not be in the ball park of most people’s personal experience in the coming period. But it does serve to illustrate the dynamic energies at work. With the Uranus/Pluto force stimulated by the Aries energies the yang flag is raised high and its vitality will permeate the lead into and much of the Easter period. Impulse control will be tested and volatility will be magnified. But to the extent that these can be balanced, many of the higher Aries motifs can be harnessed; qualities such as courage, enthusiasm, charisma and purity of spirit
Relationships are in many respects key to this period; significantly between the sexes and between friends, but also in regards family, community, country and, most importantly, with one’s soul or higher self. Freedom, equality, respect for and the rights of the feminine (on all levels) are also strongly emphasised and it is worth remembering that there is much strength still in the water signs to tap into during what looks like an intense yet heightened, rich and likely exciting Easter.
Till next time……Bob
Relationships are in many respects key to this period; significantly between the sexes and between friends, but also in regards family, community, country and, most importantly, with one’s soul or higher self. Freedom, equality, respect for and the rights of the feminine (on all levels) are also strongly emphasised and it is worth remembering that there is much strength still in the water signs to tap into during what looks like an intense yet heightened, rich and likely exciting Easter.
Till next time……Bob