23 November 2011 - 22 December 2011
BIG PICTURE..........
The Uranus / Pluto square dominates, as it will until well into 2017. The unpredictable, impulsive and freedom seeking Uranus, in dynamic aspect with the intense, compulsive and transformational Pluto, is very much a 'sign' of the times. This is the first major aspect between these two planetary heavyweights since the 1960's; a time of unparalleled change and upheaval. Revolution and power are core themes. Protest, struggle, uprising, experimentation, confrontation - all expressions of a restless 'spirit', are playing out on many levels, in many fields. A global (for that is what relationships between the outer planets seem to suggest) urge toward Uranian change, powered by Plutonic force, is demonstrating and will continue to be a feature of life for some time yet. Buried within the uncertainty and the unpredictability are the seeds of the 'new', as we are already witnessing. This 'new' is expressing in all spheres of life. New of course is not always better, but seen in the context of larger cycles is always connected to the evolutionary impulse. These transits (of the outer planets) are intrinsically collective in scope, however they offer 'opportunity' at the individual level to those whose horoscopes are 'linked'. If you have the Sun, Moon, Ascendant, nodes or other significant placements in cardinal (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn) signs, then this can be a rich, rewarding and of course challenging period for you. Those with placements in the early degrees of the cardinal signs are first cabs off the rank, progressing through the middle and late degrees as the cycle develops over the next 6 years or so (it has already been 'active' since 2010). Regardless of personal horoscope configurations this powerful, once in a generation line up will, or can, be harnessed by all those working at and striving toward freedom from old patterns and old ways
The Sun began its annual sojourn in Sagittarius on 23/11, Sydney time. For most this is the beginning of the run up to Christmas, that hectic and often hedonistic time of year. Social activities and commitments escalate, and shopping, for both gifts and food, commands more and more of our time. As we near the big day tensions can rise (exacerbated by family and other obligations) alongside more positive expectations. Indulgence and excess vies with religion and ritual, recklessness and insensitivity with charity and camaraderie, and unbounded superficiality blots out, but not completely, wonderful demonstrations of reverence and love
At this time there is surely not a more apt astrological figure than Sagittarius and its ruler Jupiter, Lord of Expansion….in all directions! Stimulating the build up in this festive period are 2 eclipses, the first on 25/11, a partial solar (new moon) eclipse, and the potent total lunar (full moon) eclipse on 11/12. The first, on 25/11, coincides with Mercury turning retrograde (also in Sagittarius). Traditionally associated with communication (and sometimes equipment) blocks and delays, this retrograde phase (which extends to 15/12) may be seen to subtly diffuse some of the pre Xmas spirit. And some will see it as something of a bad omen in regards deadlines, often a pressure point at this time of year. Personally I am hoping that it doesn’t contrive to frustrate the posting of this article! On a more topical note it seems a delicious coincidence that a major upheaval in the National Parliament occurred on the eve of this alignment, with the resignation of the sitting Speaker and the appointment of a new Speaker, on the final day and in the final minutes of the last sitting session for this year. In the first instance it involved the Speaker (Mercury). In the second, and from the opposition’s perspective, there was no warning and they had no information (Mercury retrograde). Thirdly, it occurred at the dark phase of the Moon, a hidden time. Fourthly, the eclipse is square Chiron (in early Pisces), so there is pain and loss involved! On the other hand the Government, who engineered the coup, seem to have had daring and a sense of adventure on their side, characteristic of Sagittarius/Jupiter.
The second eclipse (on 11/12) does not form as many aspects but is nonetheless a powerful motif. Its signature is intensification of energy, which will be worth bearing in mind leading up to Christmas. And it takes place on the same day that Uranus goes direct…..releasing its energy. So there is an unpredictable, but also pure, quality here; which will likely reinforce the Uranus/Pluto themes outlined above. For its part Pluto (in Capricorn) is in turn part of a grand trine with Mars (in Virgo) and Jupiter (in Taurus). This began to form in mid November and will be effective until mid December, when the faster moving Mars will move on. Earth themes are highlighted, as are practical and creative activities. As indicated in the “Month of Scorpio” this is an overall positive and stabilizing alignment, though as planets move into any aspect pattern a potential for dynamism always exits. And as Pluto is already in a 'strong' contact with Uranus the link with Mars and Jupiter MAY aggravate (Mars) and inflame/exaggerate (Jupiter) their already potent relationship.
So, those with placements (including the Sun, Moon, Ascendant, MC, nodes and the personal planets), in the early degrees of the Mutable signs, will be keyed by the eclipse and its square to Chiron. Those with placements in the early degrees of the Earth signs are now experiencing a transiting Grand Trine (between Pluto, Mars and Jupiter). Take advantage while it’s there! Those with placements in the late degrees of the Air signs are undergoing a process of reconditioning, brought about by the transit of Saturn and Neptune. And finally, those with placements in early degrees of the Cardinal signs are working under the cathartic energies of Uranus and Pluto. To be sure, everyone has something to work with!
For those who may have missed the previous “Month of Scorpio” I have reproduced it below.
Cheers
Bob
23 October 2011 - 22 November 2011
With the Sun transiting through Scorpio the next 30 days are likely to be intense, if nothing else! With Scorpio's co-ruler Pluto playing such a significant role (as noted above), big picture themes are likely to be focal. Our planet - and it's systems, institutions, organisations and citizens - are all being subjected to the heat of transformational energy! The full moon, in Taurus, on 11/11/11 (Sydney time) is significant on many levels and represents, certainly symbolically, a high point for the month. If we are acquainted with the potential intensification of energy at the full moon (and particularly one involving Taurus and Scorpio), then this alignment of astrological and numerological motifs will be a powerful reminder (and for some a powerful experience) of dynamic forces at work 'behind the scenes' at this important time. Much is suggestive of the working out of karma through the exposure of what has been hidden or suppressed, and a purging (i.e. a process of purification) in preparation for a new stage or phase.
On a lighter note there is also an exact conjunction of Mercury and Venus on 11/11/11. This combination connotes an ease, even an elegance, in communication (for those who are aligned with it), especially given the placement in the optimistic, fun loving and prone to exaggeration Sagittarius! This joining is also symbolic of the union of heart and mind; and at a more spiritual level represents the hermaphrodite (Hermes/ Mercury and Aphrodite/Venus), the sublime union of male and female in united expression. The 11 is itself a symbol of the '2', poised equally, and of the gateway into the mysteries, where the prescription for entry is this sacred 'union'. This overlap of astrology and numerology demonstrates a wonderful, probably highly significant, synchronicity; and reinforces the potency (and poetry) of this period!
And to reinforce that all is not fire and brimstone (though it is still there!) Mars, the co-ruler of Scorpio, begins to separate from it's opposition with Neptune......and on 12/11/11 transits into Virgo. Mars in late Leo opposite Neptune in late Aquarius is featured in the sky from around 20 October. This combination is often associated with drifting and a difficulty or listlessness in taking action. The 'dragging on' of the Euro crises springs to mind; what is needed or desirable is put off? Another meaning can be confusing actions and/or those based on withheld agendas, which at the time of writing is very well illustrated by the sudden and secretive shut down of the Qantas fleet.
As Mars moves into Virgo it forms a Grand Trine with Jupiter (in Taurus) and Pluto (in Capricorn). The Grand Trine is almost always associated with ease and flow, though as planets move into any aspect pattern a potential for dynamism always exits. And as Pluto is already in a 'strong' contact with Uranus the link with Mars and Jupiter MAY aggravate (Mars) and inflame/exaggerate (Jupiter) their already potent relationship. Earth themes would feature here. But overall this is a positive pattern and should serve to 'earth' the prevailing energies and bring a focus around physical and practical activities. Off the back of the full moon (the day before) opportunities to move on or conclude things are well supported by this configuration. Those with strong horoscope placements in the early degrees of the Earth signs will be particularly receptive to these themes.