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Most
of us may have felt that 2003 started not with a bang but a whimper. The Mercury
retrograde period that started on January 1 and ends on the 22nd of January
could be partially to blame. (Read a separate
article on the topic). The 22nd and 23rd after Mercury has moved direct
are good days to launch matters related to selling, promoting, communicating
and other matters put on the back-burner. Have a proposition or proposal you
have been wanting to present? Choose these days for increased impetus. Righteousness
and ethics can dominate in the media and our private lives for the next two
weeks. The thought of how many views are needed to formulate our collective
opinion is captivating.
The Chinese New Year may feel more like the start of a New Year than January 1, 2002 did this year. The lunar calendar determines the start of that year. The first new Moon following the ingress of the Sun into the sign of Aquarius is that date. This year that new Moon takes place on February 1, 2003 at 2:48 AM PST. At this time we do not see the Moon. The symbolism of the new Moon is starting new things, launching new projects and planting the seed. Perhaps we could use the first day of February to make a little wish list for ourselves in light of the bigger shift of Uranus the ruler of Aquarius shifting into Pisces on the 10th of March. The Sun is in Aquarius from 2:53 A.M. PST January 20, 2003 through 6:00 P.M. PST February 18, 2003.
To skip intro just read signs: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.
The two jagged lines representing the water-bearer do not touch, in fact, all of the air signs are presented with lines that do not intersect. Air is the element that does not hinder the motion of objects through it. Aquarius is electrifying energy, associated with the intellect, inventions, innovation and original ideas. Unique, individualistic and freedom loving, it is energy that is difficult to tie down or capture. I like to think of it as the filament inside an ordinary light bulb it only takes a thread to conduct electricity to those wires, and voila there is light. In cartoons when someone has an idea, it is often expressed by drawing a light bulb over there heads. Aquarius and especially Uranus represents that ‘Eureka - I have found it" energy.
For every column I try find an image that describes the month's theme or the
sign. This month's picture shows a dove flying as through a dream-catcher.
The sign of Aquarius is associated with our dreams in terms of our aspirations,
which is our will to succeed. The idea of a dream-catcher is to keep bad dreams
trapped out of our dream-state. Dreaming during our sleep belongs to the realm
of Pisces and the 12th house, but the 11th house, Aquarius and Uranus are
associated with the collective mind, our dreams and wishes for humanity as
a whole. The perceived threat of war is quite prominent this month, many speculating
the onset of war early February. The dove of peace and our collective desires
blended together is the ultimate imagery I see in this picture. The symbolism
of Aquarius includes groups, associations, friends, and colleagues; humanitarian
efforts, legislation, parliament, rebellion, socialism, psychotherapy and
science. I would expect peace protests to gather momentum this month. Maybe,
if we all join in spirit, if not in person, we can avert the actual onset
of hostilities.
The image on the cover of the January 20, 2003 issue of the TIME magazine
captured my attention, and did its contents. (www.time.com/time). A woman
sitting in lotus position of yoga. Whenever the topic is covered in this magazine,
which celebrates its 60th anniversary, it has entered the mainstream. One
of the articles is about whether Freud could find employment. I found it fascinating
in light of what I associate the ingress of Uranus into Pisces in view of
the 1920's when this occurred the last time. Freud and Jung became mainstream
back then, but in the course of the past 84 years now our views of the human
mind have changed. (see 2003 column) This edition of the magazine is brimming
with articles to do with our health, our mind and genetics. Gene isolation
is not the quest rather understanding the combination of genes and environment.
Much like astrology, just because you are a Leo Sun, does not mean that you
fit the mould. Astrologers look at a myriad of combinations of planetary influences,
points and signs to draw any kind of conclusions.
The modern ruler of Aquarius is Uranus. Astrologically speaking, this is energy
that livens up our lives by presenting us with unexpected surprises. Mid-life
crises is associated with the Uranus return at around age 42, and depending
how well your chart is wired to this Maverick planet helps identify the impact
of this transit. I think that the role of Uranus is to liven up areas where
we have let life stagnate, where we haven't attempted to do anything closely
resembling unique.
Aquarius and its ruler Uranus are associated with the 11th house of hopes,
wishes, dreams, friends and acquaintances as well as love given. On a mundane
level we associate this house with groups and organizations, thus with charity
and assistance to help the masses. Aquarius is the sign of friendship its
polar opposite Leo is the sign of romantic love. We celebrate Valentine's
Day in the course of the Aquarius month, perhaps more appropriate would be
to celebrate Friendship Day as is done in countries where this day was introduced
this last century rather than approx. 2000 years ago. Last year's column in
the archives addresses this day in more detail. (February
2002).
We associate Uranus, the ruler of Aquarius with divorce. Both the sign and its ruling planet love their freedom, and both refuse to be bound to something that has stagnated. This sign is intellectual and analytical, it needs the camaraderie and friendship within a relationships. It thrives on mental stimulation, and should that end for any reason, Aquarius is likely to want to find a new source of ‘excitement'.
Aquarius is a fixed sign and also associated with planet Saturn. Saturn is totally different type of energy, stable, conservative and practical. This element behind the sign of adds stability and staying power, and can account for the practical themes that form a backdrop for the Sun in Aquarius month. It is never as simple as we'd like when we look at the energies of a sign, there is a lot of variables that have impact on what the mood is likely to be.
An era we have known for seven years will conclude in 49 days. Astrologically speaking that is Uranus in its own sign of Aquarius. The inventions, advancements in technology and the social unrest of this time period have left their mark in history. However, often when a planet travels through the final degrees of a sign, an element of "it is now or never " enters the equation. We could be witnessing some of the most unexpected developments in these Aquarian areas in these final seven weeks. But let's keep in mind the big buzz word for Uranus is surprise and the unexpected. One intriguing news item in the papers - the sounds of the genes made in to music. A french composer has made 10 sound tracks of the genes for the genome project. Not the music of the spheres but the sounds our bodies resonate to.
At the start of the month and until February 4, both Mars and Venus are in Sagittarius with intense Pluto courting Jupiter. When it comes to our relationships these energies meld optimism with possessiveness. We feel strongly about what is rightfully ours, and can get a tad territorial. We need to stay honest and open, so that ties that bind are strengthened not broken. Taking chances is tempting but the nagging thoughts to stay conservative keep our minds preoccupied. We may seek advice yet ignore it, tax season is upon us and we have to choose who gets our money. Might be an exceptionally busy season for investment advisors. Breezy chit chat won't cut it, we need to show that we mean what we say, and stand solidly behind our statements.
February 4 Venus changes into Capricorn and Mars walks hand in hand with Pluto. Mercury is in Aquarius from February 10 on with the Sun, Neptune and Uranus. Capricorn is strongly associated with our social norms, it is conservative and follows the laws and rules. So on days like Valentine's we need to follow tradition and do what is expected. With money we need to stay conservative despite the temptation to blow it on fun or take a risk. All risks taken by Capricorn and calculated risks, that's the energy, the choice on what we do with it is always ours. Mars with Pluto is intense, explosive - think an earthquake at the bottom of the ocean, the damage remains invisible for ages. Tempers can flare with this one, particularly from February 12 - 18, 2003. Pick your battles accordingly, act in haste and repent at your leisure and all of that.
Happy Birthday, Aquarius! What a grand month to launch a new year. If you are looking for more information about your year, consider the annual report from birthday to birthday called Planets in Solar Return available on-line (USD 9.95), it gives you approx. 30 pages of insights into your year. I print and read mine every year, as I like to know my upcoming cycles.
The weekly columns on this site have horoscopes without the astrological jargon. This monthly column focuses more on the themes and cycles in action, and all signs are created equal when I write these. Some end up considerably longer and more conversational, you are welcome to send me commentary, I may even address it in the next column (see Leo, which address a typical Leo issue at more length). Anne@astrologicallyspeaking.com
This month is typically about new experiences, new ideas and lots of mental stimulation. Inspired optimism for the year, it was such a slow start to the year, that now you feel your year has finally started! Your view of future may still be a little blurred or overly idealistic as the month launches, try not to rush, finalize any long-term plans late January early February instead. This month is usually about your 5-7 years plans and fine-tuning your goals. Friends and colleagues are the ones whose advise you tend you value at these times. This year the theme is stronger as Uranus is spending the final seven weeks here as of now. Remember the last two degrees of a sign, especially when we are looking at a slow moving planet, often signal a powerful now or never message.
The matters of the heart are on an even keel now, smooth sailing. Daily routines, schedules and the ‘humdrum' continue to be a little overwhelming. Work on eliminating and delegating as the fact remains - each day only has twenty-four hours. Saturn here until June keeps drumming the message home. The North Node of the Moon will head out of this area mid-April and until then the influence exerted re-enforces Saturn's message, choose what you need to do for the next few years in terms of your daily life. Learn new ways of communicating or learn new skills, adjust your daily schedule so that you enjoy it and find it varied enough. Variety is the spice of life for you.
This month is typically the one when you are focused on career, and your place in the pecking order in the corporate hierarchy. The plans for the year are solidifying, you are becoming clearer on what it is you desire the most. Financial issues are focal, but the long-term view holds priority over any temporary cash shortages. While your outlook is optimistic, continue to select expenditures and investments conservatively. Dissatisfaction or disruptions on the work front are starting to subside, calmer times start mid-March. This month job changes are in the picture stronger than usual, do scrutinize any related offers with care and take your time before making binding decisions. You need to be clear on your value to ensure that the remuneration matches your expectations.
Review insurance, investment and tax documents with due care and file these
where you can find them for audit type events. The pace of life is picking
up, and there is newfound excitement in your life. In intimate relationships
- remember it's give and take, both partners are equal. Demanding that you
always get things your way will get you into hot water, realize that you did
not pick a meek, pliant partner (not your type). Stay flexible and accommodating
on the home scene some things are beyond our control!
While the Sun occupies your 9th house with his cronies is normally an active month for you. This is the house where we gain knowledge and form our opinions, where we dream big and expand our horizons. This has been the theme for the past seven years. Your philosophical side has matured in leaps and bounds, you no longer think or respond to life the same. The downside can be isolation from the world and too much time spent pondering the meaning of life, the importance of faith and issues along these lines. Playing the hermit really isn't you, but has it become you? Take time out, have some fun and accept those invitations.
Commitment within a relationship might surface as a topical issue, explain how you feel, not all of us can read minds, and a busy mind is such a messy place anyway. People from the past may resurface adding a sense of nostalgia, reconnecting can help bring you out of hibernation. The "trivial" obstacles of early January have almost vanished, seize the moments and join in the fun.
Keep a low profile at work, stay clear of controversial issues. Instead collect the facts and appropriate information, taking sides now may prove counter-productive, mediate instead. This is the time to work out behind the scenes plans for career, in order to put your best foot forward next month.
Financial resources and your resourcefulness are two of the themes this month. Lots of changes on this front thus far, and some more to come. If you are planning to attain further education, relocate at a distance or investigate other cultures, this month is an excellent time to investigate your best tactics to get there. Your approach to finances is one of up and down, keeping expenses down is always the way to go. Spend with utmost discrimination.
The last degrees of a sign are driven, wrought with talent and fueled by the desire to succeed. We are talking about the unpredictable Uranus travelling through your solar 8th house. In this area we have death, birth, conception, taxes, investments and the most intimate of our relationships. How committed are you? Those one-on-one relationships need to ascend to the next level, where you freely and without holding back share what is yours - heart, body and soul, not excluding your financial assets. This a fertile time both figuratively and literally, use it. Make the most of this energy and prepare for success in any area that you feel passionately about.
Take positive steps to promote your physical well-being, it's your body take
charge. Work and co-workers take up your energy and time at the moment. Open
those communication lines, you have spent time contemplating the issue you
think need changing, now is your chance to get the ball rolling.
The best ideas and flashes of insight usually catch us unprepared to record them. I have started to carry a little recorder around when I am driving around town. Jot those ideas down, maybe you can put some of these to good use. Your busy schedule of the past few years, is giving you reprieve, and now you may be at a loss about what to do with that time and with your life for that matter. You are normally quite the social animal, but of late leaving home to be out there has become less appealing. You need more input from others, get out there and join in. Take in a lecture, go to the ball game or accept that standing invitation for coffee or whatever.
Also a good time to start implementing a healthier lifestyle; walk, job, swim or get on that stationary bike. On the romantic front things look more a passionate and intense, beware of possessiveness. Schedule your time so that you leave a bit for rest and relaxation, i.e. to do things you want to do. Life is unpredictable at best, make the most of it, start creating those memorable moments now.
That life is good statement in my annual column for Leo, brought irate comments from a few Leos, glad you are reading my column. Not good they said! Jupiter in the sun sign is typically good especially in hindsight, but it does not deliver unless we are ready to receive. Let me explain a little - Jupiter is the planet that magnifies and grows issues and events that are ongoing in our lives. If you are dissatisfied with work for example, Jupiter grows that issue into grand obstacle size. If you are pursuing a dream that dream feels reachable when Jupiter is nearby. If you are in the mode of going to the restaurant every night, then Jupiter will likely expand your girth. We have to cooperate with the energy. Luck is when opportunity (Jupiter) meets preparation (Saturn); hey we have to work at it.
Take the next seven months to work on a more positive self-image (Leos are
only confident on the surface). Saturn of denial is in the 11th house for
you until June, that is the place in the astrological chart where we get praise,
either in dollars or in recognition. It is this denial and shortage of accolades
that has you feeling less than good. What are you going to do about it? Move
on to bigger, better, greener pastures or just suck it in. When we don't get
what we need we become dissatisfied. It is up to you to work at getting your
needs met. Wanting approval or gratitude is not an irrational need, it is
often built-in to Leos. You are willing to give and give for a little thank
you, but even you have your limits.
Could you have more action and activity on the home-front? The close ties that bind us are complex and at times overly complicated. Family members and the like, need your support and advice, the trick is to listen with heart and avoid passing judgement. Truth is a subjective experience. Don't force the issue on the responsibilities and work arena, go with the flow and wait for the ‘fog' to lift. Your thought processes may lack usual clarity, reason and logic are not always the solution. Not everyone is as self-motivated as you are.
You typically love the variety you call your work and routine, and of late these activities have started move along more smoothly, you could be overfilling that tight schedule now. Health and sleeping patterns tend to be thrown off kilter at these times. Try to learn to breathe properly, most of us don't breathe deep enough. The breath is what sustains us. Finding a balance between work and leisure time is tough, but we cannot burn the candle at both ends indefinitely.
You like to be there for others, always willing to assist and offer advise.
Stop to listen at the advise you are offering others - should you perhaps
heed it yourself. When life gets cluttered it helps to focus on mundane chores
that need attention, when your hands are busy with things you could be doing
blind-folded, the mind is freed to ponder life's more profound issues. Meditation
is when you are focusing on nothing, to allow the mind freedom.
Mental confusion follows too much thinking, reasoning and gathering bits and pieces of information. What to do or what to think! Ordinary routines hold little allure at the moment, your opinions and convictions continue to change. You desire to have new experiences and excitement in your life, yet feel limited in your options. Only you can implement changes, and adjustments to your approach and attitude thereby opening new vistas to explore. Argue for your limitations and they become yours, positive action and affirmation is a better way to go. You are at a cross-roads, does the scale measuring the significance really matter.
Big changes this year with work, now is the time to fine-tune your goals. What gives you satisfaction and what you'd like to accomplish? The ‘work' I am referring to is that life-long avocation, being the best you can be. This ranges from wanting to leave a legacy to wanting at least a few people to know that you spent these decades here on planet Earth. Inspiration is in high gear this month, some are pipe-dreams so are realizable time to separate the ‘wheat from the sheaf'. Wonderful energy for any creative endeavors.
After February 4 matters on the home stage start moving more smoothly, changing
residence or re-arrangements in the current one are likely to start taking
shape. If you are in the market for a new job, start putting the word out
with gusto after that date.
Every year without fail (well actually only since 1996) your values, priorities, time and money become the issues. It can be one of the issues or all of them. This year there is an added emphasis, and you may become quite obsessed with some of these this year. Recognition and praise is nice, but you want ‘payment' of some kind. In making time available something else needs to be eliminated, tough choices at times. Don't focus on the immediate future when prioritizing look at the long-term. Choose with care relying solely on your own assessment of what is important.
It is equally easy to create enemies as it is to bond in friendship, you now have the knack for both. You tend to be all or nothing when it comes to relationships, and with that attitude it is easy to alienate others who seldom feel totally comfortable with your deep emotional make-up
With the support and encouragement of family, it is easier to seize the opportunities
and be prepared for that luck geared toward career advancement. Your ‘salesmanship'
skills are exceptional now, promote yourself and your cause. Stay cautious
with spending, a penny saved is a penny earned. Only you are holding yourself
back the heavens are smiling upon you.
Success and achievement but at what cost? Are you putting the love of your life on hold? Your energy levels are starting to soar, you feel almost invincible, so do drive defensively out there. Put that energy and inspiration to good use, it's a brand new year, and this one promises to be an exciting one. Remember luck is when opportunity meets with preparation. Are you prepared to seize these? Your values and views may have shifted radically in the past 6 months, are you still on track to your ‘destination'?
Sun sign astrology is quite philosophical by nature, so now the question becomes - is life intended to end in a destination or is the main intent to take the journey? There is a lot of wisdom to be gleaned with the current events and themes that are surfacing in your life, as long as you take the time to pay attention. The reason I am pointing this out is that you are one of the most philosophical of the zodiacal signs. You can also be quite judgmental in your conclusions, although the past six years of experience Pluto in your sun sign are quickly eliminating that trait.
Uranus in your third house has likely made your daily living environment
different since 1995. You probably don't even think along the lines you used
to, part of the learning curve of life, but not all signs get a lesson with
this kind of depth. This month might be a good time to reconnect with siblings,
neighbours and people in your every day environment. Changes as radical as
the ones you have experienced may have left you little time to spend with
people that used to matter. Your focus may be now shifting toward home-base
and your subjective view of self, sometimes others can help mirror the reality
back to us. We tend to meet new people that reflect who we have become, go
ahead look in that mirror.
The mute button that was jammed stuck on ‘your life's remote control' gets pried loose. Expressing your views and actually getting heard gets back on track. Now that you have had the chance to rethink your annual goals, say it with conviction and stick to the facts. If you are experiencing fluctuating energy levels, check out that they aren't caused by an imbalance. At times we forget that work needs to be balanced by play. Capricorn is notorious for all work and no play. Inner and dream life is vivid, the perfect time to learn more about the symbolism of your dreams.
The erratic cash-flow patterns of the past seven years are about to fizzle away. But the final ‘kicks' will be taking place over the next seven weeks. When we are forewarned, we have the option to look at this area in a different light. The statement "easy come easy go", needn't reflect your financial reality, put more stringent controls on the expenditure side. Easier said than done, of course, but then a penny saved is a penny earned.
The other things that astrology puts into the house of money, are values,
time and priorities. Time is valuable to you, are you allocating it to your
liking? You've spent several months working on what is of importance to you,
reviewing and revising your agenda - now to the final trimming of the superfluous.
In March your schedule and daily obligations will be on a new scale and you
may find that by August that schedule has taxed your energy reserves. Preventative
astrology, if you like, but we humans cannot stick a new battery in as we
can with a remote control. Our fuel is food and sleep, that is how we recharge
ourselves.
Our birthday time always brings our attitude to the forefront. This month is personal and tends to bring attention to us. Just prior to our birthday we tend to be more withdrawn, moody and contemplative, and after the birthday we are ready to move ahead. Celebrating our birthday is celebrating life, it is important that we get some recognition on this day. (The preview of the year 2003 gives a longer write up on your year.)
Uranus in the final degrees of the sign, can keep you on your toes for a while yet. Life's not in a rut, there is excitement, new opportunities and you feel free being you. Yes, you have radically changed over the past seven years, but you've learned to appreciate the unpredictability of it all.
You are now meeting new kinds of people, you are getting ready to have more fun and enjoy life. You haven't lost sight of your goals, but your ambitions are now being balanced by your desire to take part in life not just analyze it.
There is an ethereal quality about the month. Inspiration and insights spur you on to seize the moments and live life more fully. The inner contemplation for the past month can bear fruit now, you are ready to take on your new year. New challenges and opportunities are rewarding not just financially but emotionally. Live every day to the fullest, relish your accomplishments but don't dwell on those that didn't materialize.
According to a survey Aquarius is the least likely to read their Sun sign
column, so Aquarius Suns I'd like to hear from you.
There is a big shift in the works from your birthday onward, take this time to decide what you need, want and desire. We get out of life what we put into it, take a proactive role in your personal play. Your dreams can be quite prophetic at the moment and the same applies at a different level to your ideas, which can be very innovative. The attitude that one person can not change anything is, in my view, totally untrue. Use your ideas don't wait for someone else to have the same ones, years or maybe only weeks down the road.
Hard work and effort bring recognition, enjoy the attention. Energy levels are high, adrenaline driven, it is amazing what you can accomplish during weeks like these. At the same time there is a strong need for solitude. Typically before our birthdays we need time to conclude the year and to recharge for the year to come. We all need downtime, with your current sleeping patterns, this may be unusually difficult. Rest if you cannot sleep, learn about meditation or another activity that allows your brain a chance to rest.
Pay attention to electricity, particularly machines you may need to operate. Drive defensively and concentrate on your surroundings. The tendency to rush and try and do too much is pronounced, so do stay alert.
© Anne Massey 2003, All Right Reserved. No part of this material may be reproduced without written authorization of the author. - Sunday February 19, 2003
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