"The way of the Creative works through change and transformation, so that each thing receives its true nature and destiny and comes into permanent accord with the Great Harmony: this is what furthers and what perseveres..." - I Ching
Life ebbs and flows, just as the tides of the Moon. We know scientifically that the Moon influences things on Earth. The Moon waxes to full from the new Moon and wanes from full to the new, predictably every 29 days or so. People often feel tense just prior to the full Moon, and when it is passed life returns to a more normal mode. We feel the cycles of the Moon, we even feel the eclipses that occur on average four times a year. The Moon cycle is a feminine one. It marks the monthly periods for women, the normal being the 29.5 days, which the contraceptive pill invariable reduces to 27.75 days, both natural cycles of the Moon. This cycle together with our own cycle marks our fertile and infertile periods.
Astrologically we can define good days for fishing, collecting monies owed and even the good days for having fine hair cut for fast growth. The Farmers' Almanac lists this astrological calendar, you can find it on the web at www.almanac.com.
The Sun moves into Scorpio 7:18 AM on October 23, 2002, this period marks the time when the Autumn is full, and this month I thought I'd split the astrological events and their implications into headlines. To skip the dialogue on the cycles and to read only your sign: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.
If you know your Ascending Sign do read that sign as well for additional insights. The write up for the signs are not as much "predictions" as they are food for thought from an astrological perspective.
The Sun moves into Sagittarius 22, 2002 at 3:54 AM PST, the column is published earlier this time as I will be in Australia after 22 years of absence.
The symbol for Scorpio is the Scorpion at the base level, but the second symbol oft mentioned but seldom explored, is that of the Phoenix. The Scorpion, when its life is threatened will sting itself, and he isn't immune to his own poison thus death follows. Not a very life affirming symbol for this autumnal sign, yet the symbol speaks of the strength and determination of this sign, even in the face of death. Death is one of the issues in Scorpio's domain. The other symbol, this month's image shows the Phoenix in feminine human form, as the sign itself is one of the feminine ones. We know Scorpio is a resolute and strong sign, willing to bide its time. The Phoenix dies and from its ashes is reborn, better, stronger and infinitely more viable.
This month this imagery is more powerful as Venus is in Scorpio for an exceptionally long stay, September 7, 2002 - January 7, 2003. That is one quarter of a year! The norm is a mere three weeks. The energy of Scorpio in all its intensity will be with us for four long months, and we need to pay attention to what it signifies as the eclipses to come in 2003 and 2004 will activate the same issues over and over again until we take heed.
Scorpio is the sign of scrutiny and investigation, it delves into the human psyche good, bad or indifferent. I often use the imagery of the septic tank, when it is working properly it percolates, processes and eliminates waste. The best meal becomes food for the septic (or sewer) after our bodies have used the nutrients in the food. When we don't maintain our septic tanks we are in for problems and all of the stuff in that chamber will back up.
The same symbolism applied to the natural flow of our life, is that we are intended to process issues in life including relationships, and foster growth and natural change so that what we have becomes more and better. When we stubbornly refuse to embrace change, we are faced with the wrath of the Scorpio energy, and change is forced upon us. When this happens it is like standing in the waste of the septic tank and having to manually remove it, one stinky pile at a time... Change is inevitable, and at times the old has to be discarded before it can be replaced, this is the seasonal time of letting go. Easier said than done at times. Take stock now and pay attention to what your thoughts and actions are naturally drawn to, those are the issues you need to address.
The Sun cycles through the zodiac once a year and we notice the change of seasons and we feel differently during different seasons. In nature seeds are sown in the spring, bloom and mature in the summer, we harvest in the early Autumn and in the fullness of this season the earth becomes dormant in order to regenerate. In the winter nature hibernates in order to make the earth ready for another cycle in the spring. This is a typical time for hibernation for us as well, it may be most noticeable, when we live in places where the four seasons are distinct. This year it is doubly important to respect nature and withdraw at least a little to contemplate what is of importance. We tend to collect too much things and issues into our lives, and once a year it is time to throw the "garbage" out. The Sun in astrology is like the spot-lights on the stage at the theatre, which draw our gaze onto one of the characters more than the others.
Astrology divides our life into 12 stages or sets, once a year the lights are switched on one by one, just imagine hearing the sound of the switch being thrown to light up the spot light. This is what Sun sign astrology focuses on, which set is lit up for the month based on the Sun's yearly cycle. The sets or stages are self, money, communication, home, children, work/health, relationships, commitment, expansion, status, friends and the subconscious to give each area but one word. One of these areas is lit up as the centre stage this month, that is where bulk of the action is, for example, for a Cancer rising or Sun individual, life now, is about romantic relationships, children and creativity. Scorpio the sign is intense, passionate and forever assessing the inherent value of things.
Our lives are similarly cyclical we may not always live in harmony with nature but we are a part of it. Living in harmony with the ever-shifting yet predictable cycles, allows for a smoother flow of energy. We know we cannot go against the flow of the tides, attempts at it produce slim results indeed.
The cycle of Venus is peaking, this is an 18-month cycle split into two 9-month cycles. Our natural human cycles are reflected in the sky, the Venus cycle is figuratively a pregnant one. Now is the time to expel that which cannot sustain life. The energy of the contemplative, Evening Star phase Venus, is waning. The results she yields are no longer filled with completion and promise. On Halloween Venus meets with the Sun and a few weeks later emerges in view as the Morning Star. A completely different type of energy, feisty and quick a female warrior.
Venus, as I talked about last month, is about our values and our relationships. In her retrograde travel since October 14, she has emerged in the news headlines as the representative of the moods and mind-sets of individuals, who have taken desperate measures. The dismissed government employee, who killed two individuals, who were in authority over him and took his own life. This is a typical type of extreme, negative manifestation of Venus moving in this direction as the morning star. As if to say, that he felt life was no longer worth living, could not see a value of working things out, the only door out was that of death. Venus in Scorpio is about death - but it is intended to be death with rebirth. Not literal violent death, but the end of something, that serves no feasible function so that something may be re-born in its ashes.
The cycles of all the planets interact with each other. Events and shifts implemented during this Venus cycles repeat themes from 1994 and the current points will become very active when the eclipse cycle starts mirroring these in 2003 and 2004. Many astrologers are predicting the inevitable war in the middle east, any drastic steps taken during Oct 14-Nov 21, will surface with vengeance. As I pointed out earlier this is a four month motion of Venus through the zodiacal sign of Scorpio, we have the luxury of time on our side - only it may not feel that way.
During this time issues such as money and relationships come into strong focus. Venus in Scorpio is about committed relationships, as long as you both shall live takes on new meaning now. Relationships, which have not been properly tended to by each partner, will have a period of upsets now. These do not go away just by waiting this time out, no, it is time to delve in deep and explore the issues that are at the root of it. The potential to make the relationship strong and viable is there, but you need to make a concerted effort to bring it about. Relationships are built on a foundation of trust, respect and mutual support. If you are in the midst of a relationship crises, know, that by working through this you will gain a strong, committed and mutually supportive relationship with the understanding that great relationships take constant work and nurturing and periodic cleansing.
That being said, this is the time, when relationships without a solid foundation of trust are likely to be discarded, Scorpio is all or nothing energy.
Money matters or actually those lack of money matters are another Venus in Scorpio issue, now that the period is so long, desperation can enter the picture. Know this Venus retrograde does not deny receiving money or rewards, it simply delays it. You need to somehow prove that you have earned it or are worthy of it. In life there is a time for everything even to have to experience how it feels to have to do without. If you have never gone without you cannot fully appreciate what you do have. Count your blessings and get resourceful about making your shared and joint resources grow. I would not recommend going crazy with speculation on the markets, which will remain the bear for another 18 months by my calculations. Making money is never about what you make, and always about what you manage not to spend. Cut back and trim, those with Venus in Scorpio in their charts already know how this is done.
Many of our celebrations have their roots in cultures that celebrated Mother Earth and associated deities. These have been replaced by Christian holidays such as All Saints Day on November 1. In the Celtic tradition Samhain was celebrated at the end of October, the end of summer and indeed the year. This year the Sun and Venus meet in the sky on Halloween and thus begins the morning star phase of Venus, which will last nine months. After sunset that night the veil between our world and the one beyond is said to thin. This is believed to be an excellent time to communicate with the spirit world or we could consider it a time when we are able to communicate with our own higher selves.
The Venus cycle has coincided with Halloween only about 4 times at eight
year intervals with this year's intensity. Is there an element of negativity
here, yes - there always is; we typically refer to it as duality. How can
we recognize beauty with nothing to compare it with? There is white and there
is black the opposite manifestation of the same principle. Astrologically
speaking what happens when a planet conjuncts the Sun is that the planet becomes
combust, it becomes fuel for the Sun so to speak. Astronomically we cannot
see Venus while she "visits" the Sun, she is present yet invisible,
we are in part left with our faith and convictions without external feed back.
To put it another way, this could be the time when you won't hear "I
love you" you simply have to know that it is so. Things are not expressed
in words rather in demonstration of feeling, let it be kind on your part.
In 2003 and 2003 the nodal axis of the Moon will be travelling through this axis, which also means that the solar and lunar eclipses occur in the area sensitized by the current Venus cycle and we mustn't forget that the much written about Taurus alignment in May of 2000 will come to bear in the next couple of years as well.
In 2000 we had seven planets simultaneously in the same area of the zodiac, I capsized that as being a path beaten to the cherry tree in the back yard, it would take a long time for the grass to grow in that spot again, after so many trampled the grass down. What was going on in your life at the time is an issue that has resurfaced at another level, the theme is similar the issues different. The events of the autumn of 1994 and the autumn of 1986 are important in addressing the issues now, and this Venus period is bringing up issues for all of us. We can look back and learn from our own history, and then we can look ahead and avoid repeating it.
The trick is to pay attention to our own inner voices, what are they telling us to examine with care. The issues are Venusian, which are love, money, value, worth, possessions, and priorities. The themes are Scorpionic scrutinize, examine, check for viability and determine if the issues are mutually supported and of lasting value. Is the commitment to stay the course present?
Sometimes we get so preoccupied with the demands of life that we forget to recognize what is truly important. We are here on earth to find our way back to the source, we were pure, when we were born and we need to become more pure before we leave. We need to recognize that there is more to life that the mundane tasks of getting our needs for shelter, safety and food met. We are spiritual beings learning to recognize that we are. Scorpio ultimately is the sign whose mission in life is to be there as a resource for others, to help others see that life doesn't end when the soul leaves the body. If we merely look at the Scorpion then once the stinger hits darkness descends, but we need to recognize the Phoenix within, that which transcends and rises from the ashes reborn.
There are days that a great for launching things, I have my eye on November 20, 2002. Venus has her direct station at 0° Scorpio at PST 23:12 (11:12 PM). Granted we cannot always wait for the exact moment, but try the 21st and 22nd as Venus stations slowly. This is great for any enterprise or venture that you want to yield a good return for your investment of either time, money or effort. If something that is rightfully yours is being withheld look to rectify that by taking steps at that time. I launched the website for the Fraser Valley Astrological Guild with Venus direct station in April of 2001, and the site has grown and become very popular quickly, and it gets incredible support from astrologers at large not just our members. I'd also delay wedding plans until after Venus is direct in motion, the vows taken with Venus retrograde tend to be temporary.
Conception just prior to or during the Venus retrograde periods does often result in miscarriage rather than a birth. It is a barren time, remember that the very soil we stand on is regenerating not feeding crops. Know that Venus once again does not deny but merely delays. The barrenness also describes any projects initiated this time may not yield a strong harvest. This is the time to take the journey within and reconnect with the past and what has been, to learn about history in order not to repeat it.
To all other Scorpios near and far have a great birthday. The year dawning now carries with it all the deep transforming energies for the full year. If you are curious about your personal year, I'd like to recommend the solar return report by Mary Shea, available on this site, for USD9.95 you get some thirty pages of insightful analysis of what the themes are for your year.
Last month Mercury did his retrograde trip. Behind the annoying facade of locks that wouldn't open, wiring that shorted, trips that didn't go quite as planned, and communication that got garbled, we had the opportunity to think about what inspires us. We had three weeks to come up with new ideas and new aspirations. Well this month the messenger of the Gods is in the same sign as the Sun and Venus, he is the one character in our life's play, who plays to his audience assuming traits of those around him. Like that great conversationalist at the party, who played you like a fiddle, outwardly not striking one disharmonious chord, and you were taken in. Mercury ii Scorpio does not speak but listens, to every nuance and does not miss one single unspoken word. When we don't say what is on our minds, it is amazing how much we can learn. The smart money is on listening more than you talk this month, you are more likely to gain incredible insights that way. Scorpio can be a very vindictive and hurtful energy as well - hey all signs have a full spectrum for pure evil to pure saint and every colour in between - so the trick is not to speak until you have thought out what you truly want to say. Words are just as difficult to take back as what ever you may choose flush down that Scorpionic toilet.
The stage where the lights are lit for you is where commitment is demanded.
The 8th house is the Scorpio set for you, 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. You are naturally independent,
like to put yourself first - now the issue of if you can comes to the forefront.
Of course you can, but at what cost? Are you willing to go it alone or do you
appreciate the emotional support and having someone there to lighten your load?
No quick, rash decisions now, there is too much on the line. You might be surprised
at the depth of your feelings, know that it is not only about the other but
you are getting intimate insights into the depths of your very own soul. You
may be rash and impulsive, quick to take action but you are not a shallow person.
Life offers such lovely revelations at those unexpected times.
Others are under those theatrical lights, your life's play is focused on Act
Seven which takes place on your relationship stage. Check the commentary on
the Mercury in Scorpio, you need to listen more than to talk, to really listen.
If the words make little sense ask for clarification, do not assume. Love is
give and take, and at the moment you may feel that you are not getting affection,
recognition, etc. Instead of focusing on what does not appear to be available,
look at what you can give and give to make life and your relationships better.
Your partner may be reticent and withdrawn because your focus has been so strongly
elsewhere that you have neglected to be your normal caring self. This is the
perfect time to make your relationships stronger by scrutinizing the issues,
and remembering what attracted you to this person in your life in the first
place. Whisk them away for a holiday or just a weekend away from the demands
of every day life. Time to rekindle not extinguish!
What is happening now I a mere shadow of the 90's, but the theme is similar
and do think back to the intensity of 1994. The main stage is your work and
your health, both need attention. Now, it has become doubly important to make
sure that one way or another you truly find your work rewarding. It is a two
way street you need recognition even if it is a simply thank you given to you.
You abhor the thought of being taken for granted now. You can choose to change
jobs or change your own attitude, think of ways of getting more out of what
is in front of you. Any health issues need to be examined, don't chalk it down
to just temporary pains or discomfort. Someone made a casual comment the other
day - you do what you are, that gave me pause to think, perhaps now you need
to look at it all from a different angle. You may have been too hard on yourself
the past couple of years, and now you are paying the price, is it worth it?
Love and Romance, Children and the fruit of your creative efforts that's the main focus this month. Partially the main focus for the quarter that started in September. You may find yourself questioning if your intended other is who you think he/she is. Are you in love with love or the person? As I stated in the general write up, this is about strengthening viable relationships whereas the infertile, non-productive relationships may come to a timely end. You are looking for commitment and mutually inclusive intercourse with your significant other. It may be a trying time while you are living it, but the fruit it can bear if fed the right ingredients is infinitely rewarding. Issues with children can be challenging yet you need to stand your ground, that which is counter productive has to be eliminated, however, remember the importance of good communication, listen with heart.
Time out! Home and hearth takes centre stage. Sometimes before we can appreciate what we have we have to experience not having it. This could go deeper than just home, as if that weren't plenty, and cause you to explore the inner most depths of who you think you are to realize that you are more than you ever thought. Taking a trip down memory lane either literal or figurative might be the perfect thing to do, go revisit your roots. Make revitalized connections with family and extended family to reconnect with the essence of you. Potential issues with family members should not be dealt with rashly, this is the time to have a full dose of compassion and empathy, as you cannot truly feel what they feel. We all experience life from our own perspective and filtered through our unique biases, we can never walk in someone else shoes, only imagine how it may feel.
Communication and daily life is where the action is, or inaction as the case may be. Are you being heard and understood? You may be stating your case in such vague terms, and while what you think you are conveying is crystal clear to you, others may not hear you. You need to fight your own battles now, think in circles until you can connect the dots - your mind may be quite fuzzy now. It too shall pass. The point of this exercise may be that you need to speak with commitment and with conviction. In order to do so you may need to revisit the issues you feel strongly about, our priorities shift and change, what once held incredible importance may now hold no allure. Others don't hear us when we don't sound like ourselves, contemplate with care why you feel strongly about anything and convey your thoughts with the clarity of your convictions. The main character in your personal play is you, you are the lead actor, it is about you.
Money, money, money! Not just that but also time and priorities, those are the issues that come for annual scrutiny but this time it is a longer time. Going without can be tough, remember it is not about denial rather about delays. What is rightfully yours will be yours. Priorities always shift and change, this one is a major shift. Do not give up what you hold so dear especially on a whim or a temporary set back. Now is the time to assess what continues to be of value and worth to you. This is not about what others think is erstwhile only what you know is, until you know with conviction what you desire and deserve, it will continue to be withheld. Jupiter is on your wishes and aspirations stage, quietly in the background, keeping a torch lit for what you want out of your future. Don't extinguish that torch unless its lost its sparkle. Metaphorical talk yes, but only you know what you have set your sights on, I can only try to illuminate that with words.
Happy birthday or solar return astrologically speaking. Hey, didn't it get awfully personal this time, and you do realize this will last the whole year for you. I am in the same boat. You may also be experiencing a Venus return this year. Venus never ventures far from the Sun (46° at the most). It is suddenly about you and who you know you are, who you want to be and what is truly worth pursuing. Jupiter holds its tantalizing influence high up beckoning you to not loose sight of where your true aims and aspirations for recognition lie. Career boost yes, but more than that it is one of avocation. Do continue to pursue your deepest desires but let that be tempered by the wisdom of knowing what is truly worthwhile. To yearn for just riches will likely not yield the best of results, everything in life has to be earned through your deeds and actions. Your inner life, both dreams and fears, are in focus throughout the year, learn from your dreams and visions - you are their source.
The quote "If you can dream it, you can be it" and variations of the same describes your theme now. What is happening within you is more pronounced than what is happening in the outside world. Time to withdraw within, to spend time contemplating life not a time of action. Excellent time if you happen to be a writer, counselor or work in an institutional setting. You could also learn meditation with this and even to see into the future. The external changes in your priorities stem from inner work, it is time for some more inner work. It is all too easy to block others out now, while we are tempted to withdraw we also need to keep a balance and at least share our need for solitude just retreating can cause a drift in relationships. Travel abroad and also simply broadening your horizons but exploring new frontiers of body, mind and spirit is par for the course now.
Could you be working any harder and yet see no results! The retreat to within to contemplate your destiny is now more difficult. The yearning for new inspiration has brought several new ideas to the forefront, and now it has come down to what do you truly want that is within your grasp and which ideas are just "pies in the sky" outside your reach. This really isn't the time to reach out and launch into action, rather a time to consider your choices and decide which are your most important goals. In deciding consider in terms of the next year and a half and the next 8-10 years. A great time to go back to revisit projects that were not completed, or income that didn't materialize and try again, the money luck of unfinished projects is good now. Stay focused on your energy levels, burning the candle at both ends can seriously tax your health. Take the proactive role in your healthcare maintenance, it is your body after all.
Success within your reach is the theme, ironically the question becomes do
you still want what is now being proffered? It may just be minor change in your
priorities but before accepting anything do determine for yourself that you
will be content to work at this "career" type work. The monetary rewards
may be delayed and having to wait for "payment" can cause temporary
hardship with finances. Is it worth the wait? Do not go throwing out the baby
with the bath water now, you have worked so hard for this. It may be difficult
for you to see what others see in you and in your efforts now, but despite the
doubts you may feel, you are who you always were. Jupiter is holding court in
your house of others, the help is there for the taking, none of us can go it
all alone.
Where is it you want to be ten years from now? The opportunity to study or
explore new fields is there for the asking. Before we can get anything we need
to realize what it is we want. Look at where you are resourceful and where you
innate skills lie, then determine how to build on that without setting unreachable
goals for yourself. Your priorities tend to shift more often than most accommodate
that need in yourself. Sometimes it is helpful to write a list of your goals
and then prioritize these. Take advantage of the energy around Halloween time
and create your wish list for life. Once it is in words it may surprise you,
that your priorities indeed are different than you anticipated. All of us are
very unique, and at times it is surprising to learn just how different we are.
© Anne Massey October 2002
Questions or comments, do send me e-mail Anne@astrologicallyspeaking.com
Archived Columns:
Libra 2002 - Sept. 23, 02
Virgo 2002 - Aug 22, 02
Leo 2002 - July 22, 02