November’s Planetary Illuminations (Lynn’s Skywatch) is posted

November 1, 2012 By

My monthly report has been posted here in its entirety.  You can also sign up for my Skywatch newsletter in the sidebar and receive the article with a translation into English which is easier to understand. Also, for daily planetary cycles visit my Facebook and Twitter pages.

In the meantime, here is the introduction with an overview of the main planetary cycles in November.  Enjoy!

Three planets change direction in November: Mercury turns retrograde on November 6th for three weeks, and both Chiron and Neptune turn direct in mid-month. When planets appear to change direction from our perspective on Earth, they demand our attention and their influence can be quite strong as the planet appears to slow down before changing direction, just as a car does when making a U-turn. Mercury retrograde periods are famous for instigating communication and equipment breakdowns since our attention is drawn inwards and we tend to look backwards rather than forwards to make effective plans. When more than one planet changes direction, the quality of reversal and shifting reality becomes more pronounced.

Chiron and Neptune have been traveling in tandem since 2009, and they have been within five degrees of each other for nearly four years. During this time the Soul Teacher (as I call Neptune) and the Soul Healer (my name for Chiron) have worked together to bring the wounds of the subconscious and the spirit to the surface so that they can be healed and a deeper experience of Universal Oneness is the gift of these two planets. They will begin to separate now, but this month as they both change direction within a few days of each other we will likely encounter their lessons for one last time. Embracing painful wounds from the past so that they can be released is highlighted now so that we can continue to grow and evolve.

For the first two weeks of November the earth element is virtually unrepresented since there are no planets in earth signs other than Pluto. Earth is the element that grounds and stabilizes us, and with three planets changing direction and creating disequilibrium we are could find ourselves losing our footing and becoming unbalanced. Participating in activities that bring about an experience of grounding such as spending time outdoors in nature or doing physical labor that anchor us into the body.

Saturn makes the first of three harmonious trines to Chiron this month, a great ally in the process of healing and transmutation of wounds into light. The effect of this positive alliance will be felt all month making this a wonderful time for psychotherapy, shamanic journeys, inner pathworking.

We also will see the last eclipse pair of the year, with a total eclipse on November 13th at the Scorpio New Moon. It is generally thought that eclipses are most powerful where they can be seen with the naked eye, and this eclipse will not be visible anywhere but in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific islands. Still, the eclipse of the Sun by the Moon in Scorpio is bound to bring up issues of death and regeneration, encouraging us to dive deep into the underworld of the unconscious to find the treasures that are buried there.

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Planetary Illuminations for January 2012 now posted

January 3, 2012 By

Skywatch Illuminations for January 2012One of my 2012 goals is to complete the name change from Skywatch to Planetary Illuminations, and to get the reports delivered to you on time!  In the meantime, I’ve posted the January report here.  And here is an introduction for your reading pleasure:

OVERALL ASTROLOGICAL PICTURE

Now that we’ve entered the “dreaded” year of 2012, what can we expect? You may be surprised to know that astrologers are yawning. It’s true that the potentially cataclysmic cycle of the square from Uranus in Aries to Pluto in Capricorn will culminate for the first time this spring (it came within a degree of exactitude last summer), and that cycle will certainly continue to create havoc in our banking and political systems.

But on a personal level, the planetary cycles of the past few years have been much more intense, with more complex alignments of planets that have stretched and pulled and reshaped our lives into new experiences that for some of us are barely recognizable. I believe that the Universe is continually striving for balance, and that these changes are necessary in order to achieve that balance – both for us as individuals, and for humanity as a whole.

Over the past few months we have seen no alignments of outer planets, signifying a quieter astrological cycle, and that trend continues this month. We do see a slowdown of the motion of Mars as it prepares to turn retrograde on January 23rd, and with any Martian emphasis there will be a heightened sense of aggression and assertiveness. As I wrote in this blog article, that can be helpful as well as harmful, and there is really nothing to fear from this Mars retrograde cycle as long as you pay attention and utilize this energy to your advantage.

Right now there is a preponderance of the earth and air elements with a smattering of fire, so the focused Mars energy as it prepares to retrograde will help to create movement of our plans (earth) and ideas (air). What is lacking right now is the element of water – feelings, empathy and sensitivity. Some of us have an overabundance of water in our charts and this will be an aid in achieving greater balance, but some of us may find our focus leading too much on the practical matters of self-achievement and perhaps not enough in the realm of compassion and emotion.

DECEMBER DETAILS

Mercury is very active the first week of the month, interacting with Mars, Ceres and Saturn indicating a focus on the mind and affairs of communication and information. Mercury is in Sagittarius right now where it tends to expand the mind and open up our brain to new ideas and new ways of thinking. On the 5th, a square to Ceres will inhibit our ability to nurture ourselves for just a day or so, but on the 7th Mercury will make a soft sextile to Saturn and encourage us to focus our thoughts and engage in the world in a purely practical manner.

This helps us to prepare for the entry on January 8 of Mercury into Capricorn, the earthly sign of success, discipline, achievement, and cold-hearted practicality. When I say cold-hearted I don’t mean in the sense of being cruel, but because Capricorn is working in the realm of practicality emotions and feelings can get in the way. As soon as Mercury enters Capricorn it forms a trine to Jupiter, enhancing our feelings of goodwill and our sense of abundance and possibilities. Mercury also squares Uranus on the 8th which forces us to consider other viewpoints and new ideas, even when they disrupt our world view. On the 9th, the day of the Full Moon, Mercury harmonizes in a sextile with Chiron, lubricating the need to work through any bumpy emotional spots on the road to success.

This potent combination of mental influences is a great ally for achieving success, especially when combined with the practical focus of Capricorn, so this is a great time for working to achieve your New Year’s goals.

for daily planetary cycles visit my Facebook and Twitter pages.

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Planetary Illuminations for August, part I

August 1, 2011 By

Due to a confluence of events (I’m out of town and Mercury is turning retrograde causing problems with my web host), my August newsletter will be somewhat delayed.  If you’re not already on my mailing list please sign up in the sidebar – you will receive a translation of the Skywatch: Planetary Illuminations information translated into English mailed directly to you each month.

Meanwhile, here is the information for the first week or so of August to tide you through the next few days until the newsletter is released:

Major influences

August begins just after a New Moon in Leo, and the energy of the element of fire is strong with not only the Sun and Moon in Leo, but Venus as well. With all of this fire energy impelling us towards action, the stationing of Mercury at the beginning of the month as it prepares to turn retrograde on the 4th of August could create more problems than we typically see. Mercury is in Virgo where it likes to be methodical and detail-oriented, and this isn’t always possible when an infusion of fire drives us towards impulsive and reactive behavior, especially when the retrograde turn of Mercury makes it necessary to continually look back over our shoulder.

Just because something is difficult doesn’t mean it’s impossible, and any planet’s job while it is retrograde is to inspire us to deepen our understanding of the domain of that planet. This is as true of Mercury as for any other planet, but because Mercury turns retrograde four times a year it can be a little more annoying in its effect on our personal life. Mercury will transit within a degree of an opposition to Neptune until that aspect culminates on August 8th, so during this time there is a potential for some confusion and lack of clarity as Neptune blurs the boundaries of Mercury’s reason. Mercury’s domain includes short distance travel as well as communication and equipment operation, and all of these areas of life can be affected by Mercury retrograde periods.

Neptune retrogrades back into Aquarius on August 4th for one final passage through that sign before traveling back into its own sign of Pisces. Aquarius is concerned with global matters and is focused on the collective, as well as technology and science. Neptune has been in Aquarius since 1998, when the internet was just beginning to take hold, and during this period technology has become virtually universal and the World Wide Web has lived up to its name. Neptune rules music and other entertainment, all of which has become digital during the time Neptune has traveled through Aquarius.

The intense square from Uranus to Pluto that came last week within a degree of exactitude is separating now and will quickly decrease in intensity. This is the end of the Cardinal Drama which has been at work for the past two years as Uranus, Pluto and Saturn faced off in the cardinal signs of Aries (Uranus), Capricorn (Pluto) and Libra (Saturn). The square of Uranus and Pluto will perfect next year in a climactic burst of change, but for the next few months we have a bit of a break in the action.

Faster-moving effects

On August 1st relationships will take on a glimmer of excitement as Venus trines Uranus, the planet of innovation and new ways of looking at the world. A square of the Sun to Jupiter provides a burst of confidence and good fortune that can help to inspire positive action. There is always a danger here that we will take on more than we can manage, or that we could get into some trouble if we fail to see other viewpoints as Jupiter’s mantle of confidence gets overblown.

Mercury turns retrograde on the 4th and will remain so until it turns direct on August 26th.

Mars leaves the chatty and highly verbal sign of Gemini for Cancer on August 3rd. Mars is the planet of action, and when Mars is in Cancer our motives become much more emotional in nature. Our feelings become more important than ever and serve as the inspiration for our actions. During its first day in Cancer Mars will harmonize in a trine to Neptune (creativity and spiritual connection) and face off in a challenging square against Ceres (self-care and nourishment). Inspiration is high at this time but we may for a few days neglect ourselves and perhaps our loved ones as we charge off in search of that inspiration.

On August 4th Mercury makes a quick sextile to Mars, an excellent day for writing or completing a difficult negotiation (remember Mercury retrograde periods are excellent for re-doing something that was not accomplished the first time around). Mars will provide the fuel to facilitate the transmission of ideas or travel plans. This is also a great day to schedule anything requiring negotiation. The following day (the 5th) is also beneficial as the Sun sextiles Saturn and enhances our focus and ability to create form in our lives, except that a square from Venus to Jupiter could bring about a minor conflict with someone around us.
Mercury, traveling retrograde now, re-enters Leo on the 8th where it will help us to go back over any skipped steps we may have taken in the process of developing our sense of Self. If we are too identified with the ego and less with the Self, Mercury will help to expose areas that are in need for furher work and this is particularly true of the opposition from Mercury to Neptune which culminates that day.

On the 9th we start dealing with a more powerful energy as Mars, the planet that inspires action and self-defense, forms a trine to healing Chiron but squares Uranus, the Radical Rebel. This is quickly followed by an opposition from Mars to Pluto, planet of power and transformation, on the 11th which suggests the potential for powerful acts that help us to create real change in our lives…or alternatively, major power struggles if our lives are out of balance in some way. Mars triggers the square from Uranus to Pluto during this time and reactivates the intensity of that conflict between Uranus rebellion and Pluto power.

Any time Mars is active it becomes more important to engage in vigorous physical activity to help release any extraneous energy that may erupt in unproductive ways.

 

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Skywatch is posted, and Gemini New Moon

June 1, 2011 By

I am having technical issues and for some reason right now Skywatch is only visible for me in Firefox, I can’t see it in Chrome or Internet Explorer.  If you can see it you’ll find it here.

In any case, here’s the introduction which includes the description of tonight’s New Moon:

The month of June begins with a bang and a New Moon in Gemini. This is also a solar eclipse because the lunar nodes are within 15 degrees of the Sun and Moon, but just barely – they are actually 12 degrees apart. So as eclipses go this is a pretty weak one and not likely to stir up too much trouble. This eclipse is the first of a series of three, and you can read more about the eclipse series here.

Three planets change direction this month: Neptune will turn retrograde on June 3rd, Chiron will turn retrograde on the 8th, and Saturn will turn direct on the 12th. (Planets don’t actually change direction of course, but as we observe their motion through the sky they will sometimes appear to move backwards and we call that “retrograde”. When they move forward again we call that “direct.”) As a planet is getting ready to change direction its motion slows down to a crawl, just as a car does when it is preparing to make a U-turn. At that time its influence is stronger than ever as the energy of that planet beams down with its full force and this is especially true of the outer planets which are transformational forces. With three planets changing direction this month we will almost certainly feel like the sands are shifting; that we are being realigned for a new direction.

Neptune is at a virtual standstill now, so the creativity and imagination of Neptune, which is now in Pisces, is more powerful than ever. Neptune isn’t all peace and love however – there is also a tendency for delusion and illusion to occur under the Neptunian longing for transcendence if that longing is not activated in a way that is for the highest good.
New Moons are always times of new beginnings, and the Gemini New Moon brings us a fresh new start in all matters of learning and communication. If you’ve been wanting to start writing a book, or take an online class, or begin a journal, this is the time to start it. There is a nice comfortable trine from the New Moon to Saturn that helps to bestow a layer of discipline and structure to our lives so that we can organize effectively, something that’s not always so easy with Gemini energy.

Gemini is the shapeshifter – it’s mutable and changeable and seeks a multitude of experiences in order to learn more about the way the world works. This is not a time to try to control your world, but instead to see how the flow of life’s experiences takes us into new worlds of learning and wisdom. A strong square to Chiron, the planet of wounding and healing, at the New Moon suggests that we may encounter some painful memories or blocks as we relax and unwind to permit these new experiences to affect us. This is a positive thing as it helps us to release any stored emotion from past wounds. The stationary Neptune in the chart of the New Moon enhances the fluidity of our experience now, urging us to seek the truth within from our spiritual selves as well as through the mental understanding of Mercury.

The Geminian experience continues on June 2nd as Mercury, the planet of communication and learning, enters its own sign Gemini where it will remain for a couple of weeks. This is a double whammy of Mercury/Gemini which will speed up the mind and mental processes and facilitate learning, but this mercurial energy is less supportive of experiences that require focus and determination. Fortunately Mars, the planet that drives and inspires us to action, is still in Taurus where it is powerful and stable, helping us to stay grounded while we move through this period of acceleration.

For daily planetary news, visit my Facebook and Twitter pages.

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Skywatch is posted! And the Taurus New Moon

May 3, 2011 By

May Skywatch 2011Tune in later for a post about the death of Osama bin Laden, but for now Skywatch for May has been posted just in time for the Taurus New Moon. You can read the whole article here, or if you’re not on my mailing list you can see what you’re missing here and read the abridged version.

Here’s the important information for the first week of May and the New Moon which occurs on May 3rd (today!):

During the month of May we get a bit of a breather.  The intensity of April’s fire energy, with so many planets in Aries, has subsided and while Mars is still separating from a conjunction to Jupiter which has amplified (Jupiter) the force for activation (Mars), and there are still five planets in Aries, over the past few weeks we have hopefully been able to integrate the power of that fire so that it is less disturbing and perhaps more energizing and clarifying. In May there are no major planetary aspects, and most of the planetary interaction comes from the faster moving planets and last only a day or so.

The image of the phoenix bird (the firebird) is a powerful one for the element of fire.  We usually refer to the phoenix in connection with Scorpio because of the regeneration after death, but it is also a good descriptor of the power of fire which consumes everything in its path and leaves a clean slate behind.  This is the force of the element of fire that we can use for our benefit if we can learn to balance and use the force of fire, which is pure instinctive inspiration and motivation at its core, and not let it overwhelm us with anxiety and rage.

Until the Sun enters Gemini on the 20th there is a dearth of the element of air other than Saturn in Libra which is a bit like negative air since Saturn creates a vacuum in the sign that it falls in.  Air is the element that provides us with perspective and objectivity, but Mercury and Venus travel together for most of the month.  That combination of Mercury and Venus is a great aid for mental stability and inspire a desire for a more balanced (Venus) viewpoint (Mercury) that will assist us in finding that perspective. Venus and Mercury are both in Aries so inspiration is available to us, but it is gentler and affords greater creativity.  If you have plans to make for your life, this is a great time to put these plans into motion.

The Taurus New Moon on May 5th will help to ground us and provide a few days of peace and serenity as we connect to our experience of life on a green planet.  In Taurus the senses are more acute and we find ourselves seeking more balance with the natural world.  The chart for the New Moon incorporates the Mars/Jupiter conjunction, which is separating but still in effect so there is a stabilizing (Taurus) of the fiery blaze that helps us to find greater balance between the volatlity and passion of fire and the dislike of change and need for stability that Taurus engenders.

 

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Skywatch for April is posted!

April 1, 2011 By

and you can read it here in its entirety. To sign up for my monthly newsletter and receive Skywatch in your inbox, just enter your email address in the convenient box in the sidebar. Or learn more about Skywatch here.

Meanwhile, there is a lot going on this week so here is a tidbit to get you started:

As I write this in the hours before April 1st, we are seeing the beginnings of the influence of the upcoming square between Uranus and Pluto – this revolutionary (Uranus) force for destruction and transformation (Pluto) that will highlight the extremes of repression (Pluto) and liberation (Uranus) before it’s complete in 2015. This influence coincides with, but has nothing to do with, the prophecies of 2012.

Mercury has just turned retrograde, so for the next three weeks or so communication may be a bit haywire and we are apt to experience problems with technology and machinery. During Mercury retrograde periods it can be useful to review and revise rather than implement a new plan. This is a time to perfect and process, and then when the retrograde period is over you can put your plans into motion more easily. If you must sign contracts or start a new job when Mercury is retrograde, just be prepared that things might not go as smoothly as you hope, at least not at first. But just because you hit a rocky road doesn’t mean the venture will be doomed to failure, it just may offer a few more challenges than usual.

Pluto will be turning retrograde during the first week of April, and its motion has slowed down to a virtual crawl in preparation for its change of direction. When a planet is “stationing” and preparing to shift direction its influence is stronger, like a laser beam of light. In the case of Pluto, that laser beam takes us deep into the realm of the underworld, where death is followed by the regeneration of something new and magnificent in its place.

As the month of April begins, nearly all of the planets in the sky are in either Pisces or Aries. The Aries lineup includes Mercury (which has just turned retrograde), Jupiter, the Sun, and Uranus – the most active of the planets are in Aries right now, so there is a great deal of planetary energy circulating about. Mars, the most active and energetic of the planets, is at the very last degree of Pisces and by April 2nd will have moved into Aries. The Pisces lineup includes the Moon (for a day or so), Venus, Ceres, and Chiron, with Neptune entering Pisces on April 4th. These are the receptive planets: the caring and compassionate planets. This is rather a stunning combination of high energy (Aries) and flowing connectivity (Pisces) that could take some conscious effort to manage. These two forces can be integrated and balanced, but it’s not easy and until we find that balance we may find ourselves swinging from the heights of enthusiasm and assertiveness (Aries) into a maelstrom of confusion in our search for peace (Pisces).

With Mars entering Aries on April 2nd, there is a surge of life force that offers the potential for increased activity and a sharpening of the focus of our desires. Mars is known as the planet of warfare, but it is also the planet that provides us with inspiration and the enthusiasm that drives us. A nice sextile from Venus to Pluto that same day will help us to clarify our values as well as deepen our relationships with others and give them greater meaning.

The New Moon on April 3 is at 13 Aries and contains some powerful planetary alignments. New Moons mark the beginning of a new lunar cycle, and the Aries New Moon is a time to reach deep into the heart of your desires and see what is most important in order for your own direction to unfold. Aries is self-directed, with a purity and innocence that can elevate us out of the realm of ego and into an experience of pure Self. What is it you need for yourself now? This is the question asked of the Aries New Moon, especially since it is tightly aligned with Jupiter, the planet of our opportunities.

There are six planets in Aries right now, so the aggressive and instinctual force is particularly powerful and will overcome the more gentle Piscean influence of the other planets. In addition, Mars (Aries’ ruler) is exactly conjunct Uranus at the New Moon, accelerating the urgency to break free of any restrictions that bind us. It appears that this will not be all that easy a process though, because the New Moon and Jupiter are opposited by Saturn, the lord of limitations and constriction. Saturn is the balancing force here, keeping our feet on the grounds and ensuring that we honor our responsibilities. This could feel more like repression and confinement, and perhaps the frustration of delays and disappointments in accomplishing our desires. Saturn’s goal is not to make us miserable, but instead to ensure that we have undergone adequate preparation so that our ventures will be a success.

This is a bit of a “two steps forward, one step back” time, with the Aries New Moon and Mars/Uranus generating so much energy for action and the combination of the Saturn influence and retrograde Mercury holding us back and keeping us looking to the past. Understanding the planetary dynamics at work will hopefully keep us from sinking into frustration and despair at any temporary setbacks that occur.

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Skywatch for March is (finally) posted

March 3, 2011 By

Sorry about the delay, folks!  But my March report is posted and you can read the whole article here.  Meanwhile, here is the introduction to get you started on the month and I’ll have a more complete article on the New Moon later this afternoon.

If you are not already on my mailing list please sign up in the sidebar – you will receive this monthly report, which usually is mailed promptly on the first of each month, and occasional reports of important astrological events or public service reminders when Mercury turns retrograde.

This is a much milder month astrologically than any we have seen for quite some time which will give us an opportunity to take a breath and stabilize the foundation of our lives so that we will be better prepared for the big shifts that are coming up over the next few years.

March begins with a big lineup in Pisces, with Uranus, Mercury, the Sun, Mars and Chiron now all in the sign of spiritual yearning and emotional sensitivity.  Pisces infuses us with a longing for a more transcendent experience of life, and will soften the big Aries energy that we have seen over the past few weeks with Jupiter having entered Aries and expanding the energy of aggression and acquisition across the globe.  In our personal lives we can use this Piscean quality to turn inwards and to find greater balance and peace within.  There is always a danger with a strong Pisces influence that we may find ourselves seeking escape instead of retreat, so a conscious attention to an understanding of the difference between these two outlets will be helpful.

On March 1st Venus makes a harmonious sextile with Uranus before entering Aquarius where she will remain for the next few weeks.  This is the perfect time to breathe some fresh air into our relationships, since Venus relates to our connections with others.  Uranus welcomes change and new ideas, so if there are alterations needed in your friendships or romantic affairs, now is the time to make that happen.

On the 3rd a pleasant sextile from Mars in Pisces to Pluto helps us to harness the Martian energy and inspiration which can be somewhat unfocused when Mars is in the watery sign of Pisces.  Pluto adds power and a new dimension to our desire to assert ourselves and satisfy our needs as represented by Mars.

When the Moon enters Pisces on March 3rd there will be six planets in Pisces, and the New Moon in Pisces occurs on March 4th.  New Moons are times of new beginnings, and the Pisces New Moon is always a time to open up to a spiritual awakening, or a creative breakthrough of some kind.  With this many planets in Pisces, however, there is somewhat of a danger that we can fall over the edge between imagination and escapism, or find ourselves surrounded with a “glamour” of mystical fantasy.  We can counter this tendency by focusing on the intuitive connection that we maintain with the spiritual realm through meditation and introspection, or by engaging in artistic pursuits that help to connect us with Divine Inspiration.

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Skywatch for December is posted

November 30, 2010 By

I’m a day early this month!  I’ll be sending out my monthly newsletter with a simplified summary that is easier to understand, so if you’re not on my mailing list please sign up in the sidebar.  Meanwhile, here’s a hint of what is to come (and for more information about that big eclipse on the Solstice, read through the original article):

Skywatch for December
December begins with the Sun and Mars in Sagittarius, the sign that inspires us to reach beyond the limits of our day-to-day lives.  The only planet in retrograde motion right now is Uranus – the planetary rebel that seeks liberation from restriction.  Uranus will be turning direct (forward) on December 5th, and is at a standstill right now in preparation for its change of direction so its influence is at its peak, inspiring radical behavior and disruption in the natural flow of events.

Chiron and Neptune are still within a degree of each other in a conjunction that has been one of the prevalent planetary forces for the past two years.  Chiron and Neptune are the two great soul teachers, and under their auspices we have been forced to find the deeper truth that lies within rather than live a life of superficial comfort.  These two planets will begin to separate now and the emotional intensity of the past couple of years will begin to subside.

Venus has just entered Scorpio and Mercury has just moved into Capricorn, so we are deepening the reach of our relationships (Venus) and are developing a more pragmatic approach to the way we lay out the details of our lives (Mercury). In fact, Mercury is sextile Venus on the 1st, enhancing our appreciation of beauty and making it easier for us to communicate (Mercury) the secrets (Scorpio) that lie in our hearts (Venus).  This ease continues into the next day with a pleasant sextile from Mercury to Neptune, amplifying our creativity and helping us to tune more easily into the world around us.

However, during the first few days of the month we may feel an underlying tension as Mars moves into position to make a challenging square to Uranus.  Freedom and liberation are the keywords for these first few days, especially on the 3rd when this aspect culminates.  However, on the 3rd a sextile from Mars to Chiron motivates us to seek healing for our wounds which will help to mitigate the stress of the Mars/Uranus combination.  Prepare to feel distracted and perhaps irritable or angry if crossed.  Mars aspects lend themselves to carelessness and accidents for a few days.

For daily planetary news, visit my Facebook and Twitter pages.

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Lynn’s Skywatch for August is posted

August 1, 2010 By

Here’s the link to the Planetary Illuminations for August 2010, and here is a tidbit to get you started for the month:

August begins in the middle of the second wave of the Cardinal Drama, as I’m calling it. Mars has entered Libra, conjoining Saturn and opposing Jupiter and Uranus. The effect of these four planets alone generates a “stop/start” effect: Jupiter and Uranus in Aries are all about getting things going and yearning for change and a fresh new energy to come into our lives.

Uranus has been particularly powerful since it is virtually stationary, having traveled only one degree since May. It has been lingering at zero degrees Aries since the end of May, and on August 13th it will finally move off that degree and retrograde back into Pisces where it will remain until March 2011.

Both Jupiter and Uranus oppose Mars, the ruler of Aries, and Mars adds fuel to the fire and intensifies the flames. However, Saturn is also tightly enmeshed in this planetary combination, restricting and solidifying and demanding accountability, creating a “two steps forward, one step back” effect. Mars and Saturn are both in Libra, where the aggression of Mars tends to become more passive and less openly assertive as Mars needs to be.

This sense of a “herky jerky dance” as one person put it will last throughout the first week of August and is exacerbated by a square from Jupiter to Pluto that culminates on the 3rd of August but is felt a week or so beforehand. Jupiter seeks expansion and positive good fortune, and also helps us to construct a sense of meaning in our lives. The square from Pluto challenges all of our assumptions and forces us to face areas in our lives where we are not as powerful as we would like to think we are.

Mars is involved in that Jupiter/Pluto drama as well, accentuating our personal needs and desires and potentially running into frustration if our desires are not immediately satisfied. This is a potentially explosive time with a great deal of energy flying about. If we can harness that energy and channel it through physical exercise or creating powerful intentions, we will be able to create powerful change at this time. Any blockages are reminders that desire (Mars) must be accompanied by planning (Saturn) and aligned with our highest good (Pluto) in order to truly change our life (Jupiter/Uranus).

Any resistance to change will be futile now. This is not a time to settle into a comfortable complacency! But Saturn’s influence is strong and will ensure that change comes slowly and methodically. Learning to fall into a rhythm that vacillates between energetic excitement (Jupiter/Uranus) and working through blocks and obstacles (Saturn and Pluto) will help us to utilize this time most effectively.

Also at this time, Jupiter is moving into position to oppose Saturn exactly. Jupiter urges expansion and confidence, and Saturn restricts and creates doubt so these two planets are at odds even in the best of situations. These two in opposition to each other can create a bit of a schizophrenia between confidence and self-doubt that requires a conscious attention to be able to integrate. Yes – be confident and expand your vision of what is possible (Jupiter). But also remember the practical viewpoint and create a solid foundation (Saturn).

If you’d like your own (free) subscription to Skywatch, please visit my website or sign up in the sidebar by entering your email address.  And you’ll find daily planetary updates on my Facebook and Twitter pages as well.

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Skywatch for July 2010 is posted

July 1, 2010 By

Here’s my introduction to get you started – you can read the article in its entirety on my website here.  For daily updates on astrological activity, visit me on Facebook and Twitter!

The beginning of July finds us at a crossroads after a powerful month of planetary alignments in June. This is the time astrologers have been anticipating for years: a period in which Saturn, Jupiter, Uranus and Pluto all aligned in a T-square formation, all challenging each other and producing a tremendous force for change.

The lunar eclipse on June 26th was, in my view, the climax of this period with seven planets all in the early degrees of what we call the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn), battling for dominance in the push to re-form human life. There is another eclipse on July 11th (I love the numerological significance of an eclipse on 7/11) in which the alignments are tighter, and this is a total eclipse. But there are fewer planets interacting at this time, and unlike the June 26 eclipse in which the Sun and Moon were a part of the Grand Cross, the Sun and Moon do not interact with the alignments in the July 11 eclipse.

We are not completely out of the woods – Saturn (challenges and tests) re-enters Libra this month where it will become more tightly aligned in the cross with Pluto (death and regeneration), Jupiter (expansive freedom) and Uranus (radical liberation and change), and this is likely to create some stress if there are areas of our lives that are not yet in balance. Saturn is completing two major cycles right now: The opposition of Saturn to Uranus, and the square of Saturn to Pluto. Planetary cycles, whether global ones in the sky or personal ones that aspect planets in our chart, are nearly always more difficult as we approach the first phase and become confronted with the unfamiliar energy of that planetary cycle. As the cycle continues we become more attuned to the flow of energy that is offered and we throw up less resistance: hence less difficulty. At this point in the summer we have been moving through a great deal of blockages and are more comfortable with the planetary stressors.

Uranus is virtually at a standstill now as it prepares to turn retrograde on July 5th, so the pressure towards authenticity and living as true a life as we can is paramount. Saturn will change signs this month, moving back into Libra after completing its cycle through Virgo and this will create another shift in focus, this time towards harmony and learning to improve our relationships.

We also have an alignment between Jupiter and Pluto that is within a degree of exactitude throughout the month. Pluto’s astrological role is to empower us at the deepest level, and in order to do so it will sometimes create challenges that force us to leave something behind. In the square of Jupiter to Pluto, what we have to leave behind is often our own sense of self-importance.

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