GPS for Life
Navigating the Cycles
As the planets travel their orbital paths in our solar system, they move through the constellations represented by the signs of the zodiac. When planets shift into new signs, it signals a time where the energy can change and something new becomes available in us and in our world
July 2010 - Part II
"I've got a song. I ain't got no melody;
How'm I gonna sing it to my friends?
I've got a song. I ain't got no melody;
How'm I gonna sing it to my friends?
Will it go 'round in circles?
Will it fly high like a bird up in the sky?"
-- Billy Preston/Bruce Fisher
Just because innovative Uranus is retrograde, don't mistake its directional shift for the end of the process. What's been set in motion retains its creative activation, and new modes of expression are yet to orbit through our world to reshape our lives for years.
The Moon in Libra usually sets a sociable table; however, aspects to Jupiter and Uranus on Jul 16 may invite more than we bargained for. Then Pluto joins in late afternoon, dictating deeper probing and focus.
Emotionally and environmentally, hidden toxins can push for release on Jul 18, when Saturn squares Hades and decomposition puts pressure on that which has been repressed. Hopefully, a little metaphorical nitrous oxide will take the edge off the palliative root canal.
Humanitarian principles can be resurrected from Jul 20 until Feb 9, 2011, when Chiron retrogrades into Aquarius and our mind gets a chance to integrate what spirit has been telling us.
On Jul 21 Saturn re-enters Libra where he sets up residence until Oct 5, 2011, persistently campaigning for fairness, balance, and equality in all relationships and interactions. How do we wish to redefine human interactions and the alliances they form? The Libran style may be diplomatic, but Saturn is no slouch when it comes to standing up for justice. Plus, from his initial entry into Libra, Saturn is nose-to-nose opposing outlaw Uranus and his band of freedom-at-any-cost rebels.
"It's summertime, summertime
Sum-sum-summertime
Summertime, summertime
Sum-sum-summertime"
-- Sherm Feller/Tom Jameson
From Jul 22 until Aug 23, the Sun enters confident Leo and our thoughts turn to beach lyrics and Northern Hemisphere summer play. With the Sun in harmony with Saturn on the 22nd, planning should go smoothly, minus the inevitable weather snafus down the line.
Lots of movement and unpredictable change fill the rest of July. With the Sun trine Uranus on Jul 23, unexpected happenings can bring that lucky break we've been hoping for. Conflicting aspects to the Moon can pull us in opposite directions, yet show us resourceful ways to fulfill more facets of ourselves. Also on the 23rd, Jupiter moves retrograde until Nov 18, buying us time to develop inner and outer foundations for recent new directions.
The dynamic tension of Jupiter square Pluto can be felt for weeks around its exact aspect on Jul 24. Manifestations can range from major dogmatic power plays to profound philosophical realizations that lead us to a deep sense of purpose.
"Every time I think that I'm the only one who's lonely
Someone calls on me..."
-- Tandyn Almer (The Association)
The Full Moon in Aquarius on Jul 25 highlights the personal and global survival issues rocking the core of our current world quandary. While the Sun in Leo informs us to lead from the heart, the Moon in Aquarius reminds us to also expand that perspective to include the greater oneness of us all. Old models bullied us into believing that our only choice was one or the other -- me or you/us or them -- in order to be safe. As we look around, we can see what that has brought us. Status quo now equals fatal stagnation. The truth is that from our present evolutionary precipice, we are being brought over the edge of our knowledge into a revolutionary experience of transformation. New frontiers are already a part of our daily living. And we really do have one another upon whom we can call.
From the last week of July through early August, our planet moves through a period of tremendous volatility. As the former structures disintegrate, it is reassuring to recall that even the joy of birth is preceded by the instability of the unknown. On Jul 26, Mercury opposes Neptune and it's hard to differentiate idealistic musings from carnival con as boundaries are nebulous. Fortunately, the Sun trines Jupiter on the same day, promising us that even in the midst of challenge, a greater purpose will emerge. Also on the 26th, the final opposition of Saturn to Uranus (the fourth since Nov 2008) makes its stand. Geological, political, and economic upheavals are possible to accelerate our individual and social rebuilding. Once again, in the spirit of the mid 1960s, Saturn in Libra calls for new definitions of collaborative structures that can also encompass the Uranian cry for individual freedom of authentic expression.
When Mercury opposes Chiron on Jul 27, we may feel the pull between the need for personal credit and the desire to actually make a difference. Luckily, by early evening the winged messenger moves into analytical Virgo until Oct 3, and data and solutions take precedence over bravado. This propensity for mental acuity can untangle many a puzzle, as long as we avoid the never-ending tunnel of detail obsession.
Assertive Mars can seem to lose his bearings when he enters Libra from Jul 29 until Sep 14. Statesmanship and charm can promote good will, unless indecision takes over and paralyzes the whole process. Agitation over the next few days demands some sort of action, if only to avoid passive-aggressive miscalculation.
With Mercury trine Pluto exact on Jul 30, help is at hand to penetrate beyond all the bluster to the source of current issues. As Mars opposes Uranus on the same day, we'll need the clarity, as upheaval and eruptions can unsettle our plans. That evening, the Moon in Aries bounces contacts from Uranus to Mars, Saturn, and Pluto, calling for the deep inner grounding that bypasses the panic button and holds the space that Jupiter can reward.
Pulling it all together on Jul 31, Mars conjoins Saturn and practical perspective is restored. Although the ideal structures are still in the process of materializing, our commitment to personal growth and participation in an unfolding future foretells the possibility of fulfilling transformation.
"And may we heed the solemn admonition set forth in this book - not to fritter away in the worthless doings of this world the supreme opportunity afforded by human birth, lest by our spiritual improvidence we depart from this life spiritually empty-handed."
- W.Y. Evans-Wentz, The Tibetan Book of the Dead
©2010 Barbara Hamilton All Rights Reserved
Note: All times are EDT
July 2010 - Part I
"During this present period of Individual
Awakening, the first of the three creative periods, you are being given the
opportunity to embrace this true definition as the cornerstone of your
existence."
-- Raphael through Ken Carey
Regardless
of our individual variations, with Uranus and Jupiter in Aries at this point,
all roads can lead to deep revelations of personal truth and a foreshadowing of
global changes through the next five years.
The phrase "be all that you can be" really is an appropriate
mantra for our current time. So which
"new you" are you ready to birth?
The makeover window is wide open as the winds of change carry our
collective consciousness into unexplored dimensions.
Clever ideas
and creative inventions, especially for the home or office, are possible on Jul 1 when Mercury in Cancer sextiles
Mars in Virgo. Harmonious aspects from
the Moon to the Sun and the Nodes will have us smiling at our efficient
productivity.
The Moon in
Aries on Jul 3, 4, and 5 until 8:30 pm will really pick up the
pace. Conjunctions to Uranus and Jupiter
on the 3rd can also open
doors to new experiences and contacts.
With the Sun
conjunct the South Node on Jul 3 and
the Moon square the Nodes and the Sun on Jul
4th, we may find ourselves wavering between the call to adventure and the
snuggly security of our home base. In
addition, the effects of a Moon wobble early in the month can touch off hypersensitive
emotional responses. Just keep in mind
that the feelings aroused may be coming from your repository of past
experiences in a process of release.
Once cleared, everything may look quite different; so hold off on
reactive decisions for now, and keep the fireworks in the sky.
From May 27 to Jul 5, Uranus in Aries has been showering us with lightening-like
realizations and insights. When Uranus
moves retrograde in Aries from Jul 5
to Aug 13, we get the chance to
evaluate and integrate all the new information and personal changes we've been
taking in these past few months. It's
time to again find out who's that behind those Foster Grants. Then, as ingenious Uranus continues back in
Pisces from Aug 13 to Dec 5, the vestiges of old visions
and ideals can be reconstituted or sent to Goodwill.
With the
Moon in earthy Taurus in helpful aspects to Pluto, the Sun, Mars, Mercury, and
the Nodes, Jul 6 and 7 are great days to take charge and get
things done. This practical energy will
enable us to lay needed groundwork and skillfully produce effective and
rewarding projects.
While the
Moon in Gemini on Jul 8 and 9 can keep us hopping and communicating
most of the day, Venus opposing Neptune in the evening of the 8th is more suited to
artistic or creative dreaming and
perhaps a taste of yummy ice cream.
If you have
any loose ends to complete, it's worth it to get up extra early on Jul 9 when Mercury sextiles Saturn and
you can sail through those details.
Besides, at 12:30 pm winged Mercury moves into Leo until Jul 27, and paperwork and mundane tasks
may be moved to the bottom of the list.
Who wants to file when we can be conjuring up grand projects? Adding to the inventive flurry, Mercury
trines Uranus and brainstorming can bring on a deluge of original ideas.
The velocity
diminishes a bit on Jul 10 as Venus
enters prim Virgo until Aug 6 and
analysis trumps romance. With Venus also opposing Chiron, it's tempting to
judge according to our idealized concepts of what should be. This energy is
best used to accurately assess what is essential, rather than criticize
perceived flaws in self or others.
"See the curtains hangin' in the window
In the evenin' on a Friday night
A little light-a-shinin' through the window
Lets me know everything's all right.
Summer breeze makes me feel fine
Blowin' through the jasmine in my mind."
-- James Seals/Dash Crofts
Usually, the specter of a
Total Solar Eclipse New Moon evokes images of drama and crisis. Although quite powerful, this Eclipse in
Cancer on Jul 11 may reveal the
means to resolve lingering sensitivity issues and family dynamics. Aspects to the Nodes may uncover the
self-indulgent chinks in our emotional armor that have isolated us, as well as
new ways to reach out and truly connect. With Mars in Virgo supporting the
Sun/Moon, the missing pieces for our wounded sense of security may shift right
into place. As Mercury trines optimistic
Jupiter, our sense of home and relationship can take on revised meaning.
From the morning of Jul 12 through the morning of Jul 14, the Moon in playful Leo
encourages us to follow our hearts as we give and receive love. Stimulating aspects to Uranus and Jupiter
awaken our enthusiasm. Whatever excites and calls to us can no longer be
ignored. When Venus trines Pluto on the 13th,
our involvement in relationships or creative projects can deepen and provide much
fulfillment and possibly passion.
With the
Moon in Virgo from the morning of Jul 13
to 10:25 am on Jul 15, we should be
brilliant at zipping through all that unread junk mail, emails, and filing
tasks -- as long as we don't get caught up in the loop of over-editing and
grammar correction. Collaboration with
Pluto and Venus on the 14th
can result in some wise budgeting and rewarding financial moves. Also, remember to take advantage of Saturn's
last weeks in Virgo until Jul 21. All the inner and outer housecleaning since September of 2007 is ready to pay off,
so finish up those final touches.
" I challenge you above all to a
deeper life, and I implore you for the sake of your fellow men to strengthen your
contact with your own soul, so that you will have done your share in making
revelation possible; so that you will
have served your part in bringing in the light, and will therefore be in a
position to take advantage of that new light and new information, and so be better
able to point the way and clear the path for the bewildered seeker at that
time."
--Alice A. Bailey/Tibetan Master, Djwhal Khul
©2010
Barbara Hamilton. All rights reserved
Note: All
time are EDT
June 2010 - Part II
"When I look out my window
What do you think I see?
And when I look in my window
So many different people to be
It's strange, sure it's strange
You've got to pick up every stitch
You've got to pick up every stitch
The rabbits running in the ditch
Oh no, must be the season of the witch."
-- Donovan Leitch
Or should we say "Oh no, must be the season of Eclipse"? From the Solstice on Jun 21 right through August, we could find ourselves wondering what kind of season this possibly could be. It may feel like we're hurtling through space, passing through two Eclipses and a number of skirmishes in the Battle of the Planetary Big Boys, dismantling our economy, our ecology, and who we used to be.
Yet, mid-June has its redeeming qualities, especially as Venus in fun-loving Leo keeps the dancing beat with Uranus and Jupiter, activating our love and money cards from Jun 14 to Jun 18.
Lunar aspects on Jun 19 carry us through a contrasting range of emotions. Fortunately, except for the night owls, those in the U.S. will work out most of the conflicts in their dream time. Still, early morning reality may be abrupt, as the Sun squares Saturn and our desire to get down to brass tacks directs most of the day. Late afternoon through the evening, we can feel the loveliness of the Sun trine Neptune as we're drawn to a spiritual gathering or perhaps a viewing of an uplifting movie.
How nice to have the Moon in gentle Libra on Father's Day, Jun 20. With amiable aspects of the Moon and Mercury, congenial conversation makes for a memorable time.
Just like the New Moon foreshadows the theme of the next 28 days, so the Solstice defines the season. It should come as no surprise to hear that this summer (winter in the southern hemisphere) is likely to be packed with challenges and realizations, breakdowns and breakthroughs. The Sun in Cancer advocates for holding on to the past and perceived safety, while erratic Uranus bolts for the future and unknown frontiers. Simultaneously, both the Sun and Uranus are at 0 degrees of cardinal signs, indicating the certainty of global upheaval on many fronts, as Pluto continues to demand a new order. Add expansive Jupiter to the mix and both principles and differences can appear overinflated. So untwist your knickers and fasten your seat belts -- it could be a bumpy ride.
On the plus side, as we all know, these times always carry with them profound reason and opportunity to grow and reference from a higher perspective. A flexible and conscious approach to such life-altering circumstances can bring out untapped talents and creative abilities to map whole new paths to greater fulfillment. While some elements may require redefinition or relinquishment, others can appear that promise exciting reinvention. Though our planet and our lives may be shaken, so is a malted, and the yearning for a tasty new way has actually been calling to us for a while. We are now entering the time when we can no longer deny the call.
Early on Jun 22, aspects from the Sun to Chiron and the Moon to the Nodes weave a rope bridge for our cautious exploration from what was to what might be.
Events that appear to be bigger than life probably are on Jun 23. As the Sun squares Jupiter, amplifying and overextending current imbalances, we can feel the pressure building toward the upcoming Grand Cross Eclipse on Jun 26. Yet, the Jupitarian optimism, along with the Moon in Sagittarius, can also encourage us to step forward and lead the way.
We can worry about what's still not complete or we can jump in and clear what sits in front of us on Jun 24, when Mercury squares Saturn. I'd get my workout shoes ready to go. Besides, a few hours later we might want the cleared space to meditate, create, or jot down those inspired visions when Mercury trines Neptune and our mental wings are yearning to fly.
Thoughts melt into feelings when Mercury moves into emotion-based Cancer from Jun 25 until Jul 9. Although our receptors may be overly sensitive, our instincts can serve as finely honed radar in the uncharted territory ahead. Then unexpected news can knock out the best laid plans as Mercury squares eccentric Uranus. Do note that this same energy can produce flashes of brilliant insight and solutions. However, in the midst of this electrifying surge, a deep dark rumbling can be felt, as the Sun faces off in opposition to Lord Pluto. What's been hidden and festering must come to the surface. Like a planetary and personal root canal, that which is toxic will be released for the sake of real healing and rebuilding. And with Mercury trine Chiron, even the discomfort of the process can be seen in a larger context.
Somebody shake me (shake me), wake me (wake me)
When it's over (when it's over)
Somebody tell me that I'm dreamin'
And wake me when it's over"
-- Lamont Dozier, Brian Holland, Edward Holland
As the Full Moon Eclipse on Jun 26 tells us, there's no nitrous oxide cure to soften the reality of the mess our world is experiencing. Oil spills, ecological upheavals, economic woes, and clashing ideologies are rampant. Just prior to the actual Eclipse, Mercury square Jupiter fills us with exaggerated reports and too much information to make sense. Within arm's length of the Solstice, this partial lunar Eclipse is one of the most major alignments of the year. The Sun in Cancer desperately reaches for security, while the Moon in Capricorn demands adherence to duty. And with unyielding Pluto conjunct the Moon opposite the Sun, intense emotions are evoked by fierce power struggles.
In a Grand Cross lineup, Uranus/ Jupiter and Saturn join the fray as they square the Sun and Moon/Pluto and oppose each other. The unexpected infuses our world and our personal lives. When the outer slow-moving planets configure like this, we know that the results will be dramatic and long-lasting. This crack in our collective psyche is way beyond super glue. Political rhetoric and cosmetic fixes can no longer detour this crucial and much-needed turning point.
"Nowhere to run to, baby
Nowhere to hide
Got nowhere to run to, baby
Nowhere to hide"
--Brian Holland/Lamont Herbert Dozier/ Edward Holland
We can cover our heads and look for mythical cover, but... It's time to rewrite our personal and global scripts. We can try to keep pointing to outside blame and whimper in victim mode. But that sounds quite unattractive, as well as ineffective. We can also opt for individual responsibility -- sweep up the broken shards of what's not working, preserve the good stuff, and get on with the next steps. The means for productive change are at hand if we are willing to reach for them. Although it may be scary, we don't have to be who we thought we had to be! We just have to be who we are. It's truly the best we can do and it's pretty darn good.
Still in the window of the Lunar Eclipse, Mercury opposes Pluto on Jun 27, deepening our thoughts and even exposing our fears. But then how else can we be free of them, unless we acknowledge their shadow?
Ideas can feel quite personal when the Sun joins Mercury in subjective Cancer on Jun 27. Realizations could be very helpful individually, yet may not apply as a general concept to others.
The Moon in cool Aquarius from the morning of Jun 28 to the evening of Jun 30 helps provide objective perspective for all the inner and outer upheaval. This step back may reveal some stimulating alternative directions and unusual resources that could lead to the freedom we are seeking. The power of the recent Eclipse still reverberates, encouraging us to move forward and dare to explore the gifts of a transforming world and our place within it.
©2010 Barbara Hamilton All Rights Reserved
Note: All times are EDT.