With Venus and Mercury both making rendezvous opposite Uranus this week, it should continue becoming clear to everyone the import of the profound changes now beginning to take form under the Saturn-Uranus oppositions.
Agents of Fortune:
Decoding the Oracular Message of the Planetary Emissaries
-For Whom Doth the Sybil Speak?
Venus in Virgo: Aphrodite speaketh for Hermes
Mercury has much Dignity –both rulership and exaltation in Virgo –so it seems that he is the leader of this trio (w/ Venus and Mars) who have conjoined Saturn and now move to oppose Uranus. So things Virgoan –details and the letter of the law –seem to be on the upswing.
Until last fall, Saturn in Leo spoke for the Sun –the aristocrat–and therefore provided him protection by wrapping him in the leaden blanket of responsibility. No more. Saturn now speaks for Mercury, and may deliver his crushing force for and with the common man –rather than the elite. Accordingly, Obama is sounding populist themes on the campaign trail this week. He pledged Wednesday to create millions of union jobs in alternative energy and to end tax breaks for companies that move jobs overseas, using tough new populist language to persuade voters that he, not rival John McCain, is best positioned to lift the limping U.S. economy.
When discussing the qualities he sought in a potential running mate, Obama stated:
"Let me tell you first what I won't do: I won't hand over my energy policy to my vice president and not know necessarily what he's doing," Obama told the audience. "My vice president ... will be a member of the executive branch. He won't be one of these fourth branches of government where he thinks he's above the law," he said, in apparent reference to Vice President Dick Cheney's handling of the office.
From my Article in the June/July edition of The Mountain Astrologer:
"When planets are opposed it means that there is a challenge to develop awareness. The opposition, by nature, is an aspect of tension. Nowhere is this more evident than at the natal Uranus opposition of mid-life. One stands at the nexus of one's existence –half of it before and half of it behind. Clearly, at this point many no longer need or want to respond to the parental/societal programming of the first half of life. Yet, the rejection of this programming entails a huge responsibility…- to re-define our-selves and our place in the World. The anxiety this can evoke is clearly referenced in the popular term "mid-life crisis."
On a similar note, it is interesting to note that the same basic energies of the mid-life crisis are being played out on the World stage right now. Saturn is interacting with these energies in the same order as the personal transits of outer planets to natal placements are being experienced by the current generation at mid-life: the Pluto quartile return; the Neptune quartile return; and the Uranus demi-return. Through successive oppositions to these same planets, Saturn is polarizing these issues on the World stage so that we are forced to become more aware personally. Saturn opposite Pluto and Neptune brought up many important social questions. This questioning represents a sort of collective mid-life crisis.
Unlike the square, where one is often forced to choose one path over another, the opposition often presents no clear way out of a situation. One is hit from both sides in a barrage from which there is no clear means of escape. It is easy to then become besieged by doubts, and even guilt –thinking that somehow the situation is a result of some karmic mistake we've made. What are we to do then, as we find ourselves "pinned down" by forces that seem to surround us and arrest our movement and development? Well, in my opinion, the first and best thing we can do is to give ourselves a break by recognizing that this is a fundamental part of the process of being human.
Caroline Myss shows us this process of questioning is integral even in the experience of our most shining spiritual exemplars. In her classic book on archetypes, Sacred Contracts, Myss reminds us that even Abraham, Jesus, Muhammad and Buddha walked a path that is archetypal –which means it is the same path that you or I must also walk. Even these great leaders were not without their own doubts, fears, questions and "stuck" places on their paths. In fact, the word question contains the word quest –both deriving from Latin quaestus: to ask, or to seek.
It can be construed, then, that the early purpose of an opposition is to bring the person to a state of disorientation –only from whence s/he may be initiated into new levels of awareness.In short, without some sort of stressor to induce anxiety (an anxiety to which there is no immediate answer)–growth is simply not possible. It is from the anxiety of disorientation that growth and indeed spiritual awareness are born The Buddha had to witness sickness, old age and death before he could follow his spiritual path. The opposition, then, can be seen ultimately to represent the "call to adventure" –whereby "destiny has summoned the Hero and transferred his spiritual center of gravity from within the pale of his society to a zone unknown."In fact, Dane Rudhyar explained the process of the opposition in a very similar way. "There is for man…a beginning in the darkness of (unconsciousness and) instinct, and there is a beginning in the full light of conscious intelligence…Form, revealed in a moment of lucid perception at the 'full moon' phase of any cycle…gradually releases its meaning or significance as the (cycle) decreases.""
And here is a little ditty from Mercury/Venus/Saturn opposite Uranus native -Kurt Cobain
"The Man who sold the World" –a David Bowie cover
I laughed and shook his hand, and made my way back home I searched for form and land, for years and years I roamed I gazed a gazely stare at all the millions here We must have died along, a long long time ago
Mars, Venus, Mercury and Saturn as the Sybils of Virgo all speak through a particular Oracle -to a particular area of your life. Follow the instructions below for your Sun Sign, your Moon Sign (or your Soul Sign), and your Ascendant Sign.
Aries: Mercury is activating your house of work, health and chores while Uranus activates your house of Universal connection. You are wrestling with issues of daydreaming your time away versus adding additional responsibilities. It is probable that a little dreamtime could actually vitalize and restore Vision to your work –so take a day, or at least a summer morning off and then return to work with a gusto.
Taurus: Mercury is activating your house of self expression while Uranus activates your house of group associations. You are wrestling with issues of being creative while also making social connections. Taking the time to share your creativity will re-fuel the bank account as well as the creative juices.
Gemini: Mercury is activating your house of family and clan, with Uranus opposite in the house of career and reputation. You are struggling with issues of privacy versus recognition. Healthy boundaries are neither too rigid nor too permeable. The balance you need to attain is to remain open to others while not giving away your sense of freedom.
Cancer: Mercury is activating your house of communications, with Uranus opposite in your house of philosophy and higher mind. You are struggling with issues of the everyday versus the future. The future does indeed arrive one day at a time, and so as you allow room into our day to meet it –you invite the synchronous language of life to speak to you. The only thing remaining is to recognize the future when you see it.
Leo:Mercury is activating your house of values and possessions as Uranus is activating your house of surrender and occult knowledge. You are struggling with issues of personal versus social values. Sometimes we must surrender our values to those with power over us. If we do so consciously –that is: knowing the difference between what we believe and what we must do –then we can avoid the worst power struggles which arise due to resentment or lack of clarity.
Virgo: Mercury is activating your house of Self and physical body while Uranus activates the house of partnerships. This could be a nice time to connect on a personal level and allow others to excite or enlighten you. Be careful of taking it too personally or emotionally, though –as this could result in your bubble being burst.
Libra: Mercury is activating your house of Universal connections while Uranus activates your house of work. You are wrestling with issues of daydreaming your time away versus adding additional responsibilities. It is possible that a little dreamtime could actually vitalize you enough to handle more work –so don't be afraid to take a day off if the urge becomes irresistible.
Scorpio: Mercury is activating your house of groups and associations while Uranus activates your house of creativity. You are wrestling with issues of being creative while also making social connections. Taking the time to share your creativity will re-fuel the creative juices.
Sagittarius: Mercury is activating your house of career while Uranus activates your house of home. You are struggling with issues of privacy versus recognition. Healthy boundaries are neither too rigid nor too permeable. The balance you need to attain is to remain open to others while not giving away your sense of freedom.
Capricorn: Mercury is activating your house of travel and higher learning while Uranus activates your house of local travel and community. You are struggling with issues of the everyday versus the future. The future does indeed arrive one day at a time, and so as you allow room into our day to meet it –you invite the synchronous language of life to speak to you. The only thing remaining is to recognize the future when you see it.
Aquarius: Mercury is activating your house of merging with another while Uranus activates your house of personal values. You are struggling with issues of personal versus social values. Sometimes we must ask others to surrender their values to us. If we do so consciously –that is: knowing the difference between what they believe and what we are asking them to do –then we can avoid the worst power struggles which arise due to resentment or lack of clarity.
Pisces: Mercury is activating your house of partnerships while Uranus activates your house of self. This is a time of personal excitement/enlightenment but realize others may be taking you personally and you are better off if spreading some good will and/or energy around.
With an Aquarian Lunar eclipse ruled by Saturn and Uranus this week AND Venus and Mercury both making rendezvous with Saturn, it is now becoming clear to everyone the import of the profound changes now beginning to take form under the Saturn-Uranus oppositions.
Agents of Fortune:
Decoding the Oracular Message of the Planetary Emissaries
-For Whom Doth the Sybil Speak?
Saturn in Virgo: Cronus speaketh for Hermes
Just as our current "president" continues to try his damndest to re-ignite the Cold War by busting Russia's balls in support of Georgia…Saturn's gaze also now begins to fall directly upon the primal object of his dastardly sickle –the phallus of Uranus!
This from Mercury conjunct Saturn in Virgo Native, Mark Knopfler:
Theres so many different worlds So many differents Suns And we have just one World But we live in different ones
Now the Sun's gone to hell And the Moon's riding high Let me bid you farewell Every man has to die But its written in the starlight And every line on your palm Were Fools to make war On our brothers in arms
From my Article in the June/July edition of The Mountain Astrologer:
"The intense polarizations we have recently experienced from Saturn's oppositions to Pluto (2001) and Neptune (2006-7) are likely (soon) to ignite. Saturn and Uranus are basically antithetical principles. Saturn is primarily cold –it takes away energy. Uranus is primarily hot –it excites. When hot & cold meet in nature –we have thunderstorms. The Native Americans called this interplay the Thunder-beings. They believed it brought vitalizing energy from the Sky to the Earth –to be used by humans. In Western myth, the interaction of Earth and Sky is no less intense. Uranus was the God of the Sky. Each night he descended upon Gaia –Goddess of the Earth –and out of their frequent union came many monstrous progeny. Uranus was displeased and stuffed the undesirable offspring back into the womb of Gaia. Saturn was given a sickle by his mother Gaia –to put an end to his father Uranus' stuffing. Saturn castrated Uranus –unleashing the Furies from the spilled blood as well as giving birth to Venus as he threw the phallus into the Sea.
It is rather easy to see this stormy energy of the archetypal myths in action in the last two sets of Saturn-Uranus oppositions. Following the Napoleonic wars, European powers became increasingly inter-twined. Pre-WWI Europe was a constellation of royal families who were related by marriage. No one imagined they could be set to war against each other. Yet, when the 1920's dawned –the old world order had been wiped away by Saturn opposite Uranus. During the 1960's, we witnessed the release of the Furies in the battles between limiting (Saturn) governmental and entrenched racist social forces who attempted to castrate a limitless (Uranus) freedom-based approach during the civil rights movements of the 60's. Of course, this process also led to the emergence of Venus –which we saw in a flowering of the Arts -culminating in "the Summer of Love." The Saturn-Uranus oppositions are due not just to occur again –but in the same signs as the last two sets –until 2010."
As Saturn moves to oppose Uranus in the same signs as the oppositions of the 1920's and 1960's, the populace will grow increasingly restless. As the current oppositions spill over into the cardinal signs in 2010 –The Furies released from Saturn's sickle will send the blood flowing from the streets down into the highways –just as they have always done before.
How are you to turn this bloody tide to your advantage? Saturn as the Sybil of Virgo speaks through a particular Oracle -to a particular area of your life. Follow the instructions below for your Sun Sign, your Moon Sign (or your Soul Sign), and your Ascendant Sign. And when in doubt over the next few years, -definitely err on the side of Change and seek to align with the New Order which is emerging from the Chaos that Saturn opposite Uranus will most definitely be about.
Aries: Much to your chagrin, you cannot see Saturn or Uranus for some time. You must remember the lesson of Telemachus. To be angry is easy. But to be angry at the right time, for the right reason –this is righteous anger –this is Virtue. Though your beloved Mother may be beset by false suitors –have faith and do not act prematurely. Odysseus will arrive in 2010 to give the signal. In the meantime, both Neptune and Pluto are on your side to tap you for service in covert operations. Perfect your technique now, for destiny has much bigger battles for you to fight.
Taurus: Ready or not, you are about to be thrust so far out of your rut that you may indeed soon be seeing the little people dancing over the dead witch. Follow the yellow brick road! Friends and associates will help you adapt to your changing circumstances and foster creative responses. Don't worry, by 2010, you will be out of the main current –and able to start the proverbial journey home. And if you remain resolute in service of your fellow travelers while on your way–you will wind up truly knowing it for the first time.
Gemini: You are, for better or worse, about to become an agent for changes the likes of which even you thought only existed in fairy tales and history books. The clue that fate is about to unfold for you are the leaden boots your inner nature tells you to shake off without a second thought. Learn to resist the urge, and allow yourself to become grounded by circumstance. If you can do this, you will have a scrapbook filled with headlines with which to regale future generations with the boast: –I was there when it all started!
Cancer: There goes the neighborhood! From near and from far, prepare for the nutballs to invade your peaceful world. There are valuable lessons to learn if you will resist the urge to look down your nose at "those people." If you gather the information coming at you from fools and from sages alike –you will be prepared when it is your turn to sit in the hot seat. Don't' take this warning lightly –by 2010 you will be beset on all sides –but if you keep your eyes and ears open at least it will not be a surprise.
Leo: Poor Leo, -thought you could go on shining right through that lead coat didn't you? Well, for the next couple years you will be more worried about your pocketbook than your image. Whatever you do, do not be tempted to cook the books or you may end up in the poorhouse. You are going to have to get used to the idea of service –even if it feels like it will kill you. Shining your light on the up and coming and riding their coat-tails are the only way out of this mess.
Virgo: Virgo, it is your turn to take up the leaden mantle of Saturn. Well, let's face it. Nose to the grindstone is really the only place you're truly comfortable anyway. Yet there will be pleasant distractions –ones you can even justify. You should be able to ignore them, but let's get one thing straight –your personal creativity is not a distraction. Yet, if you are to turn this lead into gold, you must forsake anything and everything that you cannot find a way to feel confident about. The good news is that there will be flashes of affirmation from people who want to connect on an intimate level. This is your landmark. Allow yourself a small break and take it to the next level.
Libra: Bad news first. The people you have been investing yourself in are about to fall by the wayside. The good news is they left you with ideas, and if you can get past your loneliness and boredom –you will find your curiosity growing. For the next couple of years you will be faced with the necessity to learn how to grow something from the ground up. Instead of being a slave to technology, learn to harness its true potential for organizing your time and building foundations for this project. By 2010, a new partner will arrive to help you plant the field you have prepared.
Scorpio: You are no longer facing the brunt of Saturn's gaze, but the new sheriff comes to town still wanting results from you. Take this to committee. The desire to innovate will increase in late '08, and you will have ideas not just for cutting out the dross –but for recycling it back into the system. If they are sound, after 2010 you will have the opportunity to perfect and institutionalize them before taking up Saturn's mantle of authority –just in time for the Uranus-Pluto revolutions!
Sagittarius: You find yourself now the scapegoat as you bear the brunt of Saturn's leaden gaze. All that preaching under Saturn/Neptune couldn't be helped, but you will soon feel the whip of the taskmaster upon your hindparts –urging you to action rather than platitudes. In fact, you will soon be discovering personal resources you never knew you had –as the squeeze is put on at home and the office. If you can get grounded enough to produce something more than you usual hot air, you will find appreciative associates awaiting you around the bend –ready to re-engage your creativity.
Capricorn: You may be feeling philosophical, as you have not felt Saturn's gaze for a little while now. But your old friend is back in town, and he wants to expand your sphere of influence. You probably have plenty of ideas for him, but it is best to hammer out all the kinks instead of trying to hit the ground running. No matter what you admit to, you know that some things must change soon –so why not be the one to lead the way? Anything that saves energy by utilizing technology or minimizing/recycling waste products will make you money –oodles, and soon!
Aquarius: Despite the initial pull from your peers, the two best revolutionaries of the Zodiac, you and Aries, are going to have to find a way to sit out the first battles of this one. You are the reserve forces, destined to fight the big battles under Uranus square Pluto. Act now at your peril. You will feel the tide coming in, yet the time to act will not be until the call is so personal you can no longer refuse it. With your natural detachment, you should have a feel for the action well enough that the last battles of Saturn/Uranus will find you swept to the fore in 2010. From here you lead the way to Uranus/Pluto. Yet, you must not allow personal ambition to take over. Like Moses, you lead the people out of bondage –but the border lands are as far as you'll get. Try to enter the Promised Land, without Aries leading the way, and you will fall.
Pisces: Saturn's leaden gaze soon finds you no matter where you try to hide. Your natural skittishness and paranoia are heightened for the next year. The pressure will abate some in late '08 –you will be rendered some assistance from associates or public services. Not until 2010, however, will the leaden mantle be entirely lifted from your mirror. So, prepare to see the Victim role played out for you –in intimate detail. The inventiveness it takes to keep from being trapped in the Saviour role will keep you from reverting to the Victim once the pressure is off –greatly increasing your productivity.
As Venus arrives in Virgo, we must ask ourselves –what is the mission of this planetary emissary? Venus is in its FALL in Virgo –so what kind of Fortune can this symbolize?
Agents of Fortune
Decoding the Oracular Message of the Planetary Emissaries
For Whom Doth the Sybil Speak? Venus in Virgo: Aphrodite speaketh for Hermes
Each of the classical Planets has two signs which they are said to rule. Think of it like the owner of a house or landlord. When a planet –or person – is in a house they own –they are happier and better able to affect their own will. However, each planet also has a sign where it is exalted. This is more like an honored guest –you don't own the house –but you have dignity not afforded other tenants. Venus is in her exaltation in Pisces –and it is interesting to note that she sprang from the Sea. So, when Venus returns to her birthplace she is an honored guest and is given "the keys to the City."
When a planet is opposite its Sign of exaltation it is said to be fallen or in its depression. This makes intuitive sense and would be like a person in a hostile environment –unable to express their true essence. Aphrodite was often characterized as vain, ill-tempered and easily offended –basically spoiled. This version of Venus seems to be much more true as Evening Star –a lunar, reflective Venus. Virgo is often seen as symbolic of Natural Order –"to every thing there is a season." Now, can you imagine Venus' attitude upon hearing that she is subject to the limitations of what is seasonally appropriate? Venus is simply not happy in Virgo –she is unable to express her true essence.
This is Venus bestowing her blessings according to a Divine schedule. Of course, speaking also for Hermes –she is perceived as fickle. But is she? Or is she simply sometimes revealing an underlying order to which we were unaware –and out of harmony with –necessitating our downfall? Consider the most unfortunate event in recent history –Hurricane Katrina. Was it really "bad luck" that this City below Sea level became flooded –or simply the unavoidable Destiny of building a City in the bottom of a bowl?
As Buck Dharma put it: "History shows, again and again, how Nature points out the folly of Men." So, it appears that, like other fallen planets, Venus in Virgo could be about the working out of Karma –in the sense of revealing where we have offended the Gods or gone against Natural Law –and thus, are subject to downfall.
On that note here is Sun in Leo w/ Venus in Virgo native Louis Armstrong singing and playing "Mack the Knife"
From Aug 5 thru Aug 30, Evening Star Venus as the Sybil of Virgo speaks through a particular Oracle -to a particular area of your life. Consider meditating upon the Horoscopes below for your Sun Sign, your Moon Sign (or Soul Sign), and your Ascendant Sign in order to address any difficulties which may crop up.
Aries: Difficulties from Venus are likely to be experienced as mundane tasks cropping up which hinder your freedom to roam about. Venus is asking you to get real about your health, your habit patterns and your organizational skills.
Taurus: Difficulties from Venus are likely to be experienced as unseen matters inhibiting your ability to bust loose and play. Something is bugging you, so you may as well figure out what it is –the sooner the better. Venus is asking you to get real about your creative self expression.
Gemini: Difficulties from Venus are likely to be experienced as an unwanted house guest. Be very clear with the messages you send –you will regret polite BS. Venus is asking you to get real about your home life.
Cancer: Difficulties from Venus are likely to be experienced as miscommunications, traffic jams or other snafus causing you to miss appointments. Venus is asking you to get real about the way you communicate and get around town.
Leo:Difficulties from Venus are likely to be experienced as a budget crunch that keeps you from being able to play. Venus is asking you to get real about what it is you really care about. Financial issues that come up are begging for you to examine the deeper issues attendant to the situation and people involved.
Virgo: Difficulties from Venus are likely to be experienced as being let down by someone you thought you could trust. Venus is asking you to get real about who you want to be. You are entering a very long-term cycle of re-defining your limits and the structures you want to be subject to.
Libra: Difficulties from Venus are likely to be experienced as a hidden or unseen problem with transportation or communication.Venus is asking you to get real about that nagging little voice inside your head. All the insecurity that is bubbling up from your unconscious is merely the tidal flow of the Ocean of expectations that you have allowed to define you.
Scorpio: Difficulties from Venus are likely to be experienced as a friend who borrows money and can't pay it back. Consider exchanging a favor for old debts you can't pay. Venus is asking you to get real about the crowd you are hanging out with.
Sagittarius: Difficulties from Venus are likely to be experienced as an attack on your public reputation. Taking the high ground is the only option. Venus is asking you to get real about your career path.
Capricorn: Difficulties from Venus are likely to be experienced as an unforeseen need to travel or make a pilgrimage. Venus is asking you to get real about your connection to God, wisdom and/or higher learning.
Aquarius: Difficulties from Venus are likely to be experienced as a backstabbing friend. Threats will not go over well now. Venus is asking you to get real about your need for control over the process of relating.
Pisces: Difficulties from Venus are likely to be experienced as unwanted advances. Venus is asking you to get real about your relationships. Victim/Saviour roles are painfully highlighted at the present, beckoning you to shatter the mirrors of dependence.
Solar eclipses are primarily Mundane (World) indicators –but we as individuals can feel the rustling of these currents -particularly those with planets at 7-11 degrees of fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius).
Agents of Fortune
Decoding the Oracular Message of the Planetary Emissaries
For Whom Doth the Sybil Speak?
Solar Eclipse in Leo: A weakened Sun speaketh for himself.
As the Solar Eclipse arrives in Leo on August 1, we must ask ourselves –what is the mission of this planetary emissary? A closer inspection of the Zodiac reveals that the Sun is speaking for himself –as ruler of Leo. At the same time Venus is rising out of the Underworld to become visible again as Evening Star.
Solar eclipses are primarily Mundane (World) indicators –but we as individuals can feel the rustling of these currents -particularly those with planets at 7-11 degrees of fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius). The Sun is in these degrees in the last few days of May, August, October, and also the last couple days of January/first couple days of February. If your birthday falls here, expect this eclipse to affect you very personally.
Eclipses happen in families or series –a new one emerging about every 18 years. This is the Saros cycle, first discovered by Babylonian astronomers more than two millennia ago. Solar eclipses with very similar characteristics repeat every 6,585.3 days (18 years 11 days 8 hours) –these Eclipses are then part of the same Saros series. The current eclipse belongs to Saros Series 126 –the last two of which occurred in July 1990 and 1972. To really channel the energy of the Eclipse –you will at some level feel as if you are dying…kinda like Alison Krauss –with her first degree Leo Sun in the 7th house of Partners –which was being eclipsed in July1990 –singing here in the title song to her first Grammy record from that same year "I've Got That Old Feeling" –a song about knowing her lover is leaving her again.
Traditionally, eclipses were seen as bad omens for the King –who can be represented by the Sun. Yet even when this symbolism is literally true –isn't this good for someone else? Does not the Prince benefit from what is an ill omen for the King? In my own research and in my own life, I have noticed that eclipses do often have a "malefic" nature in the immediate present –something is often taken away. But in the long run, when I look back what I see is merely a re-distribution of power. Even on a personal level, what is taking place is essentially an Old Self falling from power and a New Self being born…the Moon, the instinctive self, is eclipsing the Sun –the conscious self, and telling us we are much more than who we currently think we are.
"Eclipse"
All that you touch All that you see All that you taste All you feel All that you love All that you hate All you distrust All you save All that you give All that you deal All that you buy beg, borrow or steal All you create All you destroy All that you do All that you say All that you eat everyone you meet All that you slight everyone you fight All that is now All that is gone All that's to come And everything under the Sun is in tune But the Sun is eclipsed by the Moon.
There is an old Norse saying: "inside each of us is a King/Queen. Speak to him/her and he/she will come forth." I suggest that it is important you speak to the inner King/Queen now –as there is an aspect of Self, hitherto hidden, which is ready for a powerful emergence. Think back to January 1990 and what was going on…that Self is being re-birthed. Speak to your New Sun –and it will come forth!
If you have planets or horoscope angles in these degrees (7-11 Fixed), it is also likely that current events might affect you personally. Expect a temporary weakening of the significations associated with the corresponding planet. It is suggested you practice the Native American custom of Give-Away –where you give away an item of significant importance to you. By consciously releasing the significations –you are enacting the symbolism –rather than having it enacted for you.
For a list of planetary significations, I suggest you bookmark this page:
For those who do not have planets or angles affected by this eclipse, the Mundane tide will be felt in a particular area of your life. If you become aware of difficulties in this area –it is suggested you practice a Give-Away honoring the Sun god Apollo. This shows the Gods that you are aware of their intentions and reduces the likelihood or need for continued messages from them. According to the afore-referenced site, Solar significations include: trophies, diplomas, your car engine, the living room, fireplace, stove, lamps, candles, torches, flashlight, campfire, cigarette lighters, generators and any object that is gawdy or brilliant enough to draw your attention. In the larger environment it signifies playgrounds, theatres or ampitheatres, showrooms, the circus arena, the podium or soapbox, the commons, the city center (downtown), and city hall.
Aries: If difficulties are experienced in the areas of Self Expression, Love, Children and Expenditures–practice a Solar Give-Away.
Taurus: If difficulties are experienced in the area of Family or Dwelling –practice a Solar Give-Away.
Gemini: If difficulties are experienced in the area of Siblings/Relatives, Neighbors or Commerce–practice a Solar Give-Away.
Cancer: If difficulties are experienced in the area of Values or moveable Possessions –practice a Solar Give-Away.
Leo: If difficulties are experienced in the area of the Body, Image, or Life direction –practice a Solar Give-Away.
Virgo: If difficulties are experienced in the area of Enemies, Neglect, Confusion or being led astray –practice a Solar Give-Away.
Libra: If difficulties are experienced in the area of Acquisition, Associations or those who guide you –practice a Solar Give-Away.
Scorpio: If difficulties are experienced in the area of Career, Honor, Reputation or Visibility –practice a Solar Give-Away.
Sagittarius: If difficulties are experienced in the area of Philosophy, Dreams, Religion or Higher Learning –practice a Solar Give-Away.
Capricorn: If difficulties are experienced in the area of Taxes, Goods of Others, Sacrifice or Wandering –practice a Solar Give-Away.
Aquarius: If difficulties are experienced in the area of Marriage, Partnerships or Projection–practice a Solar Give-Away.
Pisces: If difficulties are experienced in the areas of Health, Working conditions or Enemies –practice a Solar Give-Away.
This week Mercury in Leo makes his exterior conjunction with the Sun and turns for home entering the phase of Evening Star.
Agents of Fortune
Decoding the Oracular Message of the Planetary Emissaries
For Whom Doth the Sybil Speak?
Mercury in Leo: Hermes speaketh for Apollo
As Mercury arrives in Leo, we must ask ourselves –what is the mission of this planetary emissary? Mercury in Leo speaks as an emissary of the Sun. In Leo, the Sun's fiery nature bears down upon winged Hermes –reminding me of the myth of Icarus –he who flew too close to the Sun and subsequently crashed and burned.
Similarly, Mercury passed heliacal setting last week and entered into the Sun's rays –marking his death as Morning Star and entrance to the Underworld. This symbolizes a moving away from the objective world and a diving down into the subconscious impulses of the Shadow self –into the Underworld. The journey to the Underworld is steeped in diverse mythology. Joseph Campbell notes that it is part of the Universal path of the Hero. On a Jungian level we know that there are conscious and unconscious elements of the personality -the Shadow is often largely unconscious –and symbolized by the myriad Dark forces embedded within the Astrological processes. But we also know that these markers are just points in an endless cycle -a cycle of re-birth!Mercury meets with the Sun on July 29, at the superior or exterior conjunction (on the other side of the Sun from the Earth). This marks his re-birth into the Evening Star phase.
Rudhyar and Sullivan call this Epimetheus direct, and it is the third phase of Mercury, which begins as he re-emerges after Superior conjunction with the Sun (on the opposite side of the Sun from Earth). The superior conjunction is analogous to the opposition and the Full Moon. Now is the time the "seed message" impressed upon Mercury at the beginning of its cycle receives the light of meaning. This beginning was at inferior conjunction on Jun 7.
According to Rudhyar and Sullivan, with Evening Star Mercury the mind is thought to be at its most objective and deliberate in its operation in this phase. About forty days after the superior conjunction, Mercury's velocity is reduced to match the Sun's daily motion as he also reaches its maximum distance from the Sun, representing a high degree of mental deliberation. Giamario views Mercury as morning star as like Apollo (clear, radiant teacher) and as evening star as more like Hermes (trickster or shapeshifter). Hermes as trickster seems appropriate for Mercury who speaks for Apollo –because Hermes is famous for his theft of Apollo's cattle. This is especially true after he makes heliacal rising as Evening Star near the Full Moon in August
I'll leave you with a ditty from Mercury/Sun exterior conjunction native Jerry Garcia - "When I Paint my Masterpiece"
From July 26 thru Aug 10, Evening Star Mercury as the Sybil of Leo speaks through a particular Oracle -to a particular area of your life. Consider the instructions below for your Sun Sign, your Moon Sign (or Soul Sign), and your Ascendant Sign.
Aries: Evening Star Mercury is activating your house of self-expression. Beware of flying to close to the Sun and watch for the Trickster to emerge in terms of creativity, recreation and putting yourself on display. Conversely, do you need to be tricked into taking time to play?
Taurus: Evening Star Mercury is activating your house of home. Beware of flying to close to the Sun and watch for the Trickster to emerge in terms of roots, family and emotional past. Conversely, do you need to be tricked into being an authority for those you care about?
Gemini: Evening Star Mercury is activating your house of communications. Beware of flying to close to the Sun and watch for the Trickster to emerge in terms of messages and getting around town. Conversely, do you need to be tricked into hitting the bricks?
Cancer: Evening Star Mercury is activating your house of values/possessions. Beware of flying to close to the Sun and watch for the Trickster to emerge in terms of money. Conversely, do you need to be tricked into owning your self-esteem?
Leo:Evening Star Mercury is activating your house of Self. Beware of flying to close to the Sun and watch for the Trickster to emerge in terms of narcissistic talk, talk, talk. Conversely, do you need to be tricked into sharing your thoughts?
Virgo: Evening Star Mercury is activating your house of Universal connections. Beware of flying to close to the Sun and watch for the Trickster to emerge in terms of selflessness. Conversely, do you need to be tricked into showing compassion or unconditional regard?
Libra: Evening Star Mercury is activating your house of social groups and acquisition. Beware of flying to close to the Sun and watch for the Trickster to emerge in terms of name dropping. Conversely, do you need to be tricked into taking up a cause?
Scorpio: Evening Star Mercury is activating your house of career. Beware of flying to close to the Sun and watch for the Trickster to emerge in terms of reputation. Conversely, do you need to be tricked into showing your hand? Sometimes the cards aint worth a dime, if you don't lay em down.
Sagittarius: Evening Star Mercury is activating your house of expansion and higher knowledge. Beware of flying to close to the Sun and watch for the Trickster to emerge in terms of travel or philosophy. Conversely, do you need to be tricked into seeking a real religious experience?
Capricorn: Evening Star Mercury is activating your house of merging with another. Beware of flying to close to the Sun and watch for the Trickster to emerge in terms of intimacy and/or occult knowledge. Conversely, do you need to be tricked into taking and keeping a secret?
Aquarius: Evening Star Mercury is activating your house of partnerships. Beware of flying to close to the Sun and watch for the Trickster to emerge in terms of false friends. Conversely, do you need to be tricked into giving someone a chance to be your friend?
Pisces: Evening Star Mercury is activating your house of craftsmanship. Beware of flying to close to the Sun and watch for the Trickster to emerge in terms of attention to detail. Conversely, do you need to be tricked into keeping a healthy routine?
