SENTIENT TIMES October/November 2002

Cosmic Calendar

By Salina Rain

Venus is quite prominent and powerful in October, in fact all through the Fall this year, as she makes her journey through passionate and profound Scorpio, turning retrograde on October 10th. Relationships have come into high focus through September already, with all kinds of power dynamics at work, especially strong emotional attachments, and the search for the essence of a love relationship. This can lead us down many dark allies, as well as uplifting us into new realms of mystical experience. Financial dealings have similar potential, with shady dealings, lots of deceptive practices, blowing too much money on what feels good for the moment, or being so centered and level-headed that we do the research and “invest” in what resonates best with our own purposes (whether that means money or our precious time and energy).

Creative projects are highlighted also this season, with almost manic drive to manifest what lives in the imagination of the “artist,” whether we are making art or making life happen, and a certain amount of struggle and review time before we can get down to it. Look into where the first 15 degrees of Scorpio fall in your natal chart, as this is where your experience is bound to be intensely emotional, wrought with struggle and the need for change, and/or deeply insightful. Don’t allow yourself to get into power struggles in this area or the results will be disastrous. Venus then moves direct on November 21st, with the opportunity to sort things out and act in our own, and others’, best interests.

Saturn stations to retrograde motion on the 11th of October, bringing more “reality” into our connections, promoting a review of where we need clearer boundaries and more defined commitment. Neptune, planet of spiritual yearning and/or losing ourselves in substitutes for mystical experience, pivots direct on the 20th, as we surface from several months of confusion or further integration in our spirituality, and trusting our inner sense more. It’s easier at this point to face our addictions, collectively and individually, full on to deal with them more lovingly and effectively. This will be the 4th planet changing direction this month, calling for an increase in open-mindedness and flexibility.

New Moon at 13 degrees Libra on October 6th is joined by Juno, the asteroid most connected with relationships, and all three points in the sign of relationships. Venus’ power is furthered here as she rules Libra, with our attention focused mostly on how to harmonize better in our connections with one another, both personally and in cooperative, group efforts. Peaceful negotiations are more supported as the Sun and Moon together show the will of the people to create workable solutions. Balance and fairness are Libra’s main concerns. Art and beauty score high, as we seek to refine our experience of life and enjoy the higher offerings of culture. Mark Edmund Jones’ interpretation of Sabian Symbol for the Moon’s degree is: “A noon siesta.” Recuperation is the keyword, implying that we all need this time of retreat as a necessary part of our daily rhythm, and in the larger sense, a retreat from worldly matters. We can deal effectively with what needs to be done next only if we’ve allowed space for processing all the aspects we’ve been presented with.

Mercury pivots to direct motion at the New Moon, signalling the go-ahead on contracts, beginning new projects, important decisions, and fewer travel delays and mishaps. Mars joins Mercury adding impatience but also supporting precision in our decisions and communications. Saturn square Mercury pressures us to be respon-sible, furthering the push to communicate sparingly and clearly with no excess palaver. Jupiter sextiles the Sun and Moon, trines Pluto in an expansive pattern of higher perspective even as we clearly see all the worst problems. Transformation is assured if we can just keep our eyes on the larger picture, and the most essential goals.

Full Moon on October 21st at 28 degrees Aries illuminates the need for more balance in the dance between self and other, a most prominent theme in present time. This Moon sextiles Saturn and Uranus, connecting the planets of past and future, tradition and innovation, solid structure and energy, while Saturn and Uranus form a Grand Air Trine with the Sun. There’s strong support for more equitable and lasting alliances, as old ways and new ideas encounter each other with an increasing attitude of cooperation and understanding among people at odds with each other. Jones’ Sabian Symbol creates an image of: “A large disappointed audience.” This imagery speaks of the consequences of breaking agreements, especially as one has cultivated expectations contrary to what they deliver. Leadership is on the hot seat, with public awareness in quite clear focus. Mercury and Mars in Libra trine Neptune and the North Node, supporting even more heightened ability for those in conflict to connect through finding common ground.

Uranus changes direction next as November begins, pivoting direct on the 3rd at 25 degrees Aquarius, bringing an influx of light and massive changes as it turns. Where is this most affecting you? Wherever this degree falls for you is in for seemingly sudden, and decidedly dynamic, shifts. We’ve reviewed the innovative approaches before us since June, now we’re ready, as a collective and as individuals, to take the quantum leap into the future.

Scorpio New Moon on the 4th perfects at 12 degrees, with both Venus and Mercury also operating through the Scorpio lens. This is the realm of the Dark, intensified by retrograde Venus leading us down the stairway into the underworld along with Mercury, the messenger and recorder, to clarify what we need to release and what we need to embrace.

Neptune squares these 4 planets, dissolving the barriers, fears and unhealthy yearnings, allowing us to trust our intuition, as long as we don’t get lost in delusion. Trust that you’ll know the difference. Jupiter also squares the lunation, while still trining Pluto. The ego struggles can be over-whelming, but the resources for moving beyond old fixed patterns are within our reach. Money and power are of great concern in Scorpio ruled times, and the patterns here imply crisis in a collective experience. Set your intention for this new beginning, for releasing what no longer serves you, and incorporating the values you resonate with now. Sabian Symbol, from M.E. Jones: “An inventor experimenting.” This theme echoes the strong influence of Neptune and Uranus in Aquarius, as these planets open up entirely new pathways of perception; new ways of receiving, combining, and sending information, as well as new ways of experiencing ourselves and our world. How can we transform weapons of destruction into tools for building a more sane world?

November 19th brings the Full Moon in Taurus, a Lunar Eclipse, at 28 degrees, an important turning point concerning values, both personal and collective. Venus rules Taurus and is about to pivot to direct motion tomorrow, intensifying the need to clean up our personal and financial dealings, and to live our according to our true desires. Uranus squares the eclipsed Moon, making it imperative to create conscious change or let the universe send a lightening bolt to accomplish change without our cooperation. Jupiter trine Pluto makes this a more joyous prospect than it might otherwise be, as we’re highly conditioned to move on from past limitations and jump right into the next adventure. The most danger that exists now would be to dig in our heals and refuse to deal with new input. Uranus, Saturn and Mars form a Grand Air Trine, expediting the process of networking and joining forces in other ways to accomplish monumental tasks. Our intention as individuals is a powerful force, just imagine the power in many people joining with clear and mutually beneficial intention. In the past it’s been harder to harmonize in group purpose, since the old paradigm dictated that members of a group had to think alike and be alike to be acceptable to the group. Now we’re moving into the new paradigm where groups are more dynamic and effective because we acknowledge each member as an individual with unique experience and input.

That diversity, so essential to Uranus, makes for much more creative solutions and happier group members. The Sabian Symbol for 28 degrees Taurus is: “A woman pursued by mature romance.” Beyond outer appearances the life of the human soul goes on, and indeed becomes far more enriched by its connection with spirit, even as the body ages. New life begins here, new awareness in humanity based on our common experience and our spiritual connectedness.

Salina Rain, a professional Astrologer, offers readings and consultations, with a major focus on life purpose and navigating transitions gracefully. She is also at Master level of Reiki Jin-Kei-Do, an eastern lineage of energy healing, transmitted through the ancient Tibetan Buddhist line. Salina is available for astrological consultations and Reiki Jin-Kei-Do classes, (707) 668-5408, PO Box 1081, Blue Lake, Ca. 95525-1081, or astro@salinara in.com. Visit www.salinarain.com for more detailed forecasts.

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