December 2003 January 2004

Our Democracy is in Danger of Being Paralyzed
Bill Moyers

Reclaiming Local Media
Paul Cienfuegos

What You Need to Know About Electronic Voting
William Rivers Pitt

Will the 2004 Election by Stolen With Electronic Voting Machines?
William Rivers Pitt

Myths of the Hermit Kingdom
Eric Sirotkin

Heresies in Pursuit of Peace
Eric Sirotkin

The Empire Strikes Out
Kenny Ausubel

Relationships and Culture
Nita Simons

The Movie Mystic
Stephen Simon

Tai Chi and Qigong
Bill Douglas

A Relationship Practice
Kayla M. Starr, MPH

Cosmic Calendar
Salina Rain

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Cosmic Calendar

By Salina Rain

As 2003 winds down in December, we’re still very much under the influence of the Saturn-Chiron opposition and the major overhaul of social/political structures these two cosmic entities have put into motion. Saturn trudges along in the retrograde condition until early March ’04, sending us into a most serious, thorough review of our current social institutions throughout the winter. This will be a time where we feel the gravity of our responsibility to participate in the process in whatever way(s) we determine are most effective for each of us. Everyone has something important to contribute, but it’s crucial to align with our individual gifts in order to be most effective. Guilt, fear and high-pressure tactics will be weapons used by the (essentially extinct) dying paradigm’s representatives to hold us back from acting on our truest values. Gaia is going through her own renovations which will be felt now.

December begins with Sun in freewheeling, sometimes overly righteous, Sagittarius. Full Moon on the 8th at 17 degrees Gemini, opposing the Sag Sun, calls on us to see the humor in our own frailties, along with the need to exercise restraint in our excesses with Jupiter in Virgo squaring the lunation. Pluto conjoining the Sagittarian Sun, exact in just 3 days, requires transforming our beliefs to include the realities of others. The human condition is in the process of radical alterations, part of which involves unification of the whole species, but not in the much promoted corporate model where everyone must look, think and act alike. Sharing ideas and information are favored as we end the year with a fresh perspective on reality, truth and the vast shifts we are in the midst of. Mars completes a Mutable Grand Cross with Pluto-Sun, Moon, and Jupiter—challenging us to stay centered and not get stuck in old patterns of negativity, self-criticism, or blaming others for our problems. Physical disciplines are important ways to support ourselves through the major influx of energy/information from all directions, to maintain balance and mental discernment. With an image of mental evolution the Sabian Symbol from Rudhyar for the Moon reads: “The head of a robust youth changes into that of a mature thinker.”

Pluto’s exact joining with the Sun on the 11th brings transformative experiences for the ego through power struggles too intense to endure, or through letting go of false, overblown ego needs—and in many cases, one leads to the other. Leaders may be excessively pushy with their own agendas, but may also find it difficult to suppress the truth. Venus trine Jupiter today, in earth signs, helps in practical ways, and gives us opportunities to work on relationships and financial matters creatively. On the 16th Mars finally exits the uncomfortable realm of watery emotions, after 6 months in Pisces, entering its own fire sign, Aries, for a fresh and energetic new beginning infused with deeper insight and compassion. For some the determination may be to take by force what they couldn’t grasp over the last few months.

Mercury pivots to retrograde motion on Dec. 17th at 13 degrees Capricorn, opposing heavyweight Saturn as it turns and moves direct on Jan. 6th, conjoining the Galactic Center. This retrograde journey colors the coming year with especially crucial review periods, preparing us for important decisions that affect humanity’s future. Locate the degrees of Mercury’s retro period in your own chart to see where you have work to do from the 17th of Dec. through the return to the pivot degree on Jan. 25th. Also remain aware of the cautions around Mercury’s retrogrades, being especially mindful of speech and thought, taking care of the details of life with more attentiveness, and being prepared for delays, breakdowns, and missed appointments. Travel during this time requires careful double-checking of schedules and lots of patience.

Winter Solstice on Dec. 21st marks the shortest day, longest night of the year as we are embraced in the nurturing, creative, sacred darkness which contains the seed of light at its core. Make space for the mellifluous magic of “deep space” to do its work on you, even as we celebrate the return of the light. Mercury opposes Saturn today providing for the awareness of needing to be responsible and thorough in manifesting our goals, not skipping steps. The severe problems we currently face are emphasized as we see the steps we’ve skipped in creating and preserving the kind of government we want—a structure that serves the people. Vesta conjunct the Solstice Sun, Juno-Pluto conjunct the Solstice Moon highlight powerful female influences over the coming year with that perspective gaining more prominence.

Two days later New Moon in Capricorn joins Sun, Moon and Vesta at 2 degrees of the cardinal earth sign square Mars and strategist Pallas in Aries. Integrity and accountability reign in this new cycle dedicated to organizing ourselves around our top priorities, accepting responsibility for our actions, and creating and honoring boundaries. Chiron and Mercury are still joined in Capricorn, reminding us to be aware of the repercussions of all our words and thoughts, and to take care in the details of our work. Saturn’s influence will weighs on us with increased pressure if we don’t align ourselves with a disciplined routine. Rudhyar’s Sabian Symbol interpretation for this lunation speaks to the “disruptive consequences of war”—“Three rose windows in a Gothic church, one damaged by war … The ‘chief’ who claimed power from his tribe in order to lead or save it must reckon with the consequences of a too-impulsive use of this power in terms of violence.” Rudhyar goes on to ask what part of the human (threefold) soul is destroyed by the use of violence—“the principle of love and compassion.”

On Dec. 30th Uranus re-enters Pisces for the long haul, leaving behind the extraordinary opportunities of its passage through Aquarius to free ourselves from the mistakes of the past. Whatever condition we find ourselves in now, the good news is that Neptune and Uranus will be in auspicious mutual reception for the next few years. This relationship brings these two outer planets into harmony, awakening us to ever-widening dimensions of the larger reality in which we exist. Spirituality will flourish unfettered by the structures and intermediaries of organized religion, as we realize our individual relationship to the Divine. We will no longer be able to exist as seemingly separate entities. Intuition and human empathy will play a larger part in inspired thinking and problem solving. Water and technology will form a new partnership as we find it increasingly necessary to harness the power of our vast, and growing, water resources to fulfill our energy needs.

Jan. 7th brings the Cancer Full Moon at 17 degrees, with Moon conjunct Saturn and Ceres opposing Sun, Chiron and Vesta in Capricorn, emphasizing security needs, fears, learning from the past, the artificial and destructive separation between male and female, and the vast distance between those who have the essentials of life those who do not. This lunation illuminates whatever realities have come to pass since the last New Moon and emphasizes the need to be clear, responsible, and disciplined. Check your chart to see where you are being impacted by the Cancer-Capricorn axis, and where the ancestors are calling to you to protect the positive aspects of your lineage while releasing the negatives. Food production and sources may become a focus, along with the growing numbers of women and children living in poverty. Sabian Symbol for the Moon is about “actualizing one’s birth potential … the process of germination.” Mars once again is part of a T-Square formed with the Moon and Sun, bringing pressure to bear on choices we make, and on whether we act out of integrity or pure impulse. Mars can provide us the courage to “do the right thing.”

Aquarius Full Moon on the 21st of Jan. precedes the Chinese New Year on the 22nd, initiating the Year of the Monkey. Sun and Moon join at 2 degrees in the sign of futurism, breaking from the past, and standing very much on their own—highlighting the question of what reality we are in the process of creating. Aquarius brings surprises and upsets, reminding us that nothing remains unchanged, all is impermanent. We must find our spiritual core to navigate life’s unexpected shifts. Venus joins Uranus (Aquarius’ ruler) in Pisces infusing relationships with new emphasis on independence and conec-tedness, and inspiring creative break-throughs. Saturn and Mercury oppose each other for the 3rd time with grave concern for internalizing discipline and being our own authorities, while Saturn trines Venus-Uranus for dedication to finding solutions that work for all. The Sabian Symbol for 2 degrees Aquarius is “An unexpected thunderstorm … The need to develop the inner security which will enable us to meet unexpected crises.” Impermanence is a powerful part of this symbol’s meaning and the lesson of this lunation. The only way we can prepare for the next stage of what we have put into motion is to meditate on the true nature of our reality.

Salina Rain is a professional Astrologer 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 readings and consultations, and Reiki Jin-Kei-Do classes. (707) 668-5408, PO Box 1081, Blue Lake, CA, 95525-1081, or astro@salinarain.com. Visit www.salinarain.com for more detailed forecasts.