Neith.net

Houses & the Sun in Synastry

2009-12-16T16:55:00.000-08:00

I got to thinking about the importance of where another person’s Sun falls in our charts because the Sun in particular we usually feel as a warm and energizing presence. However, depending on our relationship with the individual, it can be very good or a tad awkward at times.

In the synastry between my Aries spouse and me, this exchange works quite well and is very appropriate. My Sun falls in his seventh house of partnerships and his Sun is in my fifth house for fun. This is a nice blend for us and we have managed to live together quite happily for close to twenty years.

For friendships in general, having another’s Sun fall in the air houses – the third, the seventh and the eleventh – makes this work quite well because we can share thoughts and ideas easily. And if their Sun or Ascendant falls in our first house, they will usually brighten our day whenever we spend time with them. I know I love my Sagittarius Sun and Rising friends and welcome their input any time. The Sun falling in the fire houses – first, fifth and ninth – adds opportunities for fun, laughter and general enjoyment.

If you feel out of sync with someone, it could be due to an uncomfortable mix in the synastry. Say your supervisor’s Sun falls in your fifth house and your Sun falls in their tenth; it is possible you both will feel awkward with one another in your work place roles. There is a tendency to naturally defer to someone whose Sun falls on the top of your chart since we see those individuals as having some authority over us. We want to look up to them. I have this going on with Virgos and sometimes it catches me off guard.

An emphasis on the earth houses – second, sixth and tenth – is conducive to being productive and for handling daily practicalities. Co-workers whose Suns are in your sixth house are often those easiest for us to get into a good work routine with; and if their Sun is in your second house, there is a very good chance they will see ways to benefit your personal finances. Capricorns and Taurus Sun people have been very good for me in that regard.

The water houses – the fourth, the eighth and the twelfth – are where we best connect on an emotional, feeling level. Of those houses, it is having someone’s Sun fall in our twelfth where we may need time to find a comfort level with them. If you are looking for ways to improve your home, seek out those whose Sun is in your fourth house.

I realize this is on the general side but it is fun to toss around and see what will come up. Anyone else have an opinion about this? I’m curious as always and welcome input!!

Image: I scanned in this photo of an old family Christmas card from the fifties. My dad had his own darkroom and made our Christmas card from his own photos. We had some serious snowy winters in those days.

A Libra Question & Miscellaneous Links

2009-12-12T12:06:00.000-08:00

I have a question for those of you who read here with a strong Libra signature in your chart. It has to do with automatically moving to balance what’s happening or the recognition there is always another side to the story.

Over the years I have noticed if others are taking a strong stand on some issue, there is little voice that pips up in my head urging me to look at the opposing point of view. For instance, when I was reading all these glowing accounts of the wonderful changes Neptune conjunct Jupiter in Aquarius was going to bring us, my response was “Wait a minute! That reeks of to good to be true to me.” And I started blogging about making sure to be aware of expectations did not exceed reality. Lucy of Lucy Looking Upward coined what I still feel is the most appropriate term for the Aquarius stellium of Neptune, Jupiter and Chiron – The Clusterfuck of Doom! At the other end of the spectrum, reading the “sky is falling” posts made me feel the need to say “not likely.”

I tend to do this my relationships too but have learned to step back from taking this too far. Libra can get so caught in being the balance wheel; they forget to look after their own needs, hopes and dreams.

What I’m wondering is if anyone else deals with too. It seems to me the typical response to an expression of a strong opinion by one person is most people jumping right on board . . . like sheep in a flock.

Links to Blogs of Interest

Over the past few weeks I have had the good fortune to find a couple delightful but veeerrry different Aquarius bloggers hard at work in the astro-blogosphere. Sammie K of My Libra Rising is all elegance and beauty while Larry Fowler of Life, Spirit and Astrology whose Sun is conjunct Jupiter with Leo Rising has plenty of tales to share from his rich and varied experiences.

If you wish to see beautiful images and read posts on fashion, beauty tips, fine food and other topics related to all things Libra, then stop by My Libra Rising. If you enjoy reading a well told story with astrology thrown in, then head over to Life, Spirit and Astrology. Larry is another of us past their Second Saturn Return and has lived a full and interesting life . . . which to his amazement, he survived.

As always, stop by Donna Cunningham’s blog, Sky Writer, to read her tips and suggestions for dealing with the upcoming Mars retrograde in Leo. I cannot think of a better place to find out what we need to know to not only survive this transit but handle it with grace and style. Also know I’m not alone in being very thankful Donna decided to start blogging! Thanks, Donna for all your contributions!

Just want to remind everyone to remember to check out the latest posts on Elsa P’s AstroDispatch, the single best place I know of to find what is happening in the astro-blogosphere.

Image: Winter is here and all the lovely, bright leaves of Fall have fallen. This is the same aspen grove I photographed earlier this fall . . . big change.

Saturn in Libra, Part two

2009-12-07T09:40:00.000-08:00

Time for another short video on something else that occurred to me on the subject of Saturn in Libra. I also wish to add as long as Pluto is closely squaring Saturn, it will be even more difficult to avoid the realization there are some serious differences between an individual's potential and the reality of their behaviors.

My recommendation is to always pay close attention to the non-verbal clues. Some people have a way with words but if their behaviors are not consistent with what they are saying that's the signal to double check the facts.

A little aside: The sweater I'm wearing is one I knit from my own handspun yarn but the yoke pattern I borrowed from another designer just because I loved the crossover look.

Vesta, Uranus and Nerves

2009-12-05T10:39:00.000-08:00

Right now in the sky there are several major planets hovering around 21˚ to 23˚ degrees – Jupiter, Chiron, Neptune in Aquarius and Uranus in Pisces. This is strongly affecting my chart because I have Mercury, Uranus and Vesta on or close to those degrees.

Natally my Vesta in Pisces in the fourth is square to Uranus in Gemini (seventh house) and trine Mercury in Scorpio on my Ascendant. I just read what Steve Judd said about Vesta being related to stress, nerves and digestive problems in us older folks and went WOW. Uranus transiting back and forth over my Vesta this past year brought my problems in those areas to my attention and told me to deal with them!

In my case, the natal aspects all feed back to Mercury on the Ascendant so it is no surprise to see physical manifestations of feeling overstressed due to unexpected events with my spouse and in the home. Being an astrologer it is natural to seek out the patterns of transits and natal aspects. We all have that moment of feeling slightly superior when it all comes together. Simple pleasures are the best . . .

Jupiter will conjunct Chiron at 21˚ Aquarius on December 7 and that conjunction will add its bit to the mix because it will be squaring my Mercury in Scorpio for the last time as well as making a trine to my Uranus. How’s that for a mixed bag? I’ll be able to see the ramifications of this event in retrospect largely due to Neptune’s presence at the present time.

By February 2010 these transits will be history. Jupiter will have moved into Pisces and Uranus rushing madly towards Aries. But that’s another story. ::::grin::::

I’m curious to know if those of you with planets and Angles between 21˚ and 23˚ have also been affected by the transits from these planets. If so, how?

Image: Went out and took a few pictures of the ice crystals on the trees from the cold and fog. Lovely delicate and very transient beauty.

Lighten Up Already!

2009-12-01T16:49:00.000-08:00

Last week was overwhelmingly busy around here what with introducing my new puppy into our household and doing most of the cooking for two days of Thanksgiving meals. No wonder the tension of Uranus stationing took its toll on my nervous system. But now Uranus is officially direct and Venus has moved out of intense Scorpio for another year and into far more playful Sagittarius .

Mars in Leo will almost square my natal Mars in Scorpio when it goes retrograde on December 20 so my fuse is bound to be on the short side though its unlikely most will notice. With Mars in the twelfth house, I seldom inflict my anger on anyone but myself. Just need to make sure to include lots of physical activity in my daily routine. Taking the puppy out for walks is very good because I usually end up jogging to keep ahead of her. She scampers along at a great rate – totally cute.

My intuitive sense is we might as well make the most of the Sun in Sagittarius days because after the Solstice on December 21, Mars will be retrograde and Mercury will soon follow him on December 26. Venus leaves Sagittarius for Capricorn on December 25 conjoining Pluto on the 27th. How’s that for a somber note?

Grab your opportunities for fun and laughter while you can. I plan on doing just that!

*****Donna Cunningham has a "must read" post on How to Accept Blame When You Deserve It. It even offers advice on how to apologize properly . . . something many of us need help with.

Image: Tater enjoying the sunshine on our front porch ramp last week.

** Please note: I have changed the way comments can be added to registered users only. This is due to spammers leaving their little nasty footprints on older posts. If taking this step doesn't work, I may have to take further steps . . .

Saturn in Libra and Cyberspace Assumptions

2009-11-25T10:35:00.000-08:00

[This picture of my new Border Collie puppy has nothing to do with the post but I couldn't resist the opportunity to share . . . she is adorable. New moms and all that! :-)]

As astrologers we work with the “numbers” of human relationships and despite our often amazingly good results, what works on paper can fail to take into account the circumstances of each individual’s life experiences. It’s the assumptions that can come back to bite us in the backside and this is particularly true for those of us who meet in cyberspace.

I have met many people out here in the far-reaching realms of the internet and have come to enjoy my time here very, very much. With a natal Moon in sociable Libra in the eleventh house trine detached curious Uranus in Gemini plus a North Node in Gemini in the seventh house; I am happy circulating, exchanging thoughts and ideas and chatting with my cyberfriends. BUT, and it’s a big one, if you were to visit me in the real world, you would likely be surprised at what a solitary, quiet person I am (Pisces on the IC).

During the course of an average week, the only person I see on a daily basis is my dear Aries spouse and he is usually gone all day working. Most Sundays my dad comes for lunch and usually heads home after an hour to watch football or baseball, depending on the season. My sister and I talk on the phone about once a week and I meet my Libra woman friend for lunch in town every couple of weeks. A social butterfly I am not and never have been.

The point I wish to make is how easy it is to assume those we meet in cyberspace have lives similar to ours, come from backgrounds like ours and most of the time these assumptions would be WRONG. For instance, I live in a rural area and grew up on a small family farm. Part of my responsibilities from the time I was around nine-ten years old until I was almost seventeen, was milking cows by hand twice a day, year in and year out. There were very, very few breaks in that schedule. Our nearest neighbors were about a mile away and almost the only time I saw my friends was during the school year.

Today roughly 75% of the population lives in an urban environment, leaving 25% who live in rural areas. Translated this means most of you I met online do not share this reference point with me. You grew up with next door neighbors either in an apartment building or in suburbia. Music, movies, clubbing, eating out almost every day, hanging with friends at the nearest mall or coffee shop – all not part of my life, then or now, and that means most references to songs, musicians, etc go right over my head. I credit my North Node in Gemini in my seventh house plus the gift of intense interest and curiosity about what makes people tick from having Mars-Mercury conjunct in Scorpio in aiding me bridge this gulf.

I am doing my best to keep my assumptions about my cyberfriends in check because with Saturn in Libra urging us all to take care in our relationships now, this seems a good idea to me. There is a good possibility of severe consequences to acting on wrong assumptions about others right now. It’s called Pluto in Capricorn squaring Saturn. Offering advice or opinions based on wrong assumptions could bring the Pluto axe down, and we could end up with a stump instead of a relationship.

I recommend checking your assumptions before going online and chatting, or else be prepared for the consequences. That being said, I’m planning on sticking around, reading and commenting of various blogs and websites and generally behaving like the air sign Moon I am.

Anyone else running into “assumption” walls these days?

It’s Sagittarius Season Again

2009-11-21T09:57:00.000-08:00

The Sun makes its annual move into Sagittarius today and the sky will have more fire in it than it has had in months, and combined with the planets in air signs, we have the potential for plenty of “hot air.”

The transition from Scorpio to Sagittarius for me is the difference between living in the twelfth house and the first, so this is a pretty big change for me too and probably the reason Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I’m always thankful for the feeling of having escaping into light and warmth once again! Don’t get me wrong, I like Scorpio and am comfortable with the depth and intensity of this often misunderstood sign. It’s just a case of Libra wanting to balance that with some fizzy fire energy once more.

Over on Real Astrologers, I dug out a post on Jupiter written a couple of years ago, polished it up some and published it again in honor of Jupiter’s rulership of Sagittarius. It explains some of my mixed feelings about the big guy likely due to a natal Jupiter-Saturn square.

Along with ElsaElsa, I feel the need to point out just because we may feel more like partying than we have in awhile, it won’t make the serious issues go away – like Saturn squaring Pluto. Jupiter is headed for another conjunction with Neptune in late December and we need to remember to keep one foot on the ground. Do your computer backups, check to make sure all your bills are paid, pay strict attention to your budget before heading out to do Christmas shopping and generally tether that camel! As someone with no earth in my natal chart, I have had to learn to do things by the book rather than instinct. Those hard earned lessons tend to stick with one . .

Here’s wishing everyone a happy Sagittarius season! Have fun!

Image: This photo of a winter rainbow taken a couple of years ago seems fitting for the renewed sense of optimism Sagittarius brings.

Scorpio New Moon Catharsis

2009-11-16T11:31:00.000-08:00

(Warning: This is a very Plutonian post and if you prefer to pass on reading it, that’s fine with me.)

The memories of ancient wounds and resulting grieving just keep coming to the surface courtesy of the New Moon in Scorpio riding my Ascendant-Mercury conjunction. I have been reading Donna Cunningham’s excellent series for handling the Saturn-Pluto square and her latest on grief and the healing process took me waaaaay back to around the time I was an incredibly naive nineteen year old, fresh off the farm.

I met this Scorpio guy who a year older in age and many years older in experience. His father was career Navy (and made Admiral during the time I was seeing his son), so Mr Scorp grew up on military bases with enormous burdens of parental expectations. Even though I do not have good birth data for him, I do know his Moon was in Libra, flanked by Jupiter, Chiron and Neptune and he had a Mars-Saturn conjunction in Cancer which squared my Libra Sun. Since his dad was next to God, he transferred all his anger and resentment onto the women in his life – unacknowledged of course.

At that time, Neptune was transiting my Ascendant and Pluto was sextile all my Scorpio planets PLUS Saturn in Aries was opposing my Libra planets. Throw in a relationship with a hellish mix of both Moons in Libra conjunct Neptune with the added “benefit” of his Jupiter-Chiron and you would not believe the projecting going on! Ugly, very ugly. He was probably the most manipulative man I have ever been around, building me with one sentence and tearing me down in the next. During the two years we were together on and off, I didn’t know what end was up most of the time.

I remember him bragging about an incident during the time he was in a military high school in Georgia. He and a couple of friends talked some local girls into prostituting themselves for the guys at the school. They got the girls drunk and paid them $5 per trick. When he told me this I was so naïve I didn’t really understand what a horrendous thing it was. Now I do.

Let’s see . . . what Plutonian stuff did I let myself in for during the course of this relationship? First, I gave him my virginity, then ended up pregnant (he told me he thought I wanted a child), had the uncomfortable experience of going to a doctor and being told I was pregnant (this was long before abortion was legal), then had a miscarriage. Oh yeah, also took a bunch of pills and attempted to commit suicide though all that resulted in was sleeping for quite awhile.

I severed the relationship shortly after the miscarriage, telling him I never wanted to see him again and to stay out of my life. Looking back, it feels right to say the suicide attempt followed by the miscarriage effectively dissolved and cleared out all the hooks Mr Scorp had on me because I was never tempted to take up with him again. He did show up a few months later, then again about ten years later and the last time shortly after my Aries and I were married. Delusional to the bitter end.

It was during the time Saturn was last in Libra, I finally made progress in healing the wounds left from this relationship. That was when I bought Donna C’s book, “An Astrological Guide to Self-Awareness” and starting using her affirmation for dealing with a destructive Plutonian relationship: “Bless name and release him to his higher good.” I went to sleep every night for the next few years repeating that mantra internally on the out breath. This is why I know it’s possible to heal and move on but the key is persistence and vigilance. Thankfully those of us with strong Pluto signatures in our charts are usually tenacious as all get out!

Did I say I am very much looking forward to Sagittarius season?! After this post, the rest of you probably are too - just bear in mind this all took place over forty years ago and was instrumental in my becoming the person I am today. I still feel some anger towards this man and would not welcome him back into my life but it is history for me.

Image: Had to add some beauty to this dark post and this is a photo taken by a friend of mine of the view from their house. Lucky them.

New Moon in Scorpio Thoughts

2009-11-13T15:46:00.000-08:00

Guess what?! The New Moon in Scorpio is within a degree of my Ascendant. During this past week, the Sun and Mercury conjoined my Mars and Mercury bringing out my Scorpio side big time. Fortunately I was able to use the energy to work on upgrading WordPress for Real Astrologers.com. Of course, it was the last thing I tried after hours of deep frustration that worked – being tenacious is practically a requirement for working with technology.

The latest version of WordPress is much more user friendly than previous ones and I’m almost tempted to switch my blog from Blogger. One of the best things about WP is having pages to stick information on and there are far more themes to choose from. However I will have to think it over for while in true Libra fashion. Don’t want to rush into anything now . . .

Finally got a few moments and read Dana Gerhardt’s excellent article in The Mountain Astrologer, “When Transits Bring Suffering.” She rightly points out IMO, it takes a tough transit or two sometimes to clear out the old and get us to make very necessary changes. With Saturn squaring Pluto right now and a couple more passes to come, we would be best served to head over to Donna Cunningham’s blog, Sky Writer, to read her excellent series on getting prepared for Saturn-Pluto. Even though I totally understand about wanting to hide under the bed until this is all over, I also sincerely doubt the sky will fall either and humanity will muddle through as usual.

For those who prefer a more upbeat atmosphere, the Sun will be moving into Sagittarius in little over a week joining Mercury who makes the switch on Sunday. Thanksgiving here in the States will be more fun as a consequence. I know I will be ready for a breather from the intensity of Scorpio – as usual.

Image: This beautiful sky followed a stormy day - seems appropriate for a reminder good things do follow a difficult period.

Real Astrologers Down For Maintenance

2009-11-11T07:34:00.000-08:00

Pat & I are going to be spending at least a couple of days working on a long overdue upgrade to WordPress for Real Astrologers. Yeah, it's one of those pain in the butt things but essential to avoid security problems.

This is a good time for me because I just had my Mercury Return and Saturn is currently sextile my Venus not to mention all Scorpio planets are energizing my Scorpio placements. And it's almost a guarantee we both will need all the support we can get before this fun project is behind us.

Wish us luck and we'll see you on the other side!!

Image: On Halloween weekend, we visited Walla Walla and when walking around the neighborhood we passed this lovely grape arbor arch. Beautiful area.

A Libra on Saturn in Libra

2009-11-03T15:13:00.000-08:00

Decided it was time to make another of these videos again now that Saturn in Libra is making a waxing sextile to my natal Venus.

Need to get back in practice - good Saturn word!! :-)

Venus in Libra Kisses

2009-10-30T09:58:00.000-07:00

My annual visit to have my hair cut and a partial foil done results. There is a very good reason this Libra with Venus in Sagittarius in the first house chooses a day when Venus is happy. The day I made the appointment this year, Venus was in Libra trine Jupiter. Love it!! :-D

Image: Another "long arm" photo . . . taken outdoors on an overcast, cool fall day.

Scorpio – The Power to Transform

2009-10-26T12:08:00.000-07:00

It is Scorpio season once more and there is a bite in the air. The Sun has entered my twelfth house with Mercury to follow on Wednesday and I find myself contemplating Scorpio’s signature ability of transformation in relation to the Neptune/twelfth house problem of addiction and dependency.

Even with all my twelfth house planets, supposedly a sure sign of a weakness for drugs and alcohol, I am not an addictive personality. That is not to say I haven’t been addicted to various things over the years because I have. I smoked cigarettes for over twenty years, a pack-a-day habit right up to the time I quit close to seven years ago - haven’t touched one since. I believe this is due in large part to Mars in Scorpio on the Ascendant gifting me with a desire not to be controlled by anything or anyone without my express consent – particularly when it comes to my body (first house).

After turning this over in my mind for several days, it dawned on me my dislike for getting high had more to do with a profound uneasiness about feeling out of control than anything else. Scorpios and other Pluto ruled types will often choose a rather austere course, avoiding drugs and alcohol as well as remaining celibate for years at a time to avoid letting anyone have something to hold over them.

Scorpio has a reputation for having an intense sexuality but I bet in many cases this has more to do with their willingness to smile, say nothing and leave others to draw their own often erroneous conclusions. Behind the myth, this is a deeply private water sign who prefer quality to quantity in their lovers. If this is not the case, then my guess is they have Scorpio’s co-ruler Mars in adventurous fire or detached air signs.

Another factor for me is when I’m done with something or someone, it’s over. This may have to do with having a preponderance of fixed signs, one of which is Scorpio. I’ve watched those with strongly mutable charts “play” with their addictions, i.e., smoking one or two cigarettes a day to being able to smoke a pack when out partying, and then back to the occasional smoke. If I allowed myself ONE cigarette, I’d be back up to a pack a day within a week. Heh, cardinal types will keep quitting over and over and over . . .

We all have Scorpio somewhere in our charts and during the next few weeks of Scorpio season, we can all get a little more in touch with this transformative sign. Also consider the house Scorpio falls in may be where we are driven to maintain the greatest amount of control.

Mars in Leo, Fun or Annoying?

2009-10-22T14:27:00.000-07:00

My very Libra response is it all depends on the rest of your chart, whether or not you have abundant fixed signs or plenty of fire and air. Context is everything for considering how Mars’ extended stay in Leo will affect you. One thing is almost certain and that is the potential for Leonine drama.

Leo is a fixed sign along with Scorpio, Aquarius and Taurus. If you have plenty of planets in these signs, particularly from zero to eighteen degrees, this transit will get your attention. In general, Leo and Aquarius will have an easier time unless they happen to have fixed T-squares and grand crosses, then Mars in Leo can trigger stare downs and standoffs. The key factor is the fixed sign proclivity for taking a position and staying the course ala George W. Bush.

A chart with many planets and Angles in the first half of Taurus and Scorpio could spend the next few months in a state of almost constant irritation because neither of those signs has much patience with loud, dramatic scenes. Reminds me of the scene in Indiana Jones when he faces off with the sword wielding fellow and ends up pulling out his gun and shooting him. So much for all the flashy display with the sword!

However, fire sign dominated charts who have been feeling less than inspired by all the earth and water in the sky for the past couple of years, may find Mars in Leo gives them a real boost. Mars in Leo offers a sustained burn of energy to draw from. Aries and Sagittarius will finally find the support needed to tackle the really big creative projects they had to put on hold after Mars left zippy Aries at the end of May 2009.

Those with Gemini and Libra strongly represented in their charts may find themselves providing fuel for their fire sign compatriots and partners. After all, fire needs air to burn brightly!

Earth and water sign people, especially Taurus and Scorpio as I mentioned above, may be spending much of their time rolling their eyes and wondering what the heck all the fuss is about. The urge to put a damper on the fire and air fun will be overwhelming at times. The best chance of seeing this happening is when Mars is in his retrograde period from December 20, 2009 to March 10, 2010. Be prepared for discussions about affordability, waste of resources and going over budget being initiated by the earth and water contingent.

On the whole, with Saturn in Libra supporting compromise and equitable outcomes, this Mars retrograde may not be as bad as some (remember the Mars in Cancer Rx from November 2007 to end of January 2008). Staying centered and avoiding projecting worst case scenarios is highly recommended – as always.

Image: This dramatic shot of my favorite aspen grove glowing in the morning light has almost enough pizazz for Mars in Leo . . . :-)

Saturday Potpourri

2009-10-16T21:45:00.000-07:00

Thankfully my mood has improved quite a bit from earlier this week. Venus is in Libra now and Mars has finally left damp ole Cancer for one of his happy places, Leo. Venus and Mars had been sextile in Virgo and Cancer but that’s a pretty sober combination compared to flirtatious Libra and outgoing Leo!

I was a busy lady yesterday and wrote a new synastry post for a Saturday Extra on Real Astrologers. Just so happens the woman who requested the feedback on her relationship is a Libra Sun and her boyfriend is a Leo Sun. Good timing!

When I checked to see what was new on AstroDispatch, I was very pleased to discover another astrology blogger writing synastry posts. Her blog is called The Inner Wheel and you can find a link in my sidebar. I highly recommend reading her post Synastry Q & A: Saturn Aspects. Maybe I like her ideas so much because they are so close to mine but great minds and all that.

Elsa P has a couple of excellent posts on relationships and Saturn in Libra: Saturn in Libra – defining what you can and cannot stand in relationships; and the Shift in the collective from Virgo to Libra. This will be an ongoing topic both on ElsaElsa and just about everywhere in the astro-blogosphere in the coming weeks.

If you missed Donna Cunningham’s post on The Astrology of Self-justification, please take a moment to go read it. Being right is a huge problem on all levels of the collective and is seriously detrimental to all our relationships.

*************************************************************
Update on 10-17-2009: As I was throwing sacks and boxes of wool that had sat for 15+ years waiting for me to get around to using onto a big burn pile, it dawned on me this was a perfect symbol for both the balsamic phase of the current Moon and my natal Moon.

Saturn in the last few degrees of Virgo, semi-sextile my 29 degree Sun, is demanding I do some serious housecleaning, clearing out the old "shoulds" and guilt trips.

Born under a balsamic Moon, I know this on a deep, intuitive level. How can we make a fresh start without doing that? We can't! Saturn's entry into Libra will be just that - a fresh start.

Image: Finally found a decent angle to photograph this little grove of aspen trees. Their delicate leaves are just starting to turn and I love the subtlety. Please remember to click on the image to view it larger! ;-)

“Bite Me” or Mars transiting the 8th

2009-10-14T11:44:00.000-07:00

When Mars is in Cancer it passes through my eighth house and squares all my Libra planets making me more temperamental than usual – especially when it squares my Sun! Plus I end up thinking about typically Scorpio/eighth house stuff like death, inheritances, etc. Not at all my usual upbeat Libra Sun conjunct Jupiter state of mind.

This morning I woke up far too early and couldn’t get back to sleep because I got to thinking about how terrible it would be to have to choose between dying and bankrupting my family, an all too common scenario in this country. Frankly I would choose dying, somewhat to my surprise. I didn’t think I was all that self-sacrificing a person even though I have a bunch of planets in the twelfth house and Moon conjunct Neptune. HAH!

Set out to balance our checkbook this morning (also eighth house – joint finances) and after spending three hours over a task that usually takes me about fifteen minutes, I realized it will take a visit to the bank to figure out what’s going on. I did discover where they had entered the same check number twice. Went online to see if I could access a list of older transactions but what’s available online doesn’t go back far enough. :::::mumble, mumble, mumble:::::

Think I will go eat something before I start working on a client’s report. Don’t want them to suffer because I’m being an old grouch!! LOL

Image: This is the result of a sprinkler going all night when it gets down to 13 degrees F. Kinda pretty . . . :-) Click on the image and you will be able to see it much larger!

An Inside Out September

2009-10-06T10:23:00.000-07:00

September turned out to be a rather odd month. It started out with lots of promise and a big cardinal push thanks to a t-square with Mars in Cancer, Pluto in Capricorn and Mercury in Libra. But once Mercury turned retrograde and slid back into Virgo, conjoining Saturn and opposing Uranus, life mired down.

Around here it was minor stuff for the most part – irritating but minor. My connection to the internet was flaky for about a week until I discovered if I just left the darn thing on 24-7, it worked fine. I still need to stop by and exchange my old modem for a new one with a built-in wireless router but decided to wait until Mercury was at least back into Libra before doing that.

Then there was the cell phone thing. My sister and I have been discussing sharing a family plan for months. She and our father had a two line plan and since he left his cell phone sitting on the counter 98% of the time, he ended up giving it to me. Damn thing promptly died because the battery was no longer any good. The next step was getting new phones. My sister signed her new contract just as Mercury was slowing down to station direct.

How did that work out? Her new phone’s battery was being weird but after she let it run completely out and left it on the charger overnight, it seems to have come around. The phone I was given has a bad battery, overheated and wouldn’t hold a charge longer than 48 hours max. A week and a half later, we had the battery in my phone replaced. I’m holding my breath and have my fingers crossed while waiting to see if this one will be OK.

I have become so resigned to my husband’s continually changing work schedule and attendant interruptions to my daily routines (Mercury in the tenth opposing Uranus in the fourth) I don’t even bother trying to get any writing done when he’s working around here. Besides, it is harvest season here and that takes priority. We dug our sweet potatoes, planted garlic, picked pears and apples and our winter squash crop. I still have to individually wrap the pears and apples in newspaper before placing in boxes to increase their storage life. We will really enjoy those later this winter!

I’m inclined to go with those astrologers who believe it was Mercury being strongly influenced by Saturn and Uranus aspects while in Virgo (along with a square to Pluto when in Libra) that gave us a more intense retrograde than usual. The message to take care of the damn details and prepare for “do over’s” was just louder this time around.

With my Sun conjunct Jupiter, my generally optimistic outlook keeps me from getting too down but I’m ready for those ducks to stop nibbling. Anyone else have an interesting September?

Image: This is an older photo but I love the sharp division of the clouds and blue sky. Yeah, I see this as clouds leaving and blue sky on the way! LOL

NEWSFLASH!! Learn More About Astrology & Relationships!

2009-09-28T09:37:00.000-07:00

Elsa P of ElsaElsa.com is offering an online class/discussion group on the astrology of relationships starting October 8 and continuing through October 31 called Using Astrology To Find Love And Improve Your Relationships. It will be set up on her Boards in the Colosseum and will be open all the time to those who sign up for the class.

I took part in the first of these sessions on natal charts over the summer, and everyone had a great time while learning a LOT about their charts. We all had an opportunity to read what Elsa had to say about each chart as well as many excellent observations from other participants. Elsa has a gift for cutting straight to the essentials in a clear, no nonsense way.

You better believe it took me about two seconds to decide to join in the fun! If the quality of comments offered is anything like those of the first session, it will be a fabulous opportunity because there are some sharp astrologers out there.

Saturn is about to enter Libra and what better way to prepare. Yay!!

Uranus Transits to Mars and Stress Levels

2009-09-25T16:43:00.000-07:00

Those of us whose charts were strongly affected by the first three exact oppositions of Saturn-Uranus in Virgo-Pisces are most likely candidates for feeling stressed out, particularly if Uranus happened to be aspecting your natal Mars in any way.

Mars represents the action principle in our charts and describes our typical patterns for accomplishing any and all tasks. If we have a natal Mars-Uranus aspect as I do (Mars inconjunct Uranus), it is easy to jump up and go normally. Add the stimulation of an extra helping of Uranus and we’re wired! I’ve learned over the years, the nature of the aspect only changes the intensity. For instance, Uranus conjoining your natal Mars is pretty much like sticking your finger directly into a light socket. The trine and sextile are somewhat less intense but still unsettling. The opposition, square and inconjunct are guaranteed to get your attention too.

Repeated bouts of feeling over-stimulated can push our adrenals to the limit and we can run ourselves right into the ground, requiring a lengthy period of recuperation. This also means our immune systems are affected making us more susceptible to colds and the flu. We can overeat or eat practically nothing because our stomachs are constantly churning. Sleep can be hard to come by too. All of the above directly impact our overall health negatively.

Because it is Mars feeling the pinch, the obvious antidote to this transit is increasing one’s physical activity levels. Walking, yoga, tai chi, swimming, running and lots of sex are all good! Of course, it’s important to take into account your personal limitations, etc.

Something I’ve noticed personally is the older I get, the less stress I can handle. When I was in my twenties and thirties, all it took was a couple of days to spring back. It takes much, much longer now even though my general health is good. This past year has left me feeling quite faded and emotionally fragile.

Not quite sure what the result of Saturn in Libra conjoining first my Moon-Neptune and then my Sun-Chiron will have. One thing I AM sure of and that is my already low tolerance for other’s dramatics will be completely null and void! Saturn transits to the luminaries teach very strict lessons in conserving energy.

Anyone else know if Uranus has tweaked their Mars recently? And if so, what were the results?

Image: A friend of ours took this photo of a burning bush with a maple behind it. They live about 20 mi. from us and at a higher elevation. Gorgeous reds!!

Channeling Gandhi

2009-09-18T11:40:00.000-07:00

Lately I’ve begun to realize despite having a strongly Mars ruled chart; I am and always have been a peace lover at heart and my chart has many parallels to that of Mahatma Gandhi who raised nonviolent protesting to an art form.

We both have Libra Suns in the twelfth house, Mercury in Scorpio, Mars in Scorpio aspecting Pluto and our Moon both aspect Neptune, ruler of the twelfth house. He has Libra rising with both Mercury and Mars well into the first house while mine hover on the twelfth house side of the Ascendant. Another parallel is both of us have lots and lots of planets in the fixed signs, the hallmark of a very stubborn person.

I’m not sure why it has taken so long for me to acknowledge I’m at heart a gentle, non-violent person because that is surely a good thing. It may be I wanted to think of myself as rough and tough growing as I did working on a farm. But even as a child I could not bring myself to inflict further harm on anyone already in pain, no matter how they had treated me. Nor am I any good at killing living things, even for food. My folks took me deer hunting when I was in high school and when I had the deer in my rifle sights I couldn’t pull the trigger. What a wuss!

What brought this to the surface was reading and writing about the current Saturn-Uranus opposition and how it is reflected everywhere in the news and the astro-blogosphere. Even those who usually do not take sides are doing so and once they do, they defend their choice.

I choose to honor Gandhi and refrain from resorting to either violent actions or words. Those of us with Mars in aspect to Pluto do understand better than anyone how easily the smallest act of violence can quickly escalate into all out war. There is a very good reason for the saying “violence begets violence.”

The twelfth house and Moon-Neptune influences bring awareness of other’s pain. It is much harder to inflict pain on someone when you can feel it, simple as that. Empathy can be both a blessing and a curse, often because it makes it difficult to avoid the undertow of sorrow and grief every time one turns on the news. That’s why I read escapist literature and like to watch movies with happy endings – enough already!

It’s highly unlikely you will find me out marching in protest of one cause or another but I will continue to urge compromise and the need to find common ground - Libra that I am. I also recommend taking a moment to learn more about Mahatma Gandhi and his life. He was a truly great human being and an inspiration to Libras everywhere.

Image: Gandhi sitting beside his charkha wheel for spinning cotton. Something else he & I have in common . . . we are both spinners. :-)

Best Recent Posts on Pluto

2009-09-11T11:49:00.000-07:00

Today most of us know Pluto has stationed direct at 0˚ 40' Capricorn and not coincidentally some of the best articles I’ve read are emerging in the astro-blogosphere. As many of my long time readers know I’ve been doing my best to offer insight into how to handle what Pluto brings, both natally and by transit – and it is not an easy task!

First I highly recommend Lynn Hayes’s really excellent post, Pluto changes direction today, September 11, and Astrology in my world. Her blog on Beliefnet, Astrological Musings, is a great place to visit as Lynn is one of the best of us for blogging regularly. Her thoughts on Pluto and the clarity of her explanations about how to deal with this enigmatic planet are very timely.

Another astrology blogger who has been busy posting on Pluto related topics lately, is a relative newcomer. Her blog, A Question of Mindfulness, improves with each post. Her latest post is Pluto is Healing Pluto Problems: Obsidian order, Walnut way. It sure doesn’t hurt she has a gift for writing either. It is rare to find an astrologer who also writes well and we need these people!

For those of you who were born with Pluto conjunct Uranus in Virgo, Donna Cunningham has some very good information on dealing with vocational issues you all are now facing. Please keep in mind you are not alone and read what Donna has to say in her post Vocational Angst for the Pluto-Uranus in Virgo Generation.

On a slightly different topic but still relevant is Donna Cunningham’s latest guest writer Fabienne Lopez’s post on an overlooked aspect in the sky on and off this past year – the inconjunct between Saturn in Virgo and Neptune in Aquarius. [Have I mentioned how much Neptune frustrates the holy heck out of me lately????] At any rate, stop over and read The Saturn-Neptune Quincunx and its Part in our Economic Woes. This post helped clear up some issues for me resulting from having Neptune in my third house and Saturn in my tenth. Of course, I highly recommend reading any and all of the material Donna posts on her blog. We all got lucky when she decided to come play in blog-land!

Lucy of Lucy Looking Upward just published a post I have to add to this collection. Her insights into Pluto stationing direct in her seventh house is another “must read” for Plutonians because it is not only very helpful for understanding how transits can work but can be applied equally to having Pluto in the seventh natally.

Last but not least, Elsa P has been posting frequently on Pluto and the eighth house. Her latest offering is Pluto Direct Square Mercury Retrograde – Discovery. It is worth taking the time to explore her blog and boards because there is a wealth of information to be had.

Happy Pluto Direct everyone! Take a deep breath and remember to check your obsessions at the door - if you can.

Image: I rarely get up early enough to catch the sunrise but this time I did . . . it was worth it. Each dawn can represent an opportunity to start anew.

A Little Humor Courtesy of Venus in Sagittarius

2009-09-07T09:55:00.000-07:00

The atmosphere is and has been pretty intense, so I thought I would post these images. Hope they make you laugh as much as I did when I saw them! Humorous images with critters are very Sagittarius.

Silly, I know but fun!! :-)

Help Support AstroDispatch

2009-09-04T15:39:00.000-07:00

Many of us out here in the astro-blogosphere who make all or part of our livelihood from astrology in one way or another have benefited from Elsa P’s wonderful AstroDispatch website. I know a great deal of the traffic both here on Neithnet and Real Astrologers comes from there and all she has asked of us is to link to her blog, ElsaElsa and place an AstroDispatch widget in the sidebar.

What many may not realize is Elsa is bearing the expense of that alone. If you have to pay a webhost as I do for Real Astrologers, you know those people don’t come cheap. However, if we all chip in and make a donation regularly using Elsa’s tip jar (it's a PayPal link and located just below her picture on the sidebar) it will help defray those costs and encourage her to continue offering us this service. Write it off as an advertising expense because that is exactly what we’ve been getting for free!!

Saturn in Libra is rolling up and he will be quite firm about treating our friends and neighbors with equity. This Libra is getting a jump on him because numerous Saturn transits over the course of sixty plus years have knocked some sense in my air sign head!

Seriously, Elsa can use the help with this and it would be a great loss to all of us if she could no longer afford to do this. So please pony up everyone. :-D

On the shady side of Uranus square Uranus

2009-08-30T17:12:00.000-07:00

All the discussions and posts on the third Saturn-Uranus opposition coming up September 15 have led me to think back over the past year or so because I was also undergoing another rite of passage – transiting Uranus squaring natal Uranus. This particular passage follows on the heels of the second Saturn Return and is the doorway to the final portion of our lives.

This is the second Uranus square Uranus transit we go through in our lives. The first is around the time we are twenty and feeling the need to establish a life for ourselves, separate from our families. I definitely noted that same edge this time around, the need to do what I felt was best for me as an individual rather than conforming to the expectations of the group. The closet contrarian emerges from behind the Libra niceness. Ta dah!

I’ve described the ‘gifts’ Saturn and Uranus bestowed on me in other posts (the basement, the flood and my spouse’s accident) and will now move on to the thoughts rising to the top of my mind concerning other changes. One thing I’m beginning to realize is how much longer it takes me to recover from trauma and drama as compared when I was younger – say in my forties. Even though I’m healthy except for minor aches and pains, I am finding I’m no longer emotionally and mentally as resilient. The advice I’ve given others many, many times about the importance of nurturers nurturing themselves, I’m now applying to myself. As a twelfth house person devoted to helping others, I also need far more peaceful solitude than I’ve been getting for many months now.

Something else I’m noticing is frequently feeling out of step because my priorities are no longer the same. There was a time when cultures and societies marked the transition from parent to elder with quiet ceremony and delight but in the country in particular, age is often regarded as a liability rather than an asset – nuts, huh? Where else do you find a group of people who can be dispassionate but caring since they are past childbearing and rearing, and are no longer driven by their hormones? I’m discovering this is a much bigger deal than I ever dreamed it would be too. Far fewer distractions as pleasant as they were! But I am still in the process of figuring out exactly what my new role is to be as there are not that many good role models out there. I’m sure not going to be a blue haired, polyester wearing senior citizen playing contract bridge twice a week! HORRORS!!!!

This is a good time for contemplation and tying up loose ends for Libras like myself as the Sun moves through Virgo and Mercury in Libra is slowing down to go retrograde. One way or another I need to find time to rejuvenate and hopefully the Universe will help me out with that. Pretty please!

Image: Another glorious sky at sunset, this time with a lovely quarter Moon in Taurus.

Potpourri Day

2009-08-26T10:40:00.000-07:00

While the cardinal t-square doesn’t make any direct hits to my chart, I’m noticing a big surge of energy in general. I’m just hoping this will continue because most of this year has been spent wandering around in a fog, finding the roadblocks by stubbing my toes on them. Nothing like a good dose of pure cardinal energy to clear the sinuses and make it feel like you can BREATHE again!

For those of you who like my synastry posts, I have a new one up on Real Astrologers featuring Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer. They play a vampire and his telepathic lover on the HBO series, True Blood, based on Charlaine Harris’s Southern Vampire books. She is very good at using disparate elements in her plots to create interest, and for someone who looks like a nice southern lady; she sure has a dark streak in her!

I couldn’t resist taking a quick peek at her chart using a noon birth time. Would you believe she has all but one of her planets in either fire or air? Uranus in Cancer is the sole representative of earth and water. Her Sun is in Sagittarius and her Moon is part of a stellium in Libra including Venus, Mars, Saturn and Neptune. Her Mercury in Sagittarius is trine Pluto, sextile Neptune and square Mars – all good for writing mysteries with an edge. Also gives insight into her ability to create strong female characters whose feminine appearance is merely a smoke screen allowing them to work within the society they live in. Did I say how much I love her writing, good Libra “iron fist in the velvet glove” that I am?!?!

When I was cruising AstroDispatch the other day, I came across a really fine article on what it means to have Venus aspecting Neptune natally. Here’s the link: More on Venus-Neptune and Relationships Annie of Annie’s Blog on Café Astrology does a brilliant job of explaining how these two supposedly gentle planets really work. I have Venus sextile Neptune natally and winced in recognition when reading this post.

How is the cardinal t-square this week impacting you? Creating more chaos? Or blowing open doors . . . yeeee haw!!

Image: This is a fountain on the grounds from last week's wedding. Even though there is absolutely no way I could put on in, I still love it!