Author: Amelia Shea

“When you forgive, some deeper, divine generosity takes you over…when you cannot forgive, you are a prisoner of the hurt done to you.” John O’Donohue

“Healing is a process, a movement, a transition towards balance, connected-ness, meaning and wholeness. Healing is a movement, not an outcome.” Richard Katz.

Chiron, the asteroid of the Wounded Healer,  ends his eight year transit through the sign of Pisces when he enters Aries this week on the 17th.  Chiron is associated with the kind of chaos that results from emotional wounding or wounding to the soul.

The ancient shamans say that when trauma occurs, a piece of the soul fragments off. Their ritual of soul retrieval calls back the fragmented piece resulting in a renewed level of wholeness. The ending of Chiron’s transit this week signals the end of a cycle and the start of a new one. It is an excellent time to call the end to any chaos in your life around emotional issues; to evaluate what you have learned up to this point so you can move forward with a clean slate.

Saturn stations direct this week also. Saturn teaches us about the rules of the road and is also the stern, wise father figure or authority figure who teaches about  what we must to in order to be effective in implementing our goals and life purpose. Rudolf Steiner wrote about it this way,

“To resolve our past
Requires knowledge.

To forge our future
We need courage.

To experience the present
We must develop dedication.

Our thinking needs
Riddles to wake up.

Our feeling needs
Pain to mature.

Our willing needs
Resistance to become strong.”

“In Buddhist psychology, addiction to thought is seen as a major obstacle to enlightenment, because when our attention is focused on thought, we cannot experience reality.” Andrew Weil

“So much of our experience is predicated on the consciousness with which we enter it.” David Whyte

When Mercury stations retrograde or direct, it is associated with a culmination of information. It bodes well at this time to take into consideration any information  of this nature which surfaces – now through early next week.

Mercury stations in early Aries and along with the New Moon in Aries on Sunday, this time represents a significant threshold to a new beginning. It is a good to reconsider how you think about approaching endeavors and if new more innovative approaches might be more beneficial to future outcomes.

 

” When the Atlantic meets the Pacific, the waters are turbulent. When one major historical epoch meets another, the psychic and emotional waters are turbulent. Navigating these waters is difficult, but mastering the waves brings an exhilaration that those living in less exciting times will never know.” Marianne Williamson

“To change something build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.” Buckminster Fuller

Mercury is now slowing down and preparing for its direct station on Sunday April 15  at 4 degrees of Aries. This is the same day as the New Moon in Aries. At the time of the station the Sun and Moon will be conjunct Uranus – the planet of discovery, of invention of innovation. This is a major reset time both mentally and emotionally.

The Moon will be squaring Pluto at this time – making it a good time for catharsis or for letting go of nonproductive thought and emotional patterns. It is an excellent time to approach things in a new way from a fresh perspective that is innovative and open to possibilities.

Between now and then it bodes well to decide what needs to stay and what needs to go.

One of the Sabian symbols for the Mercury station is,” A white triangle is seen; it has golden wings.” Lynda Hill

“The whole of the universe has been breathlessly anticipating your arrival.” Martin Bell

Chiron, the asteroid of the Wounded Healer, who in mythology was renowned for his  metaphysical skills, will leave the sign of Pisces on April 17 and enter the sign of Aries. Chiron has been transiting Pisces since April of 2010.

Chiron rules fragmentation and the kind of chaos that can result from it.  Pisces is the sign of interconnectedness – it is the last sign of the zodiac and in its evolved state is associated with wisdom – the kind of boundary- less wisdom that understands the underlying interconnectedness of all life.

Pisces also rules illusion, disillusionment and addiction as defined as a derailed idealistic or spiritual journey. This sign is also associated with co-dependence or the tendency to take too much responsibility for someone else’s life and lose touch  with, or lose energy for, your own life path as a result.

Chiron was legendary, not only for his remarkable healing abilities but for the metaphysical skills he brought to the gods and goddesses.  Astrology, for instance, can provide direction or address challenges well because it is a unified system and sees the individual chart as a unified whole. And astrology can provide guidance about appropriate timing. And timing,of course, is everything. Being aware of what is likely to work well based on astrological calculations, can save a lot of time and effort.

As Chiron prepares to move out of the sign of Pisces it bodes well to reflect on the evolutionary journey towards wholeness in your life and what part healing fragmentation has played and continues to play – as Chiron will move from the contemplative sign of Pisces into the Aries – the sign of taking action.

The Sabian symbol for Chiron at 29 degrees of Pisces is,” A woman has risen out of the ocean, a seal is embracing her.” Lynda Hill

“I think most of us are looking for a calling, not a job. Most of us have jobs that are too small for our spirit.” Studs Terkel

The asteroid Vesta is now in Capricorn. One of the things Vesta rules is the work that must be done to stay on and fulfill one’s life purpose.

Vesta also rules investment of all kinds. With  both Vesta and Pluto in Capricorn now it is wise to look at how and why you invest energy in the work that you do and see if it needs to be adjusted in some way, or to see if a better balance can be struck.

Vesta also rules service to the world and being of service.  Often people find life to be more meaningful when they are involved in work which benefits others or the less fortunate.

One of the Sabian symbols for Vesta’s placement now is, “The human soul, in its eagerness for new experiences, seeks embodiment.” Lynda Hill 

“Watch your thoughts, for they become words. Watch your words, for they become actions. Watch your actions, for they become habits. Watch your habits, for they become your character. And watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.” Margaret Thatcher

“To Gurdjieff, every event had a meaning and was part of a pattern.” Beryl Pogson

“Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement that something else is more important than fear.” Ambrose Redmoon

Mars and Saturn reach an exact conjunction Monday. One aspect of Saturn and Mars together is about how we create the structures in our lives which create a sense of safety and security. With all the change that is occurring on the planet now many people are considering making or are making significant changes to their lives to move in a new direction. If this is the case for you  the Mars/Saturn conjunction – in effect for the next week or so- provides good timing to rethink the mental patterns underlying the routines and habits of your current situation.

Vesta, the goddess associated with ritual is strong in the sky now. This bodes well for thinking about how you create habits or routines that will support new intentions or aspirations.

One of the Sabian symbols for the the Mars/ Saturn conjunction is, “Birds in the house singing happily.” Lynda Hill 

“Sometimes incrementalism is a big deal.” Chuck Todd

“There is no such thing as a problem without a gift for you in its hands.” Richard Bach

The Moon waxes full for the second time this March – making it a Blue Moon- on Saturday March 31 at 10 degrees of Libra. Full Moons can represent a time of culmination. This Full Moon falls on the Libra /Aries axis- the axis of relationship to self and to others.

Libra is the sign of diplomacy, of collaboration and cooperation and Aries is the sign of self assertion, of autonomy and of self reliance. These  polarized signs both contain the qualities of their opposite. For instance, Isabelle Hickey, the Boston astrologer, once said that diplomats throughout history that have signed peace accords have been Libras. But  it is has also often  been Libras who have started the wars. Aries, Libra’s opposite is often referred to as the god of war.

The shadow side of Libra is being overly accomodating to others to the degree that you lose or fail to develop your own sense of self. The shadow side of Aries has to do with alienating others through hot- headed or aggressive behavior.

There are contentious aspects leading up to and at the time of the Full Moon which can lead to more fractious relationship interactions. Often information that surfaces during a Full Moon has not been integrated properly. So even though there may be be pressure to discuss or resolve any snafus in relationship at this time, it’s best to enter any discussions like this with a cool head and a plan.

The signs of Aries and Libra have been caught up with  the change agents of our time – Pluto in Capricorn and Uranus in Aries .This has shifted the power balance in a lot of relationships – i.e. between friends and co-workers, between partners in relationship,   between citizens and governments worldwide.

It is wise to remember that not all the information is in – that as the ancient alchelmists would say we are in the “breakdown phase” where the old models are being challenged and the new, more innovative models have come under fire or have  not yet reached solid ground.

One of the Sabian symbols for this Full Moon is, “In a silent hour, a person receives a new inspiration which may change their life.”

“Revelation is a window on the journey of the soul.”  F. Aster Barnwell

“Lightning strikes maybe once, maybe twice
And it lights up the night.” Stevie Nicks

Mercury stations retrograde today 3/22 EDT. Mercury stations can represent a culmination of information. It is wise for two or three days before and after  the station to be in tune with any information of this kind that surfaces.

Through next week there are some testy aspects involving Mars, Saturn and the Sun.  These aspects bode well for a revision or reassessment of plans. It is wise under these influences to look at the way you put plans in motion and how you carry them through to see if any improvements can be made.

And do watch for people who may enter your life under the Venus/Uranus aspect which is building and will reach a conjunction next week. Uranus governs lightning and unexpected events. It is the planet of evolution and the future and governs technologies and inventions – such as cyber technologies – that are ahead of their time and often, the legal system.

When paired up with Venus, Uranus  is a game changer aspect in terms of love and friendship.  It can bring someone into your life who can open up a more innovative way of approaching life and relationships.

“I’ll light the fire,
You place the flowers in the vase
that you bought today.
Staring at the fire
for hours and hours while
I listen to you play your love songs
all night long for me.
Only for me.”  Crosby, Stills and Nash

At 12:16 PM today, Tuesday 3/20, the Sun moves into the fiery sign of Aries marking the time of the Vernal Equinox.  Aries rules beginnings and the start of a new season. The noted Jungian astrologer, Richard Ideman, has described the fire element in astrology this way,”Fire is the life-force, the prana force. It makes us feel at one with the universe. It gives hope, enthusiasm, joy, creative force and great  joie de vivre. Passion, energy and vitality are all connected with the fire signs- romance and creativity coming from the heart – the passion for creativity… It is the idea that life is beautiful and I can deal with it.”

One of the Sabian symbols for this time is,”Two lovers are strolling through a secluded walk” Lynda Hill

“Some say a squadron of horses, some infantry,
some, ships are the loveliest thing
on the black earth. But I say
it’s what you desire.” Sappho

“Listen, are you breathing just a little and calling it a life?” Mary Oliver

Mercury stations retrograde this Thursday March 22 at 16 degrees of Aries. The retrograde period will last through April 15 when it will station direct at 4 degrees of Aries.

When Mercury stations retrograde it will be conjunct Venus and Uranus and squaring Pluto and Saturn. This indicates that it bodes well during this period (through April 15) to extra take care with communications about relationship issues –  and by this I mean relationships of any kind. Venus in Aries is very much a “can do” aspect, likes action and can be highly motivated to push things forward and make progress. This retrograde period is likely to be a time when there can be a stronger than usual need to discuss or try to mediate relationship issues.  Venus in this sign wants what she wants and is not afraid to go for it.  Both Venus and Mercury in Aries can be bold and direct.
Under the retrograde influence it bodes well to avoid impulsiveness in speech and go into discussions like this well prepared. Progress can be made with a willingness to commit to change and transformation. Just make sure everyone is on the same page. Do be open to innovative solutions.
Venus is conjunct Uranus and this indicates the potential for surprise meetings. This aspect governs unconventional love affairs and love – at first – sight occurrences. It has a very highly charged energy and an unpredictable nature to it. It’s best with the Saturn and Pluto influences to  approach any situation involving potential partnership at this time by integrating what you know and have learned rather than responding impulsively. There can be good and surprising outcomes to situations with a  wise and savvy approach. Do entertain innovative ideas and approaches.

One of the Sabian symbols for the station is,”Brightly clad leprechauns dancing in the warm dying light.”