Saturn and Uranus Stations at Sweet Sixteen Degrees

Saturn stationed direct at 16 degrees of Scorpio on July 20th and Uranus stationed retrograde at 16 degrees of Aries on July 21st. The astrological world was buzzing with speculation over these two strange bedfellows' movements. Astrologer Pam Younghans described its energy as a push pull motion. Saturn likes to be conservative and Uranus is rebellious, so the challenge is to find a reasonable way to proceed that will provide the new energy we need.

I don't think it is an accident that both of these planets stationed at 16 degrees of their respective signs, creating an inconjunct or quincunx aspect. I am all too familiar with this aspect, as I have two in my chart. I have my Gemini moon inconjunct my Saturn in Scorpio and my Chiron in Capricorn inconjunct my Pluto in Leo. I have always loved how Dietrech Pessin describes this aspect: "life's messy, clean it up aspect".  I can definitely attest to that description! The bottom line is that this 150 degree aspect requires an enormous amount of adjustment to get the planets involved to function in a semblance of order in one's life. And Michael Lutin's interpretation of the Saturn and Uranus stations totally resonated for me; he likened it to being hungry and nauseous at the same time! Check it out at his site:

www.michaellutin.com

As for me personally, I was so elated that Saturn was finally moving direct and on July 20th that I tweeted: 

"Saturn in Scorpio ends its 4 month retrograde today and there is hope for progress in long term goals."

  

 I also hosted my first Reiki Open House that evening to honor that theme and offer more people the opportunity to experience the benefits of Reiki.

The fact of the matter is that Saturn in 16 degrees of Scorpio and Uranus in 16 degrees of Aries are hitting all of us in different areas of our chart. Everyone is feeling the effects of these two planets in different areas of our lives. Transiting Saturn is in my second house now inconjunct my moon in Gemini, which is an aspect that I have natally.  So I am not kidding when I say that Saturn in Scorpio is all about rebirth for me.  Saturn inconjunct the moon is all about self-doubt, low self-esteem and feeling like you have to work really hard to be loved.  Periods of depression, anxiety and frustration are part of the baggage of this aspect, but is power lies in its ability to learn by experience.  Yes, there are definitely roadblocks along with way, but the power of this aspect lies in learning from experience and the salvation of self-knowledge. I certainly have been blessed with a plethora of self-knowledge in the past couple of years.  Another bonus of this aspect is that like a fine wine, it gets better with age because it boosts your self-esteem.  I am no longer as consumed with trying to please others because I have learned the hard way that if I can’t trust someone, then I should not try harder to appease them.   

The fact that transiting Saturn is also squaring my natal Mars in Aquarius (another natal aspect that I possess) only adds fuel to the fire in my attempts to create a new life.  Transiting Saturn is also conjunct my Lilith. Since Lilith pertains to the darker side of the moon, I am struggling with the issue of structuring my instincts and experiencing frustration in achieving my goals.  So, yes, I am really getting a double whammy emotionally these days. I know that this transit will continue through mid-September and then Saturn conjuncts my Sun. I know that transit won't exactly be a day at the beach either but I have had it before and pretty much know to expect that I will probably be tired and depressed. Or I could luck out because this is the final pass of this transit for nearly another 30 years and maybe I will  receive some well deserved success for all of my hard work.  A gal can dream, can't she?

As for Uranus in 16 degrees of Aries, it is currently opposing my Libra ascendant and a few seconds away from my seventh house. Its retrograde motion will send it back into my sixth house, so I fully expect that issues of health and changes in my daily routine will emerge. I quit my job a year ago and over the past three years experienced several health problems with this transit. However, I am not as concerned about Uranus retrograde as I was about Saturn retrograde.  I was born with Uranus retrograde, so I am somewhat comfortable with it as it tends to operate with my natural Uranian expression.  And it is sextiling my moon in Gemini, which is one bonus from this Uranus retrograde.  Sextiles and trines are to be appreciated because they are flowing, not challenging, aspects.  So my chart is literally living proof of the Saturn and Uranus push pull theory in action! 

This week was not all gloom and doom though.  The Sun entered Leo on July 22^nd, which lightened the tone after an emotional month in the sign of Cancer and on July 24^th the Sun conjuncted Jupiter in Leo, which prompted me to tweet:

“Sun in Leo conjunct Jupiter today amplifies enthusiasm for enjoying life.”

We have more good things coming over the weekend.  Mars, which seems to have spent an eternity in the sign of Libra, where it is definitely not comfortable, finally enters the sign of Scorpio on July 25^th at 10:25 p.m.  Scorpio is a much better fit astrologically for Mars’ aggressive energies.  And we have a new moon in Leo on July 26^th in 3 degrees of Leo.  This new moon is also conjunct Jupiter in Leo, so we can expect to fully enjoy what life has to offer this weekend.  The Sun rules the sign of Leo and Leo is shining brightly with both the moon and Jupiter in Leo.  Socialize, shine and enjoy this weekend!

If you are feeling confused during these challenging times and curious as to how Saturn and Uranus are affecting you or want to know more about your Lilith, please consider getting an astrological reading to obtain more insight and assistance in the healing process. Check out my services page on this site at:

http://phoenixscorpio.blogspot.com/p/services-offered.html

I am also getting into the spirit of Jupiter in Leo’s boost to my creativity by offering a special introductory rate for my newest astrological reading on Chiron, the Key to Healing Your Deepest Wound.  Check it out at:

http://phoenixscorpio.blogspot.com/p/chiron-report-special-offer.html

Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter for my daily astrological insights at:

https://twitter.com/danceofphoenix

Jolly Jupiter Moves into Leo

On July 16^thth Jupiter ended its year-long transit in the watery, emotional sign of Cancer and entered the fiery, fun-loving sign of Leo at 6:30 a.m.  Jupiter was last in the sign of Leo from August 2002 through August 2003.  This is good news for Leos and everyone else, as Jupiter in Leo fosters creativity, play, romance, drama, and the child within while doing its Jupiterian thing of giving us hope.

Jupiter is reputed to be exalted in the sign of Cancer, but many of us felt it to be emotionally overwhelming, in spite of its trines to Saturn in Scorpio and Neptune in Pisces. Those trines did provide somewhat of an escape hatch from the tensions of the Uranus Pluto square, but most of us experienced enormous anxiety from the deep transformation wrought by the Uranus Pluto square and the Cardinal Grand Cross.

On July 16^th I posted two tweets on Twitter reflecting my thoughts on Jupiter in Cancer and its entrance into Leo:

“I think Jupiter’s exaltation in Cancer was caught in the crossfire of the Uranus Pluto square and the cardinal cross.”

“Big day as Jupiter enters Leo today.  Good things ahead for Leos. Creativity and living in the moment are major themes for all of us.”

My first major contact with Jupiter in Cancer occurred last summer when it conjuncted my south node of the moon in the 9^th house.  This was not the jolliest of transits, let me tell you.  It forced me to reassess my connection to my 17 year job in a large university that was becoming increasingly demanding and seriously impacting my health.  Jupiter conjuncting the south node is notorious for being stressful and a time for reassessing one’s connections with individuals or groups that may be holding you back from moving on with your life’s path—your north node.  I have never found letting go to be an easy experience with the preponderance of water planets in my chart, and this was no exception.  But I did ultimately make the decision to resign from my position that had afforded me security in order to pursue what I intuitively felt to be my life’s work as an astrologer and healer.  That south node in Cancer has always craved emotional security from my family and job, but deep down I know that my north node in Capricorn needs to be out in the world and establish myself without a security blanket.  I also have my Sun in the 2^nd house, so being a self-made person is a major theme in my chart.  But nobody ever said that living your north node was a cake walk.

My natal Jupiter is stationary retrograde at 29 degrees of Cancer, so progress for me is impossible for me without a major review of the lessons of that planet.  On July 15^th I tweeted:

“Today can be very emotional and nostalgic as Jupiter spends its last day in Cancer and Pisces moon conjuncts Neptune.”

This tweet seemed to resonate for some other folks, because it garnered 148 views, five retweets and five favorites.

I am currently experiencing my Jupiter Return in the 10^th house now and Jupiter in Leo will only enhance that experience for me by boosting my creativity. Jupiter will be in my 10^th house until July 10, 2015 before it moves into my 11^th house.  And that is also a transit to eagerly anticipate—experiencing expansion of my hopes and dreams and new group associations.

On this Sunday I am hosting a Reiki Open House with a theme of balancing one’s energy to combat the Sunday night blues that 59% of Americans face at the thought of going back to their jobs on Monday.  I am offering free ten minute chair treatments to potential new clients.  In the spirit of Jupiter in Leo, I think this is a fun way to be introduced to Reiki and engage in a little self-care.  And what self-respecting Leo is going to balk at the thought of some free self-care?

Jupiter in Leo will also be making a trine to Uranus in Aries in September 2014, which will be a welcome relief from the tension of Jupiter in Cancer squaring it earlier this year.  It’s delightful to have to those two fire signs playing nicely together to initiate change and give a boost to innovative energies.  Bring it on, Jupiter in Leo!

I am also getting into the spirit of Jupiter in Leo’s boost to my creativity by offering a special introductory rate for my newest astrological reading on Chiron, the Key to Healing Your Deepest Wound.  Check it out at:

http://phoenixscorpio.blogspot.com/p/chiron-report-special-offer.html

If you are feeling confused during these challenging times, please consider getting an astrological reading to obtain more insight and assistance in the healing process. Check out my services page on this site at:

http://phoenixscorpio.blogspot.com/p/services-offered.html

Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter for my daily astrological insights at:

https://twitter.com/danceofphoenix

Super Full Thunder Moon in Capricorn

On July 12th we will experience a Super Full Thunder Moon in 20 degrees of Capricorn at 7:25 a.m. Why is it called a super full moon? A super full moon occurs when the moon's closest approach to the earth, aka the lunar perigee, coincides with the phase of the full moon. This causes the moon to appear bigger and brighter while increasing the likelihood of natural disasters. The Indians called the July full moon the Thunder Moon because of the frequent thunderstorms. I'm sure no one can argue with that logic after the weather of the past week!  I decided to use the pool in my building on July 7th and within ten minutes I received notifications on my cell phone of thunderstorm and tornado watches!  We had neither, but it did start pouring rain within a few minutes.

How is this full moon going to play out astrologically? We will be dealing with themes of balancing emotional security and home life with outer accomplishments and personal achievement. Ideally we will be trying to achieve stability and success while searching for deeper meaning in what we have created. Once again, I would like to give credit to fellow astrologer Molly Hall for her astute observations in this week's About Astrology. She commented that this full moon is about persevering through a crisis of growth, growing in personal authenticity, and honoring our commitments because Capricorn is tough love personified.

Relationship dynamics will also come to a head with this full moon because it sets off a mini Cardinal Grand Square this weekend. Mars, Ceres, Vesta and the north node in Libra will all be squaring the sun and moon. Mercury will be re-entering the sign of Cancer on the 12th as well, amping up the emotional tone of communication and providing an opportunity for us to review issues from late May and early June. Then Mercury continues to move forward in Cancer and leaves its shadow period by July 16th. But we can count on some planetary assistance in the relationship department because Mars in Libra conjuncts the north node, our soul's mission, and trines Venus in Gemini. I love those trines; they are literally hugs that provide support and encouragement in resolving relationship issues.

Personally, I think that the moon in Scorpio on July 7th set in motion the highly emotional tone for this full moon. It prompted me to post these two tweets on the7th:

"Cancer Sun trining Scorpio moon brings increased emotional sensitivity which can lead to generosity or jealousy and manipulation."

"Scorpio moon trining Neptune in Pisces elicits compassion but don't become a victim. Moon's trine to Chiron puts us in touch with our wounds."

Of course, the moon in Scorpio always directs emotions inward and people will have a tendency to react to psychological slights with a desire for revenge. On July 7th transiting Venus in Gemini was inconjunct Saturn in Scorpio, so that brought out more of a "stinging" tone to relationships because adjustments were needed. For many of us that may not have played out and the Scorpio stinger undoubtedly prevailed.

Another piece to this full moon is that Pluto in Capricorn is rising above it.   The moon enters the sign of Capricorn late on July 10^th and we should definitely feel its effects on Friday, July 11^th when the moon conjuncts Pluto.  There will be tension in the air and this is not going to be a lightweight full moon! 

The moon in Capricorn can have a depressing tone because it is ruled by Saturn, which emphasizes the learning of difficult lessons. I have a Scorpio friend who has a natal moon in Capricorn and she has noticed that depression looms for her when the moon is in Capricorn.  I hope that she can be free of that heavy depression during this full moon; perhaps she will be able to let go of that pattern.

As for me, this full moon will conjunct my natal Chiron in the 4th house and the Sun will conjunct my midheaven.  I am fully aware that this can bring up old wounds by contacts with people from the past to facilitate healing.  I am trying to focus on the concept that this will teach me to move through to the other side of pain. I am also trying to capitalize on that Capricorn energy and Sun in my 10^th house this weekend by formally announcing my Reiki Open House on July 20th to promote my career as a healer.  I have also been getting a few requests for my astrological and tarot services, so Jupiter in my 10^th house is definitely working its magic.  It started when transiting Jupiter in Cancer conjuncted my natal Uranus in the 10^th house last week, proving that astrology works.  Yes, I would like even more business, but I can’t be greedy.  I can definitely sense a shift in energy and I think that when Jupiter moves into Leo next week the pace will quicken.  Jupiter does have a lot to do with hope and faith, so I have to keep the faith and trust my inner guidance that all is unfolding as it should.

If you are feeling confused during these challenging times, please consider getting an astrological reading to obtain more insight and assistance in the healing process. Check out my services page on this site at:

http://phoenixscorpio.blogspot.com/p/services-offered.html

Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter for my daily astrological insights at:

https://twitter.com/danceofphoenix

Sun in Cancer Opposing Pluto in Capricorn - The Real Fireworks

Happy 4th of July! Even if inclement weather cancels or reschedules fireworks in your neighborhood, as it did in Boston, rest assured that the Cancer Sun's opposition to Pluto in Capricorn will provide plenty of fireworks for America's birthday celebration!

Astrologer Pam Younghans eloquently pointed out in her weekly North Point Journal that oppositions are all about awareness because polarities exist, choices are available and we have opportunities to find new balance. The Sun in Cancer tempts us to hide from change, defend against it or just plain feel overwhelmed. We really need to acknowledge and nurture our inner child who is fearful of the changes that Pluto represents. With Pluto in Capricorn, those changes can manifest in threats to large corporations, economic giants and unstable governments.

This aspect is intensely personal for me because I have a natal Sun Pluto square in my chart and I am fully aware of the tension and havoc these two planets can wreak when they are not playing nicely. Adding to the mix is the fact that I am a Scorpio, which is ruled by Pluto. And I have my north node in Capricorn and south node in Cancer. My nodes have seen a lot of action in the last three years starting with Pluto on my north node in 2011, a solar eclipse on my south node in 2011 which precipitated a health crisis, and transiting Jupiter and Lilith on my south node last summer. Those two transits helped me to take a leap of faith and quit a job that I had held for 17 years to pursue work that I loved.

This Sun Pluto opposition is still within striking distance of my nodes, so yes folks; I acknowledge that I have some big-time fears about the changes that are yet to come. I have always described my Cancer south node Capricorn north node as a tug of war between the pull of the past and the promise of the future. I am still struggling to reconcile the two. And the other piece of this nodal placement revolves around finding balance between my need for emotional security and my need to achieve something of my own in the outer world. A part of me has always felt like the caregiver especially in the workplace, not someone who is a powerhouse mover and shaker. Yet I have chosen a line of work that seeks to nurture others (thank you, Cancer midheaven) while empowering them to take responsibility for themselves. But the tricky part was that I had to learn how to do that for myself first!

I absolutely loved what Molly Hall had to say about Pluto in her About Astrology July forecast. Her reference to Elaine Kantarian's Blue Moon Astrology on Pluto was spot on. "With Pluto the truth shall set you free, but first it will undoubtedly irritate, repulse, or scare the living daylights out of you."  Truer words were never spoken as we face an incredibly Plutonian 4th of July with the Sun opposing Pluto.

We are engaged in a cycle of purging and transformation. Don't be surprised if ugly and unpleasant issues, as well as old pain resurface, in addition to aspects of ourselves that we deny, such as qualities we find repulsive in others.

The moon did enter the sign of Libra in the wee hours of this 4th of July and perhaps it can bring a semblance of peace to the holiday. But it will also inconjunct Neptune on the 4th, so don't discount the need for some adjustments because there could be some deceptions or delusions present. And that Libra moon will aspect Uranus and Pluto over the weekend, triggering many issues of the Uranus Pluto square.  That aspect’s influence will remain with us through March 2015.

I'd also like to wish Molly Hall a Happy Birthday on this 4th of July.

If you are feeling confused during these challenging times, please consider getting an astrological reading to obtain more insight and assistance in the healing process. Check out my services page on this site at:

http://phoenixscorpio.blogspot.com/p/services-offered.html

Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter for my daily astrological insights at:

https://twitter.com/danceofphoenix