Star Pearls 1*31*05

Dear friends,

Venus conjunct Pluto. Mercury conjunct Pluto. Sun, then Mercury and Venus opposite Saturn. Mars conjunct Pluto. Whoa. We've had all of these rough and tumble aspects in 2005 - and we're just at the end of January. And December 2004, thanks to Mercury retrograding into Pluto, wasn't much easier. The good news - we're in the clear!

Coming up: Jupiter station. Sun trine Jupiter - yay! Mercury, then Venus trine Jupiter - double yay! Mars soon into Capricorn, the best sign for Mars. Gumption energy gets put to good use. And Venus soon into Pisces, where we can all be more loving and accepting of ourselves and the world.

So if you feel like 2005 has had a rough start, take heart. Everything is about to get much better.

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In Aquarius spirit of community, I'd like to highlight the work of a few other inspired writers.

Jessica Mapes is a dear friend and East Bay astrologer who writes a lyrical column twice a month. She writes from a more modern perspective with a focus on aspects. If you are into astrology and want to hear more from voices of younger astrologers, check her out. Here's a taste:

"Sagittarius wants us to reach further, to envision outlandish possibility. This is the searcher, seeker, preacher, teacher, poet-philosopher, mystic & magician in you. Looking for the purpose in all things, this is where we weave context and meaning."

If you'd like her column, send a note to moonkissd@hotmail.com .

Bill Street is another young Bay Area astrologer whose specialty is astrology and film. He's edited a whole book on the subject. Explore it and his site here:

http://www.astro-noetics.com/book1.html

Morgana Ray is a Star*Pearls reader and life coach who writes a monthly column full of inspired info. I like her practical and visionary advice. Check her writings and her site:

http://www.charmedlifecoach.com/CharmedLifeEzineArchives.html

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It is commonly accepted among most astrologers that Uranus rules Aquarius, just like Pluto rules Scorpio and Neptune rules Pisces. What is less acknowledged is that this modern system of rulership flies in the face of two thousand years of experience of skilled astrologers. I took on the Pluto Scorpio issue last fall. Now time for Uranus and Aquarius.

A prominent astrology site writes: "Your sign is known for being eccentric, unpredictable and totally impulsive -- and it's a reputation that's been justly earned. If any sign is actually fond of last-minute turnarounds, quick changes and unexpected realities, it's Aquarius. You're probably also fond of thunder and lightning, and fascinated by tornadoes, hurricanes and other natural disasters."

All this is based on Uranus. Uranus IS unpredictable, fond of late-minute turnarounds, and tends to produce a lot of accidents. Uranus has a positive side too - it can quickly usher in the future with outstanding breakthroughs. But if you know someone who is strong Aquarius, they are usually fixed in a certain kind of way. It could be a quirky way, but set in their ways they are. This is the first difference between Uranus and Aquarius: Uranus suddenly changes, Aquarius is fixed.

Aquarius is the sign opposite of Leo. Leo is the I AM & LOOK AT ME principle. Aquarius is the reverse of this: the energy of the collective. Aquarius is the person that takes the stage and then talks about the accomplishments of others. Aquarius is all about community. Uranus does the opposite. Anyone whose had Uranus over the 7th house (relationships) or 10th (career) or an important planet that relates to these houses knows Uranus ends situations. Uranus separates, Aquarius connects.

What is the big deal here? By ignoring the traditional and elegant system of correspondences of planets to signs, astrologers are not as accurate as they once were. The best astrology is accurate astrology. The modern planets of Uranus, Neptune and Pluto are potent energy points that deserve to be factored in aspects and houses in which they fall - but they do not rule signs.

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Star*Watch
All times PDT. See below for comments on other visible planets.
 
Sun * in Aquarius. Aquarius is the energy of the collective. We put the spotlight on others. Aquarius is also about knowledge. Learn something new - and read up on astrology.

Moon * days 22 - 28 (new Moon is day 1). 4th Quarter Moon very late Tuesday. 4th Quarter is letting go time. With 3 planets in the Air sign Aquarius, what fixed beliefs need to go?

Monday 1/31 * Moon in Libra, into Scorpio late. The Moon makes another of its series of special connections to Jupiter - this time with Jupiter stationing. Whatever Jupiter is to us - abundance, generosity, teachers, wisdom, wherever we find blessings - we are enriched by this today.

Tuesday 2/1 * Moon in Scorpio, Jupiter retrograde. Planets changing direction emphasize their energy in our lives. Jupiter retrograde means positive expansion energy. Celebrate delicious excess today! The best way to go with Jupiter: share the wealth. We all have blessings to share.

Wednesday 2/2 * Moon in Scorpio, Venus into Aquarius. With Jupiter's help, we'll be seeing the positive side of our emotional depths this week. Venus into Aquarius means loving to learn. Now that Venus is out of Capricorn, we are less fearful in love. We want to gain wisdom in our relationships. We love our friends and community.

Thursday 2/3 * Moon in Sagittarius, Sun conjunct Neptune. Neptune is dreams, myth, music, alcohol, drugs, psychic awareness ... all ephemeral yet potent experiences that help give rise to our more 'solid' reality. The Sun highlights Neptune today. Down your favorite libation or see a movie or show. Tune in & drop out.

Friday 2/4 * Moon in Sagittarius. Moon in Sag expands our horizons. Last night and tonight are the party nights of the week. A night to try food, alcohol, music, and movies that are beyond our usual circle of possibilities.

Saturday 2/5 * Moon in Capricorn. Saturn's accomplishment energy on Saturn's day. What to do? Taxes would be good to get out of the way. Or with Mercury and Venus both in Aquarius, we may be inspired to read up on some traditional or alternative form of knowledge. Intellectual history, history of anything, astrology, chess, the environment - any subject of humanity that works the brain.

Sunday 2/6 * Moon in Capricorn, Mars into Capricorn. Today begins 6 weeks of Mars in its exalted sign of Capricorn. Why is Mars considered so well placed here? Mars is a bit wild with too much energy. In Capricorn all this gumption is put to good use. We have 6 weeks of extra strong drive to accomplish. Much can be done.

Have a stellar week!

Peace and love,
Jonathan Pearl


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