Dear friends,
The zodiac is deep in our mythological consciousness. Why else have these
compelling images and motifs spread from land to land and age to age? When we
think of the Taurus the Bull, what comes to mind? Do you see the Taurus glyph?
Go back further, past computer art, before painting even, what is there? Cave
drawings.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/low/sci/tech/871930.stm
This picture is 16,500 years old. Taurus the Bull and a 7 star cluster called
the Pleiades. For our ancestors, the Pleiades were important - let's put them on
the wall, so we'll know and remember. The Pleiades are 7 weeping sisters.
Weeping stars give rain, and sometimes grief - events to cry over.
The brightest among these stars is called Alcyone, a fascinating tale from Greek
myth. Alcyone suffered the death of her husband and was grieving in despair. She
threw herself into the sea, and was then transformed into a halcyon, a
kingfisher with the power to calm the waves. Halcyon means tranquil - how does
this transformation from grief to peace come about?
It is only when Alcyone surrenders fully to her emotions - she throws herself
into the waters - can she find tranquility. Touching our toes to the waves is
just a start. We might sense the temperature of the water, but we don't even
know how it feels. Up to the knees is better but still not enough - we may know
the stirrings, but are we feeling it in our heart? Only with full immersion into
grief do we find the promised transformation.
Today Venus is in the last degree of Taurus and she enters Gemini tonight - the
lady of love is in the heart of the Pleiades. Some of us may be weeping of lost
love. Yet it is so difficult in our 'keep going-i'm fine-gotta work tomorrow'
culture to enter the depths of emotion. How can we have the courage to let
ourselves go deep into the waters - even above our heads? As long as we want our
rational minds to stay atop the waves, our brains to have say over our emotions,
we don't find the peace or transformation of the halcyon.
Now we see the role of tragedy in art. When we face stories that move us to
tears, we can relate to our own grief. And can we not laugh unless we've truly
cried? If only comedy after comedy, the jokes seem duller and duller. We know
something is missing. Life entail loss; just the way it is. We let a tragedy in
from time to time. Just like bitter greens make everything else taste better,
after a tragedy the laughter is all the sweeter.
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On a lighter note: Venus is moving into Gemini! Our pleasures, desires and loves
move from the sensations of the body to play of the mind. Talking, reading,
writing, curious adventures - these tickle our fancies the next 4 weeks. We'll
love stories and poems. Who is your favorite woman author? Or two? Gemini is the
twins, and our pleasures come in twos. Two flavors, two gifts, sometimes two
people. In the body, Gemini rules the hands. With Venus here, we love holding
hands, touch, massage, bracelets and rings, manicures and henna, stringed
instruments, writing, fine paper, painting, even knitting.
Some bright stars with Venus in Gemini: Jackie K Onassis, who had two famous
husbands and a respected career in publishing. Amelia Earheart, adventure pilot.
Gemini loves new things. Venus Williams, tennis ace. Pleasure in the hands - all
racquet sports are Gemini. Uma Thurman and Bette Davis, two actresses who
delight in the word.
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Star*Watch
All times PDT. See below for comments on other visible planets. The Sun and Moon
together set the tone of the time. The Sun provides our orientation for the
month; Moon signs and aspects influence the energy of the day, and tells us how
we approach the truth of the Sun. Planet aspects influence the energies for
several days (sometimes weeks) before and even after the aspect depending on the
nature of the planets involved.
Sun * in Taurus. Slow down. Since nearly everyone is on the rush drug caffeine,
I'll say it again. S l o w d o w n . Look at the wine, smell
it, breathe, smell again. Swirl, smell. What myriad associations ? Now sip.
Hundreds of flavor chemicals - how many can you taste? Let the juice of
celebration tickle the tongue. It is in no hurry to slide down the throat. Ahh,
now we know - what gives us pleasure, about our worth in the world. In Taurus we
establish ourselves in physical pleasure, sensations of the body, smell and
touch especially strong. Taurus motto: Follow your bliss, the money follows.
Moon * days 2 - 8 (new Moon is day 1). After New Moon in Taurus on Sunday; our
energy starts to pick up.
Monday 5/9 * Moon in Gemini. Moon in Gemini loves stories, learning, writing.
With Venus in the Pleiades, watch or read a love tragic-drama tonight.
Tuesday 5/10 * Moon in Gemini. Moon in Gemini means we are feeling with our
minds. But with Moon's movement peaking today and tomorrow, (see Star*Pearls
4*18*05) we'll seek some extraordinary and unusual expression to mirror what we
may be inside. Whatever our emotions, we'll still want to be accomplishing much
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday during the day.
Also: Saturn at the bendings of the nodes. This is a slower aspect that has been
in play the last two weeks and will continue to manifest as changes unfold. For
those that know a bit of astrology: all areas of life signified by Saturn (it
pays to know your houses - we're talking Capricorn and Aquarius here) are at a
key turning point.
Wednesday 5/11 * Moon in Gemini, into Cancer mid morning. Cancer is the most
inward and emotional of all signs; and now the Moon - our personal waters and
feelings - is moving more than ever. Typical Cancerian strategies of fine meals,
warm baths & herbal tea in packets are not doing it. For catharsis, go beyond
your usual ways and double up on healing doses.
Thursday 5/12 * Moon in Cancer, Mercury into Taurus. Moon out of bounds means
we're all be a bit loony; yet so much great art is created from oceanic depths
of emotion. Kurt Cobain and Tom Waits both Moon out of bounds in Cancer - some
of the energy we have Wednesday and Thursday. Mercury into Taurus means we are
thinking of making ourselves safe in business and satisfied in pleasures.
Friday 5/13 * Moon in Cancer, into Leo late night. Moon joins with Saturn early,
and after this our energies lighten the rest of the day. We've felt our
feelings, now we'll want some freedom and community connections. When Moon goes
into Leo it is time to party!
Saturday 5/14 * Moon in Leo. One of the best party nights of the month. Waxing
Moon in Leo is good enough, but Mars joins Uranus, exact in the wee hours
Sunday. Take care driving but this is getting wild on the dance floor. Crazy
music, sudden breakthroughs, wild movement. Repeat: take care driving.
Sunday 5/15 * Moon in Leo. Moon in Sun's sign on Sun day. We'll do *just* what
we want. We're through with waters for now; bask in the light.
Have a stellar week!
Peace and love,
Jonathan Pearl
If you don't want to know about stars and oldest art and stories, just reply
with a "No thanks" and you'll be off the list.
Wandering Stars - the planets
Mercury * in Aries, into Taurus on 5/12. Now direct and up to full speed. All
communications and transactions are spring-boarded into high gear. Mercury in
Aries through May 12. Mercury into Taurus means our minds focus on safety and
pleasure. We've launched our new direction, now we take the practical steps to
make it happen. Mercury in Taurus through May 28.
Venus * in Taurus, entering Gemini. Venus in Gemini loves talking, reading,
writing, learning. Pleasures in the hands, and love comes in twos. Venus in
Gemini through June 3.
Mars * in Pisces. The artist, the poet, the voyager whose destination is within.
The drive to explore our depths, regardless of the weather. Sometimes a lot of
drugs, all in the name of the journey. Mars in Pisces through June 6/11.
Jupiter * in Libra. Blessings in love and partnerships! Learning in realms of
art and beauty. Jupiter turning retrograde, so we seek abundance through inner
means. Outer riches get put on hold. Jupiter direct on June 5. Jupiter in Libra
through October 2005.
Saturn * in Cancer. Structure and responsibility in the domain of our innermost
feeling life and among our families and tribes. A positive vision of this
energy: the sensitive yet authoritative parent. Saturn now direct in Cancer
through July 2005.
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* * * MAY ALL BE AUSPICIOUS * * *