Dear friends,
As Saturn, planet of tradition, has just entered Leo, sign of self expression,
here is a column on the more traditional side of astrology. Astrology is
unsurpassed at describing the emotional currents, but for centuries astrologers
didn't tell their king or wealthy nobles that they might be facing inner
darkness this evening as Moon joins Pluto, or that the full Moon this week is a
time when we'll be balancing our responsibilities (Moon in Capricorn) with our
nourishment (Sun in Cancer). Astrology counter to it's current reputation as
pie-in-the-sky was about advice: real life, practical strategy and guidance for
whatever was on one's mind. I'm talking answers of what to do and when for best
results. Astrology is about greater success and less difficulties. After a life
reading or question, clients gain at least some foreknowledge of their future so
that they can live with greater wisdom.
Though life has changed and time has seemingly speeded up, astrology continues
to work amazingly well for all kinds of questions and concerns. This is why a
person like me, not exposed to astrology growing up, has been so captivated. It
is one of the most profound sciences I have ever encountered, and have made it
my life's study out of sheet wonder, intellectual interest, and potential to do
something beneficial to people and hopefully the world at large with my career.
Here are two examples of how traditional astrology works. Several months ago a
friend facing a health challenge posed the question: "Should I take growth
hormone as recommended by a doctor?" Using traditional rules of astrological
interpretation and analysis, the answer was a clear No. If you are interested,
the full reasoning is here.
Several months later, this friend is seeing a different doctor, who has told her
that she was right to avoid growth hormone therapy. In fact the new doctor has
said growth hormone therapy would have been a serious mistake. And we saw this
so clearly in the chart of the question several months ago. How wonderful! I am
not meaning to toot my own horn as someone who knows the future, because I
don't, but astrology still works and works well.
Here is a recent similar example. A different friend was facing a surgery and
maybe two. Doctors has said that they were hoping they could accomplish what
they needed in one operation, but wouldn't know until the first procedure
whether they would need a second. So the friend asked: "Will I need one surgery
or two?" The chart of the moment of the question clearly showed that two
operations were changing to one. I told her the certain word would come from the
doctors, but the astrology indicates just one, and so it was.
In this spirit of traditional astrology, I have begun posting predictions
here on my site. Astrology's
ability to predict is why it has survived for centuries, and attracted both the
fascination and ire of so many. The idea of prediction by the stars opposes so
much modern sentiment. And yet it still works. And while a statement like "we
are facing inner darkness tonight" may be verifiable to a certain kind of
person, it is not verifiable to the general public. Predictions are like news
headlines, the juicy bits. Can I write "Another beautiful year here in the
paradise of Northern California, fog and all?" This may be true but it isn't
really a prediction. I am writing notable events, good and bad, that attract my
astrological eye. I will add to these from time to time and also track the
results. Please let me know your thoughts and comments!
Continuing real life, practical guidance, Mercury retrogrades on Friday 7/22.
Communications and plans are subject to delays, especially this week, and then
changes of plan after the retrograde officially begins. Technology goes haywire
more often during MercRx than any other time. While many sites tout the
retrograde as time to re-consider, I view it more as a time to take our thinking
a bit less seriously. We think the past, which works well enough for 3 weeks: we
clean out our in-box, call the friend we've been missing, see the old movie,
take care of tasks that have been piling up. But if you start thinking 2 weeks
into the retrograde that you really want to be a professional chef, best to wait
until 1 week after Mercury goes direct to see if this is actually the case!
Don't make long term plans based on decisions during Mercury retrograde. This
includes contracts and major purchases. And new endeavors are best postponed.
See? Real life guidance all!
*
Get real life guidance for yourself. For information on readings and questions,
please visit the Services page.
I'm at Samovar for mini-readings on Monday nights from 7-9 pm. Ask any question
and ponder your life with fine tea.
http://www.samovartea.com/
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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 is our outer orientation for the
month; Moon signs and aspects are the energetic pulls of the day, and tell 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
planets involved.
Sun * in Cancer, moving into Leo. Enough feelings, enough time at home. Now we
want to shine. If we have taken care of ourselves in Cancer, we share our gifts
with the world. But as soon as Sun gets into Leo it faces Saturn, and our light
feels dark. For a few days we'll be feeling the fear of life more than the
glory. Otherwise, the trap of Leo - me me me!
Moon * days 13 - 19 (new Moon is day 1). Full Moon in Capricorn early Thursday.
Wednesday night is when we'll feel it.
Monday 7/18 * Moon in Sagittarius. A bright Moon in Sagittarius encourages
exploration beyond our norm. Our minds want stimulation, but our bodies insist
on pleasure, especially food, before going too far out of our way. Emotional
intensity around 6 pm, then more cooperative energy for movement and pleasure.
Tuesday 7/19 * Moon in Capricorn. With Sun applying to Saturn, it feels a bit
like winter, even if you live someplace warm. We sense the heaviness, and need
extra rest and vital nourishment. Our attention is on responsibilities today,
and how we can accomplish what we want given the challenges we face. We'll be
more communicative after 8 pm.
Wednesday 7/20 * Moon in Capricorn. Accomplishment comes easy today. While the
Cancer/Capricorn Full Moon is a dignified one, with less wild energy and more
restraint, late night we feel physically charged with a Moon-Mars square. Good
for exercise under the Moonbeams.
Thursday 7/21 * Full Moon in Capricorn, Moon into Aquarius. We honor our elders
and family, and all ways traditions of the past shed light on today. Children,
adulthood, elders - the slow circle of life, the beginning and the end, is in
this Cancer-Capricorn polarity. By the time we wake, Moon will be in Aquarius.
For those that follow the calendar, our first taste of Moon opposing Saturn from
a new sign. We're dragging before 7 am, but are on intellectually the rest of
the day. Venus on the royal star of summer, so we experience the power and
royalty of women, and the best in art. This evening take time to rest and
experience something old.
Friday 7/22 * Sun into Leo, Venus into Virgo, Mercury retrograde. Whoa, let's
sort this out. Sun changes our fundamental orientation from feelings and
nourishment to joyful self expression, except for one thing. The Sun is very
near Saturn, and the aspect is exact on Saturday. Easy to feel run down, tired,
un-motivated. We'll have relief of this essential heaviness after Saturday
morning, and then we'll be more quick to let our light shine. Venus into Virgo
is its own challenge - good for cleaning up, accomplishment at work and
maintaining purity in environment and diet, but not exactly playful, which is
what Venus is more apt to do. Upsets in romance come from criticism towards self
or other - improve yourself with as much love as you can muster. And Mercury
retrogrades tonight, so expect changes in plan.
Saturday 7/23 * Moon in Pisces, Sun conjunct Saturn. We may have encounters with
parents or elders this week. There are good sides to this Sun-Saturn, especially
for anyone involved positively with anything old, but no doubt the energy is
heavy. Classical symphonies, older literature, traditional teachings - the past
has our attention, especially with music, art and spirituality, the realms of
Pisces.
Sunday 7/24 * Moon in Pisces. Ahh, relief, especially with water. We feel like
we've just gotten out of a big test and have vacation for two weeks. Enjoy the
Sun!
Have a stellar week!
Peace and love,
Jonathan Pearl
If you don't want to know that plans are about to change, just reply with a "No
thanks" and you'll be off the list.
Wandering Stars - the planets
Mercury * in Leo. Our minds are bold and confident, and we want some of the
spotlight with our speech. We think of elegance and luxury. The best of Leo:
it's a grand life! The trap - it's all about me. Mercury in Leo through
September 4. Mercury retrogrades July 22 and turns direct on August 15.
Venus * in Leo, into Virgo on July 22. After all this drama, now we want
improvement, clean body, clean house. We like to work, so our love life suffers.
Don't compound the problem with criticism. The biggest trap - being hard on
ourselves with this. I'm not pretty/handsome/big/small/wide/narrow enough! Venus
in Virgo through August 16.
Mars * in Aries. The hero on a new quest, the confident one who boldly acts, the
warrior with raw physical power. Mars in Aries is always strong, but now with
the North node is extra pumped. Mars in Aries through July 27.
Jupiter * in Libra. Blessings in love and partnerships! Learning in realms of
art and beauty. Jupiter now direct, so abundance and blessings are coming our
way! 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 direct in Cancer through
July 2005.
Dragon's Head * in Aries. We gain by new adventures and physical vigor, yet are
more prone to hostility.
Dragon's Tail * In Libra. We fear loss in relationships. Art explores the
unseen.
* * * MAY ALL BE AUSPICIOUS * * *
