Dear friends,
Welcome to a slightly delayed Star*Pearls. Mercury
the cosmic messenger is retrograde; I didn't plan this, it is just what happens.
To all the new readers, most of the time you can expect Star Pearls to arrive in
your email by Monday afternoon.
Astro Santa is delivering free readings as fast as he can. 74 so far and many
more this week. The deadline for requests is 12/1 at 7:00 am sharp! Santa wants
to perform all readings with the Sun in Sagittarius, so please if you have made
your request send in your info so that we can book your time in December. After
12/21, Santa will be on holiday until next year!
If you missed the offer in the last few weeks, here is it one last time: I am
giving away a free 5 minute astrology reading to everyone on my Star*Pearls
email list. You must be on the list to receive the reading. There is no other
obligation and you may unsubscribe anytime. If you are interested in astrology,
though, I hope you will like the column. I don't talk about other paid services
during your 5 minutes - unless you request them. If you'd like to sign up, go
here.
For everyone requesting a reading, please include:
1. Date, time & place of birth.
2. Phone #.
If outside the US we will set up a free call using
www.skype.com. You will need to set up an
account if you don't have one already. My user name is jonathanpearl.
3. Good times to reach you. I'm up early so would appreciate scheduling readings
during the weekdays PST.
*
When we think of the zodiac, Aries, the first sign of spring, is the beginning;
and Pisces, the last sign of winter, is the end. This is certainly true - there
is birth in Aries and giving way in Pisces. Yet when we think of light, there is
another beginning and end. The beginning of the Sun's journey in light is the
winter solstice, the day of least light. The Sun then grows in light all the way
to summer solstice peaking at the end of Gemini and its entry into Cancer. Then
it falls in light all the way to the winter solstice. This makes Sagittarius
another last sign, analogous to Pisces. While not commonly thought of
astrologically, this makes a lot of sense. And our calendars are also arranged
this way. The New Year is just 9 days after the Sun enters Capricorn. What does
this mean?
Each day light is less and less, days get darker and darker. In some ways we
have an existential crisis on our hands - if this darkness keeps increasing
we'll be in real trouble! What to do? We find our faith and look to the future.
We find a light in the darkness. Or we go shopping and bounce from one party to
the next. It is good to allow ourselves more enjoyments to keep our spirits up,
but it is also wise to respect our hibernation instincts at least some of the
time. The true meaning of Sagittarius (and Pisces) is to contact what makes life
genuinely positive and uplifting. With Sun in Sag we do this on an external
level - we give, enjoy & socialize. With Sun in Pisces we do this more
internally via spring cleaning, doing a de-tox diet and meditating.
Of course this is true for the Northern hemisphere. South of the equator things
are reversed. A lot of new signups are from Australia, so I'm eager to do
readings with people to see how the meanings of the signs hold up. I have a
sneaking suspicion that Cancers are closet Capricorns; and Pisces may be closet
Virgos. I'll let you know!
*
Sun is square Uranus as I write - if you happen to get this in time and can
accommodate a sudden change in plan, one of the greatest Western astrologers
will be on TV tonight. Robert Zoller, with whom I have studied, is one of the
key figures in the revival of traditional Western astrology. The program is
called "The Other Nostradamus" and it is mostly about Edgar Cayce; Robert will
be a part of the show. It airs at 9:00 pm PST on the History Channel.
*
Wondering what to give your astrology friends? I spent a day over Thanksgiving
weekend reading The Fated Sky from cover to cover. Simply put, this is one of
the best astrological books I have ever read. Everyone who calls themselves a
student of Western astrology should read it. For traditional astrologers, it is
an absolute must. And for anyone interested in the role astrology has played in
culture it is a darned good read. Why? Written by a historian (not an
astrologer), The Fated Sky covers the entire history of Western astrology - from
origins in Greece to developments in Arabic countries; back to Europe, and its
height in the medieval centuries and Renaissance; its downfall in the so-called
enlightenment, and its revival in the present day. Though there are other
histories of Western astrology in print, this is the best. And all along the way
are tales of all the colorful characters who were masters of this sacred
science. While modern astrologers may be a bit put off by the traditional
emphasis, stories of people who predicted death of themselves or others to the
day or warned of calamity to kings years in advance make us aware of the true
potential of astrology. One person (cannot find reference) was so enraptured by
astrology that for two years he completely dedicated himself to learning, even
taking his meals in study. For those who have experienced even just a spark of a
similar - yet perhaps less monastic - passion get thee to The Fated Sky.
http://tinyurl.com/78mdj
*
And now a few general comments, especially to all new readers. Why bother? What
is to be gained by learning astrology? The answer is that you will understand
more of the nature of time. This is no small insight. And once you know a bit of
the basics they will last for life. Can you say that about other things? You
might learn the latest HTML code; and while this may lead to other languages it
is almost sure to be obsolete in just a few years. In most every discipline
things change. Yet astrology is one of the very few conceptual paradigms that
has lasted for over two thousand years. Unless nuclear catastrophe knocks the
Moon out of orbit, we can be relatively certain that it will continue to be
valid for our lifetimes and beyond.
More important is the insight astrology gives today and every day of your life.
What is the difference between a happy party and a dull flop? Timing. What is
the difference between getting a raise and a scowl from the boss? Timing. What
is the difference between having a fun and harmonious time on a date (or with
your spouse) and an uncomfortable dissonance? Yes, timing!
Astrology is all about timing. Why schedule a party with moon in serious
Capricorn, when days in happy Sagittarius are right next by? Why ask the boss
for a raise when Jupiter, planet of abundance, is in such difficult condition?
Much better results if you give it a few more weeks; this month the strategy may
backfire. Whether on a first date or a 20 year anniversary vacation, why not
pick the best time for enjoyment in relationships?
Of course not everyone needs to become an expert - this takes years of dedicated
study. But anyone with an interest can pay attention to where the Moon is, and
notice how she pulls our feelings by changing sign every two and a half days. We
can all know what sign the Sun occupies as our fundamental orientation for the
month. And it doesn't take too much more effort to know where the cosmic
messenger Mercury and thus our minds are headed, and where lover Venus is
getting her kicks.
Astrology is the most advanced system for determining the qualities of time.
Whatever the outer activity or inner emotion, the nature of time plays its part.
*
If 5 minutes tickled your astro fancy, see what 1 hour can do. For information
on a life or update reading, please visit the Services page.
No longer at Samovar Tea! Playing Astro Santa
instead.
Like what you are reading? Get it free
delivered to your email on Monday by
signing up here.
Please help share the wisdom of the Moon - forward Star Pearls to your friends!
Also posted to the website on Tuesdays
here.
*
Star*Watch
All times Pacific Daylight Time. Visit
www.astro.com for current planet positions in your location. See below for
comments on other visible planets.
The Sun and Moon together set the tone of the time. The Sun is our fundamental
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 and sometimes weeks before and after the aspect
depending on the planets involved.
Sun * in Sagittarius. Sagittarius knows there is darkness yet looks forward to
the future and creates a happy time. Sagittarius enlarges and expands - hence
the American Sagittarius ritual of Thanksgiving where we eat extra and the Day
After where many shop extra. Sagittarius delights in pleasures, but there is a
higher side too, one that seeks wisdom through a variety of experiences. We look
forward to the future - we have to, because the Sun dims each day. In the face
of this decreasing light we have faith that the Sun will be reborn after the
winter solstice. The trap of Sag - too much is not even enough.
Moon * days 28 - 4 (new Moon is day 1). New Moon in Sagittarius on Thursday
12/1.
Monday 11/28 * Moon in Scorpio 8:35 am, Sun square Uranus. We feel a bit of a
return to themes of last month. We're now in Sagittarius season, and we'd rather
get on with our party than dwell on emotional dramas. Yet Moon conjunct Jupiter
in the evening around 9:55 pm lifts up the evening.
Tuesday 11/29 * Moon in Scorpio. Our intellectual focus of the last two days
changes to emotion. Whatever happens with our holidays - happy times for some,
strain for others - is felt more deeply. A night for quiet hibernation and a hot
bath.
Wednesday 11/30 * Dark of the Moon in Scorpio, into Sagittarius 2:30 pm. The
last day in the Moon cycle is a natural time for endings and letting go, but
Moon in Sag will give us a fresh boost of happiness for the holidays.
Thursday 12/1 * New Moon in Sagittarius 7:00 am. The holiday season begins in
earnest today and even more so this evening. This is a potent new Moon. In our
individual lives any battles that need to be fought, or new ventures that
require boldness of spirit, will happen within the month. On a political level,
this new Moon symbolizes the start of war.
Friday 12/2 * Moon in Sagittarius, into Capricorn 5:40 pm, Sun trine Saturn. Oh
well - the stars are not really cooperating for a party weekend. Capricorn is
the sign of serious accomplishment, and our long term commitments have our
emotional attention. The Sun cooperating with Saturn will make us more in tune
with responsibilities than pleasures. Yet we can give our energy to older
people, long-lasting friendships and old things. A night for vintage wine.
Saturday 12/3 * Moon in Capricorn, Mercury direct! If you've noticed that over
the last week your mind has turned more suspicious and probing, it is because
Mercury has backed from optimistic Sagittarius into protective Scorpio. Mercury
now direct, so communications back on track. Give your technology purchases a
few more days to let the god of bytes get back up to speed.
Sunday 12/4 * Moon in Capricorn, into Aquarius 7:36 pm, Mars opposite Jupiter.
Another more serious day, but easy to overdo our purchases with Mars giving a
more urgent insistence to Jupiter's generosity. Communication with women and all
kinds of art is enhanced.
Have a stellar week!
Peace and love,
Jonathan Pearl
Please help share the wisdom of the Moon - forward Star Pearls to your friends!
Also posted to the website on Tuesdays
here.
If you don't want to get your present from Astro Santa,
unsubscribe
here.
*
Wandering Stars - the planets
Mercury * re-treading in Scorpio. Our minds are back into emotional depth, even
though our hearts want to be done with the drama and just enjoy the holidays.
Mercury will re-enter Sagittarius on 12/12.
***Mercury retrograde alert!*** Mercury retrogrades 11/13 and turns direct on
December 12/3.
Venus * in Capricorn. We want to be safe in our desires. We take the long term
approach to pleasure and relationships. If the partner isn't marriage potential,
move on. Older things attract, yet we are willing to save and sacrifice for
greater goals. We take step after accomplishment step to reach romance, finance
and relationship goals. Venus in Capricorn through December 15.
Mars * in Taurus. Now retrograde, so we are feeling Mars more internally. This
can mean that we're extra self driven at best and more frustrated or angry at
our selves at worst. Whatever Mars connects to in our personal charts gets put
on hold until direct motion on December 9. Mars in Taurus until February 06.
Jupiter * in Scorpio. Jupiter entering Scorpio blesses therapies, healing
modalities, joint finance arrangements and amplifies our sexuality. Jupiter
wants to do good, but in Scorpio functions by responding to others with some
kind of attack. The energy: This might hurt, but it is for your own good and my
own protection! Great regeneration and power is possible if we find the positive
side of our deepest emotions. Jupiter here also benefits Aquarius (by antiscia)
and sister water signs of Cancer and Pisces. Jupiter in Scorpio through November
2006.
Saturn * in Leo. Now retrograde, so developments in some long term structures in
life are on hold. Essential challenge to self expression. Color feels a bit
much; we prefer black. The people revolt against the leaders.
Anti-authoritarianism in many guises. A positive vision of this energy: we know
the work we need to do and do it. Saturn in Leo September 2007.
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 * * *
