~ a tale of Old Saturn and King Sun ~

Of all the planets Saturn has it a bit rough. Through his leaden weight he enforces the unpleasant realities of endings, sickness, aging and death. No wonder none of the other planets like him very much - old musty Saturn is always spoiling their fun. The traditional astrologers didn't help either. Author of misery, they cried, or worse, the Great Malefic. Lord of Karma (thanks to the Indian astrologers) is as good as it gets, but even this isn't someone you'd want to bump into in a deserted ally.

So last July when Saturn went into Leo he decided on a bit of a image workup. He hired a consultant from We Help You Shine Inc for some suggestions. "First of all," she said, "ditch the drab gray coat and secondhand sweater from 3 decades ago and get yourself into a new suit. Make that an Armani suit, a silk shirt and a tie that glistens." Even old Saturn started feeling better about himself in such finery. "Good water will do wonders for your complexion," the Leo lady continued, "I suggest Evian. And while you are at it, go have yourself a filet mignon and big glass of French Bordeaux to get your heart beating." Saturn did all this and was feeling more alive than in many years. "Now you might even be in the mood to go drop a few thou on an 18 carat gold necklace. It's good for your will to actualize, trust me."

As Saturn was getting used to all this good stuff and even starting to enjoy life, King Sun left his exaltation sign of Aries and entered the domain of Taurus (scribe note: exact on 4/19). After sparking new endeavors in Aries, Sun wanted to take it easy in Taurus and enjoy time with his Queen. He went for a romp in the forest, yet was thinking of ways to increase the royal coffers all the while.

Just as King Sun stopped for a rest, who should he see across in the way in Leo but old Saturn, looking more magnificent than ever. "I can hardly believe what I am seeing," he thought. "With Saturn looking so splendid, we could even be friends!" This is quite a surprising attitude, since usually King Sun wants Saturn to stay far, far away. "I'll invite him over for a little chat and a drink. Messenger boy, invite Saturn for a rendezvous on Monday."

The star scribe reports on the action: On Monday King Sun squares Old Saturn in the sky. You may be feeling more tired and pessimistic than usual, since Saturn dressed his best can still be a bit wearying. Even in last week's column I wrote that the past weekend was a time for rest. But because Saturn has had his Leo makeover, he and King Sun are getting along better than ever. While the individual permutations of even these two planets are too numerous to list, below are some starting points for thought. For full detail, first consider where your Saturn is and what hardships & challenges it has brought you; and where your Sun is and how it lights up your life. Essentially, King Sun is making the very best of Saturn. Enjoy the alleviation of old sufferings. (Note on below: 'ruling' means especially Capricorn but Aquarius too!)

Saturn in or ruling the 1st house - You are being lit up so enjoy the golden radiance. You might not be used to it, but the warmth feels good, yes? Now share the vibes with your partner.

Saturn in or ruling the 2nd house - You are so used to money troubles that the recent breakthrough into prosperity consciousness is beyond words. Take yourself out to the dinner you never let yourself have, and enjoy time free from fear.

Saturn in or ruling the 3rd house - The heaviness you carry on your shoulders has lifted like Atlas finally getting a rest. Troublesome siblings are now friends. With these weights lifted, turn your mind to higher things - faraway trips, learning and your spiritual path.

Saturn in or ruling the 4th house - The family troubles that buried pain deep in your heart you now see in a new light. With your foundations renewed, positive action comes easier, so your career blossoms.

Saturn in or ruling the 5th house - The fun, the creativity and children that seem to come so easily to others have been a struggle for years, but this week life is a party! Have fun with friends and open to your new dreams of life!

Saturn in or ruling the 6th house - hard work may have made you sick, but this week you are valuing the ways you can serve others. Perhaps have learned the spiritual lesson to your illness. With faith renewed, you might even consider a spiritual retreat.

Saturn in or ruling the 7th house - While relationships are a joy for many, for you they may be hard struggle. This week you experience the support of connection and feel much better about yourself as a result.

Saturn in or ruling the 8th house - Do you worry about death so much that it saps your life? This week enjoy your time in the Sun while it's here. Trust in your money earning abilities and eat well.

Saturn in or ruling the 9th house - The doubt that has blocked your evolution for years seems less this week, and you might be having fresh opportunities for travel, learning and faith. With uplifting experiences coming your way, you are more at ease.

Saturn in or ruling the 10th house - Working for the man is usually a pain, but this week your job can be an expression of your very self. Your confidence in action makes family life and time at home peaceful at last.

Saturn in or ruling the 11th house - Friends may be limited to a select few and dreams of life may have eluded you, but this week what you want from life seems within reach. With your enthusiasm go have some fun!

Saturn in or ruling the 12th house - Anxiety usually makes you ill and gets in the way of your work, but this week old concerns are not bothering you. Feel healthy and alive!

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I'm a full time astrologer dedicated towards passing on the wisdom of this venerable tradition to help you live your life. Full readings are available on weekday afternoons and some early evenings. For information on a life or update reading, please visit the Services page. Contact me for an appointment.

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Star*Watch
All times Pacific Standard Time. Visit www.alabe.com for the view of the chart for your current location, and www.astro.com also gives planet positions. 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 Taurus on Wednesday. Sun in Taurus means our rush to adventure slows as we focus on safety, material riches and pleasure. The Taurus bull isn't much for scrambling over new heights; he'd rather have his hay and cozy up in the green pasture that he knows. May Day is the classic Taurus holiday, a celebration of the earth, fertility, all Venusian arts of love. With ruler Venus in Pisces, what brings us riches may be the arts, spirituality and giving. The trap of Taurus - too set in ways.

Moon * days 27 - 4 with New Moon in Taurus on Thursday.  

Monday 4/24 * Moon in Pisces, into Aries 11:10 pm, Sun square Saturn. A quarterly report card day for life. Moon in Pisces makes us feel connection to the whole, and the sufferings of Saturn are seen in a new light -read above for themes!

Tuesday 4/25 * Moon in Aries. With Moon in Aries moving towards Mercury in Aries all day, we rush towards communications, have new thoughts and have a snappy mind.

Wednesday 4/26 * Dark of the Moon in Aries. We are pulled towards new things, but the last day of the Moon cycle attunes us to quiet time and endings. Possible combinations: new approaches to letting go, spring cleaning, fresh starts on hold.

Thursday 4/27 * New Moon in Taurus 12:45 pm. Pleasure makes life worth living. This isn't just a materialist attitude, but may be the very meaning of Venus. Slow down and nourish yourself with true pleasures - and go organic!

Friday 4/28 * Moon in Taurus. A fresh Moon in Taurus means new starts to love and money. Tonight enjoy what you have of both and get yourself moving to your favorite music!

Saturday 4/29 * Moon in Gemini 3:00 am. Early aspects of Sun-Mars and Mercury-Neptune make Friday the night the party. Today we talk to friends, read and learn as our minds go to origins and the very best expressions of our interests.

Sunday 4/30 * Moon in Gemini, Venus square Pluto early. Can it be another Pluto aspect already? Love is challenged this weekend - talk it out.

Have a stellar week!

Peace and love,
Jonathan Pearl

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Wandering Stars - the planets

Mercury * in Aries. The messenger mind is back! After an extended vacation stay in ocean Pisces, Mercury is back up to speedy tricks. Move forward, get going, now! Our to do is check check checked. The downside of Mercury in Aries is impetuous mind. Mercury in Aries through May 5.

Venus * in Pisces. Venus in Pisces is love of the all - people, animals, the world. Our love grows, and a little chocolate and red wine might just help even more! For real, Venus has been in signs of hard-working Saturn since last November. Enjoy love again. Venus in Pisces through May 3.

Mars * in Cancer. Men, embrace your inner Martha - cook, garden, light up the BBQ. After 7 weeks of extra thinking and curiosity, we are now driven by our feelings, nurturing, food and family but all in a Mars kind of way. Pass the hot sauce, cathart, move vigorously in or near water. With mutual reception to Jupiter in Scorpio, we have the best side of Mars in Cancer. Mars in Cancer through June 3.   

Jupiter * in Scorpio. Now retrograde, so some prosperity on hold while we pursue inner wisdom and riches. Jupiter in 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 antiscion) and sister water signs of Cancer and Pisces. Jupiter in Scorpio through November 2006.

Saturn * in Leo. Now direct, so developments in some long term structures in life get moving again. 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. Ruler Mars in Cancer means we advance by ways we take charge of emotions, protect family, improve the house, and learn to cook. 

Dragon's Tail * in Libra. Relationships seem troubled by unseen or past murkiness. Art explores the unseen. Ruler Venus in Pisces means past relationships are quite positive.